Israel is considered one of the most advanced countries in southwest Asia in economic and industrial development terms, and in 2010, the country was ranked 17th among the world's most economically-developed nations. Although as a country it dates back to the reign of King Saul in 1,079BC, at a little over 65 years since independence, it is a relatively modern country. It is one of the few democracies in the middle east, and the only country where Christians, Muslims and Jews are all free to vote.