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By Mark Scott

Ability to Surf the Web Varies Between Nations

High-speed Internet has never been so important. From watching videos on YouTube to videoconferencing through Skype, consumers and businessmen alike now depend on ultrafast broadband connections. Yet Internet connectivity—and consequently people's ability to use the latest Web gadgets—varies drastically throughout the world. In a study released on Sept. 12 by researchers from the University of Oxford's Said Business School and Spain's Universidad de Oviedo, the quality of 42 countries' broadband connection was put to the test. The results show which states are best prepared for the next generation of Internet applications, such as high-definition Web TV, that are expected to reach the market by 2010.

Click on to see what countries are best placed to take advantage of the benefits from high-quality broadband Internet.