The Most and Least Free Countries in the World by Freedom House
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World Freedom Rankings by Freedom House
According to its website, Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports the expansion of freedom around the world. Freedom House supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights.
Freedom House was founded in 1941 by prominent Americans concerned with growing threats to peace and democracy. As such Freedom House has been a vigorous proponent of democratic values and a steadfast opponent of dictatorships of the far left and the far right. Eleanor Roosevelt and Wendell Willkie served as Freedom House’s first honorary co-chairpersons.
Throughout its history, Freedom House has opposed tyranny around the world, including dictatorships in Latin America, apartheid in South Africa, Soviet domination of Central and Eastern Europe, and religiously-based totalitarian regimes such as those governing Sudan, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Freedom House has promoted the growth of freedom by encouraging U.S. policymakers, international institutions, and the governments of established democracies to adopt policies that advance human rights and democracy around the world. At the same time, it provides support to individuals working in the world's young democracies to overcome debilitating legacies of tyranny, dictatorship, and political repression; as well as to activists working in repressive societies to bring about greater freedom and openness.
Freedom House translates the intangible values of freedom into a strong tangible impact by combining analysis, advocacy and action.
Freedom House's Freedom Index
This ranking by Freedom House quantifies political freedom and civil liberties into a single combined index on each sovereign country's level of freedom and liberty. The initials "PR" and "CL" stand for Political Rights and Civil Liberties, respectively. The number 1 represents the most free countries and the number 7 represents the least free. Several countries fall in the continuum in between. The freedom ratings show an overall judgment based on survey results.
Freedom House's Survey
Freedom House’s most important publication is Freedom in the World which is a comparative assessment of global political rights and civil liberties. Published annually since 1972, the Freedom of the World survey collects data from 193 countries and 15 related and disputed territories. The results are published and used by policymakers, the media, international corporations, civic activists, and human rights defenders to monitor trends in democracy and track improvements and setbacks in freedom worldwide.
The 49 Most Free Countries in the World
From their research Freedom House determined which countries of the world could be considered the most and least free in terms of political freedom and civil liberties. In all, 49 countries rated a "1" in both political freedom and civil liberties indicating the most free societies in the world, included the following nations:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominca
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kiribati
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Palau
- Poland
- Portugal
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tuvalu
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
The 17 Least Free Countries in the World
A "7" rating under Freedom House's system indicates that a nation is relatively "not free." Only eight countries received "7" in both political freedom and civil liberties. Those eight countries deemed to be the least free societies included:
- Burma
- Cuba
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
None other countries received at least one 7 and one 6 in the two sections of the freedom index; they included:
- Belarus
- China
- Chad
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Laos
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Zimbabwe
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Thank you for writing about Freedom House! I have never heard of this group. I have always advocated for Social Justice, and this is wonderful. Thanks again.
So far, we've uncovered some interesting facts about The Most and Least Free Countries in the World by Freedom House. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.
I don't see Colombia in any list, I would like it to be listed in the most "free" countries, but how can I say it is, when there are so many kidnappings every year. On December 6th, a lot of people went to a massive protest all over our Country against this terrible act. For example, 13 years ago the guerilla FARC, got more than 18 policemen, kidnapped them and there are still 12 of them captive, 4 of them were killed one week ago. Anyway, Colombia is a beautiful country with more good people than bad people.
MRamirez, Thank you for your insights concerning Colombia. I believe you when you say that Colombia is a beautiful country. I hope you get your wish and one day soon Colombia will be listed among the most "free" countries.
Columbia has an internal revolution going on this hardly makes it more or less free FARC is a left wing revolutionary movement, not a government it really has no bearing, having said that the Colombian government has been oppressive and militaristic which is probably why it doesn't feature.
I don't know how accurate this list is as you have missed out India, which is the largest democracy in the world
The report is compiled by Freedom House and the criteria is listed above. India may seem to be a democracy, but I have Christian friends who have been beaten, lost their businesses, and kidnapped. Can an untouchable become prime minister? When an untouchable can become prime minister then India will be truly free.
Dear Friend, an untouchable Dr Ambedkar was the man who drafted the Indian constitution. The last President of India Mr Narayan was a Backward Caste. You need to brush up your facts. An untouchable is the Chief Minister of the largest state in India , Utter Pradesh. There is no violence against Christians , the opposition is only against forcible conversion by inducement to Christianity. With this sort of thinking one may well conclude that that the Blacks are discriminated in USA, that is the reason for a large number of them converting to Islam. Come to India my friend, like I often visit the USA and see. Knowledge is power and sitting with preconceived comments leads no where.
MG Singh, Thank you for your insights. You definitely point out some facts I did not know. I apologize for not knowing more. It is great to hear that those from untouchable and backward caste as you call it have risen high in the political spectrum. That is magnificent. As far as persecution of Christians I know for certain that you are not correct. Maybe it is not rampant, but sadly it does go on. No doubt you are right about continued discrimination against African Americans in the USA. I almost made to India and would certainly like to visit some day. I lived in Cambodia for six years and was on my way to India for a week, when I was stopped in Thailand because I failed to get my Visa in advance.
Ecogens, great hub! I'm a little depressed that the US is not higher on the list. I guess it gives us something to strive for as a nation. I do agree with Dave S. that the US has done more to promote freedom. It's a shame we don't practice it more ourselves.
This is an eye opening analysis but I would question rating that the US received. I would have factored in economic freedom into the equation because the other freedoms don't mean much if your consigned to a life of poverty. Also without financial resources, your participation in a democratic government is alot less effective, generally speaking! If you don't have a system of government that protects private property and prevent government intrusion, there will be an uncertainty created because a government that allows all these freedoms can later remove them at will !
Dave Sibole Level 2 Commenter 21 months ago
Interesting. The U.S. has done more to help liberate people around the world than any other country in history. The Muslims and our president down play it. Shame on them. Great Hub eccogins.