Expanding and Defending Freedom Around the World

Violence and the repression of political opponents during elections, ongoing armed conflicts, and the spread of authoritarian practices contributed to the 19th year of declining freedom. In the year to come, all those who understand the value of political rights and civil liberties must work together in the defense of democracy.
 

Democratic governments, donors, and the private sector must deepen their solidarity with front-line allies, hold dictators accountable for rights abuses and corruption, and invest in democratic institutions at home and abroad. 

Explore the interactive Freedom in the World 2025 map, where you can see country scores, Freedom Status, and trends. 

Freedom House’s Election Watch project offers in-depth analysis ahead of key elections around the world, including those in Partly Free and Not Free countries. Each assessment informs technology companies, policymakers, and civil society organizations about the risks of human rights violations and digital interference ahead of an election. 

Entrenched autocratic leaders are intensifying efforts to silence human rights defenders and democracy activists. Free Them All: The Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners aims to document and study the cases of the thousands of activists who have been imprisoned or otherwise deprived of their liberty, and to advocate for their immediate release.