Just Released: Freedom in the World 2026
Expanding Freedom and Democracy
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Botswana

Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
75 / 100
Free

While it is considered one of the most stable democracies in Africa, Botswana has been dominated by a single party since independence, and many institutions answer to the office of the president. Media freedom is threatened by hostile lawsuits against journalists and restrictive legislative provisions. The Indigenous San people, migrants, refugees, LGBT+ people, and people living with disabilities all face discrimination.

Research & Recommendations

Freedom in the World 2026

Botswana

Free
75
100
PR Political Rights 31 40
CL Civil Liberties 44 60
Last Year's Score & Status
75 100 Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60. See the methodology.
Read the full Botswana Report
Previous Reports: 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order

Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.

Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom

International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.

Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed

Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.

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News and Updates

Featured

Freedom House Perspectives

Illustration of LGBTQ+ activists around the world.

How LGBT+ Advocates Fight for Everyone

Democracy cannot thrive without the protection and promotion of universal human rights and the recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.
June 29, 2023

News Releases & Media Coverage

Policy & Advocacy

Freedom House

SADC: Restrictive COVID-19 Regulations Presenting Concerning Ramifications for Enjoyment of Human Rights, Including Livelihoods

In an open letter to the Southern Africa Development Community and member states, Amnesty International, the Advancing Rights in Southern Africa program managed by Freedom House, the Southern Africa Litigation Centre and the Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, have expressed their concern about restrictive government measures in response to COVID-19 which have a significant impact on citizens' rights and livelihoods. The four organizations called on governments in the region to adhere to applicable human rights standards in addressing the crisis.
May 27, 2020

Country Facts

Basic Facts

Freedom in the World Score
75
/ 100
Free
Population: 2,630,000

Internet Facts

Status
Not Tracked

Election Facts

Status
Not Tracked

Transnational Repression

Status
Not Tracked