Croatia
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
82 / 100
Free
Nations in Transit
54 / 100
Semi-Consolidated Democracy
Croatia is a parliamentary republic that regularly holds free elections. Civil and political rights are generally respected, though corruption in the public sector is a serious issue. The Romany population and ethnic Serbs face discrimination, as do LGBT+ people. In recent years, concerns about the presence of far-right groups and figures espousing discriminatory values in public life have increased.
Research & Recommendations
Croatia
Free
82
100
| PR Political Rights | 34 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 48 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
83
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.
Overview
Croatia is a parliamentary republic that regularly holds free and fair elections. Civil and political rights are generally respected, though corruption in the public sector is a serious issue, and the media has come under increasing pressure. The Romany population, ethnic Serbs, and LGBT+ people face discrimination.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Croatia
Semi-Consolidated Democracy
54
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 54.17 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 4.25 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
54
100
Semi-Consolidated Democracy
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
In 2023, Croatian democracy continued to stagnate under the leadership of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and his Christian Democratic Union (HDZ) party. Key issues included the continued misuse of public funds, corruption scandals linked to national and local HDZ officials, increased verbal attacks on the opposition, an opaque legislative process for a key electoral reform that failed to include election experts or opposition voices, the continuing abuse of independent institutions such as the public broadcaster, and the failure to significantly reform the judicial system due to its decades long structural weaknesses.
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
82
/ 100
Free
Nations in Transit Score
54
/ 100
Semi-Consolidated Democracy
Population: 3,856,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
