Hong Kong
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
41 / 100
Partly Free
The people of Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, traditionally enjoyed substantial civil liberties and the rule of law under their local constitution, the Basic Law. However, the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 has amounted a multifront attack on the “one country, two systems” framework. The territory’s most prominent prodemocracy figures have been arrested under its provisions, and NSL charges or the threat of charges have resulted in the closure of political parties, major independent news outlets, peaceful nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and unions.
Research & Recommendations
Hong Kong*
Partly Free
41
100
| PR Political Rights | 9 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 32 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
40
100
Partly 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.
* Indicates a territory as opposed to an independent country.
Overview
The people of Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, traditionally enjoyed substantial civil liberties and the rule of law under their local constitution, the Basic Law. However, the 2020 imposition of the National Security Law (NSL) by Beijing has contributed to the rapid dismantling of this “one country, two systems” framework. The territory’s most prominent prodemocracy figures have been arrested and convicted of violating the NSL, while many political parties, independent news outlets, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and unions have been disbanded. A 2021 electoral law overhaul permitted government authorities to vet candidates and introduced other procedures that ultimately ensure Beijing’s near-total control over the selection of Hong Kong’s leadership.
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.
The China Dissent Monitor features interactive research on collective action in public spaces and cases of online dissent, filling a critical information gap in a country with severe media restrictions and risks associated with exposing dissent.
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The China Dissent Monitor features quarterly updated interactive data on collective action in public spaces and cases of online dissent.
The China Media Bulletin is a monthly email newsletter that provides unique insight on censorship, disinformation, media freedom, and internet freedom issues related to the People's Republic of China.
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The China Media Bulletin is a monthly email newsletter that provides unique insight on censorship, disinformation, media freedom, and internet freedom issues related to the People's Republic of China, drawing on both English and Chinese-language sources.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Policy & Advocacy
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
41
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 7,346,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
December 19, 2021
Type of Election
Legislative
Internet Penetration
90.92%
Election Year
2021
Vulnerability Index
48
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
