People in London, England. Editorial credit: JuliusKielaitis / Shutterstock.com

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK)—which includes the constituent countries of England, Scotland, and Wales along with the territory of Northern Ireland—is a stable democracy that regularly holds free elections and hosts a vibrant media sector. While the government enforces robust protections for political rights and civil liberties, recent years have seen concerns about increased government surveillance of residents as well as rising Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — United Kingdom Country Report

The United Kingdom is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

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Freedom on the Net— United Kingdom Country Report

The United Kingdom is rated Free in Freedom on the Net, Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.