Freedom in the World

Latest Edition: Freedom in the World 2020 Policy Recommendations

An annual study of political rights and civil liberties

Freedom in the World is Freedom House’s flagship annual report, assessing the condition of political rights and civil liberties around the world. It is composed of numerical ratings and supporting descriptive texts for 195 countries and 15 territories. Freedom in the World has been published since 1973, allowing Freedom House to track global trends in freedom over more than 40 years. It has become the most widely read and cited report of its kind, used on a regular basis by policymakers, journalists, academics, activists, and many others.

Explore the Map

Explore global freedom trends around the world through the Freedom in the World 2020 interactive map.

Explore Now

**How Is Freedom in the World Produced?**

External analysts assess the 210 countries and territories, using a combination of on-the-ground research, consultations with local contacts, and information from news articles, nongovernmental organizations, governments, and a variety of other sources. Expert advisers and regional specialists then vet the analysts’ conclusions. The final product represents the consensus of the analysts, advisers, and Freedom House staff.

**What Topics Does Freedom in the World Evaluate?**

For each country and territory, Freedom in the World analyzes the electoral process, political pluralism and participation, the functioning of the government, freedom of expression and of belief, associational and organizational rights, the rule of law, and personal autonomy and individual rights.

Our Donors

This report was made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for Democracy, the Merrill Family Foundation, Google, Inc., and the Lilly Endowment. Freedom in the World receives no governmental funding.