Freedom in the World

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.

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 Smith Richardson Foundation and the Lilly Endowment. Freedom House also gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Reed Foundation, the Achelis & Bodman Foundation, David L. Fogel, and additional private contributors who wish to remain anonymous. Freedom in the World receives no governmental funding.

Data Resources

Past Years' Ratings

The first edition of Freedom in the World covered the year 1972. The historical data are available in Excel format here below. 

Freedom in the World Comparative and Historical Data:

• All Data, FIW 2013-2020 (Excel Download)
• Country and Territory Ratings and Statuses, 1973-2020 (Excel Download)
• Aggregate Category and Subcategory Scores, 2003-2020 (Excel Download)
• List of Electoral Democracies, FIW 2020 (Excel Download)

Past Editions

Full Books (Overview Essay + Country Narratives) 

• Freedom in the World 2019 Complete Book — PDF Download Coming Soon! 
• Freedom in the World 2018 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2017 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2016 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2015 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2014 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2013 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2012 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2011 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2010 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2009 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2008 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2007 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2006 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2005 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2004 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2003 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2001-2002 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 2000-2001 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1999-2000 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1998-1999 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1997-1998 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1996-1997 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1995-1996 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1994-1995 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1993-1994 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1992-1993 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1991-1992 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1990-1991 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1989-1990 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1988-1989 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1987-1988 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1986-1987 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1985-1986 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1984-1985 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1983-1984 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1982 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1981 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1980 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1979 Complete Book — Download PDF
• Freedom in the World 1978 Complete Book — Download PDF

For data files, historic maps, or other archival information regarding Freedom in the World, please email [email protected].