Most Democratic Countries

Albania is the sixty-sixth most democratic country worldwide based on Albania’s Democracy Index of 6.1 out of 10. According to Democracy Index, Albania falls into the “flawed democracy” category and indicates that the country faces challenges in areas such as political participation, functioning of government, and civil liberties. In spite of this, Albania has also seen some positive developments regarding electoral processes and political pluralism.

Argentina is the forty-eighth most democratic country worldwide based on Argentina’s Democracy Index of 6.8 out of 10. The country falls into the “flawed democracy” category which reflects Argentina’s challenges in areas such as political culture, civil liberties, and functioning of government. It should also be noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Argentina's democracy, leading to increased restrictions on civil liberties and political rights. However, Argentina has seen positive developments including strong independent media and active civil society groups.

Armenia is the eighty-seventh most democratic country worldwide based on Armenia’s Democracy Index of 5.5 out of 10. Armenia is a democratic country and its political system is based on a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The President of Armenia is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country has a multi-party system and the citizens elect their representatives to the National Assembly in free and fair elections. The country has made significant progress in strengthening its democratic institutions since its independence in 1991. However, there have been some concerns about the country's democratic practices in recent years which include challenges to the independence of the judiciary and restrictions on civil liberties.

Azerbaijan is the one hundred thirty-seventh most democratic country worldwide based on Azerbaijan’s Democracy Index of 2.7 out of 10. The country falls into the "authoritarian regime" category. The Democracy Index of Azerbaijan reflects significant challenges in various areas such as political participation, the functioning of government, and civil liberties. It highlights restrictions on political opposition, media, and civil society, and the lack of free and fair elections in the country. Lastly, there are also some concerns about corruption and human rights abuses.

Belarus is the one hundred forty-fifth most democratic country worldwide based on Belarus’s Democracy Index of 2.4 out of 10. Belarus’s Democracy Index classifies the country as an “authoritarian regime” that lacks political pluralism, suppresses political opposition, and restricts freedom of expression and the press. Moreover, some have voiced concerns about human rights abuses including the crackdown on protesters and opposition leaders in the wake of the 2020 presidential elections. Overall, Belarus’s Democracy Index reflects the country’s challenges in political participation, the functioning of government, and civil liberties.

Cyprus is the thirty-sixth most democratic country in the world based on Cyprus’s Democracy Index of 7.4 out of 10. Cyprus is a democratic country with a political system based on a presidential representative democratic republic. The President of Cyprus is the head of state and the government is headed by the Council of Ministers, appointed by the President. The country has a multi-party system with the citizens electing their representatives to the House of Representatives in free and fair elections. Cyprus has made significant progress in strengthening its democratic institutions since its independence in 1960. Today, the country has free and independent media and a strong civil society, although there are some challenges related to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

Estonia is the twenty-seventh most democratic country worldwide based on Estonia’s Democracy Index of 7.8 out of 10. Estonia is a parliamentary representative democratic republic with the President as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The country has a multi-party system with the citizens electing their representatives to the Parliament (Riigikogu) in free and fair elections. Estonia has been consistently ranked as one of the world's most digitally advanced democracies with e-governance, online voting, and electronic ID cards. The country also has a vibrant civil society and independent media. Overall, Estonia is considered a stable and well-functioning democracy.

India is the forty-sixth most democratic country globally based on India’s Democracy Index of 6.9 out of 10. India’s Democracy Index falls into the “flawed democracy” category meaning that the country faces some challenges in areas that include the functioning of government, political participation, and civil liberties. More particularly, the country has put restrictions on freedom of expression and the media and some issues have been raised concerning the treatment of religious minorities and the LGBT+ community. India's democratic institutions have also been strained by tensions between the central government and some state governments, as well as political polarization and violence. However, India still has a vibrant civil society and an independent judiciary which are maintaining the country's democratic credentials.

Nigeria is the one hundred and sixth most democratic country worldwide based on India’s Democracy Index of 4.1 out of 10. Nigeria’s Democracy Index classifies the country as a “hybrid regime” meaning that Nigeria’s political system has autocratic and democratic features. More specifically, the country faces challenges like corruption, election-related violence, a weak rule of law, the abuse of state power, and the influence of the military in politics. There are also issues related to the treatment of minority groups and the media, with some restrictions on freedom of expression and the press.

China is the one hundred forty-seventh most democratic country in the world based on China’s Democracy Index of 2.2 out of 10. China’s Democracy Index classifies the country as an “authoritarian regime”. China has a one-party system, with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) holding a monopoly on political power and the citizens do not have the right to vote for their representatives in free and fair elections. The country also has tightly controlled media with restrictions on freedom of expression, the press, and the internet. Moreover, concerns about human rights abuses have been raised, including the treatment of ethnic minorities like the Uighur population, and political dissidents. These factors explain why China is considered an authoritarian regime rather than a democratic country.

Singapore is the sixty-fifth most democratic country globally based on Singapore’s Democracy Index of 6.2 out of 10. According to Singapore’s Democracy Index, the country is a “flawed democracy” meaning that country faces some challenges in political participation, civil liberties, and the functioning of government. While Singapore has multi-party elections, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has held power continuously since 1959 and there are some concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. The government also has broad powers to restrict freedom of expression and assembly with limits on political opposition and the media. In spite of this, Singapore has a strong and stable economy with high levels of education and a well-functioning government which have helped it become a leader in the region. Overall, Singapore is considered a flawed democracy due to these factors, although it remains one of the most prosperous and politically stable countries in the world.

Tajikistan is the one hundred fifty-seventh most democratic country in the world based on Tajikistan’s Democracy Index of 1.9 out of 10. The Democracy Index classifies Tajikistan as an "authoritarian regime" meaning that Tajikistan’s political system rejects political plurality and reduces the rule of law, the separation of powers, and democratic voting. The country is ruled by President Emomali Rahmon, who has held power since 1994 with little room for opposition or dissent. Concerns have been raised about electoral irregularities, suppression of political opposition, and a lack of freedom of expression and the press. Additionally, the government restricts the activities of civil society organizations, and there are concerns about the treatment of minority groups, including the LGBT+ community.

The United States is the twenty-sixth most democratic country in the world based on the U.S.’s Democracy Index of 7.9 out of 10. The Democracy Index of the United States reflects the country's strong democratic institutions such as free and fair elections, a vibrant civil society, independent media, and a robust system of checks and balances. The U.S. has a constitutional framework that emphasizes the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as the protection of individual rights and freedoms. While the country faces challenges related to political polarization and the influence of money in politics, it remains a leading example of democratic governance in the world. The U.S. has a long history of democratic traditions, and its Constitution and laws provide the foundation for the protection of individual rights and freedoms, making it a full democracy.