Introduction
A liberal country is one that adheres to the principles of liberalism, which prioritize freedom and rights for individuals. This means that its citizens enjoy a wide array of civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. A liberal country typically has strong protections for minority groups against discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, or economic status. Liberal governments also tend to pursue progressive social policies that seek to improve the welfare of their citizens through initiatives like free healthcare and higher education access. Economic liberty is encouraged in liberal countries; citizens are allowed to set up businesses without significant interference from the government and are often rewarded with lower taxes than those found in more conservative nations. All in all, liberal countries offer their citizens an opportunity to live life with greater autonomy and personal freedoms than those afforded by more traditional systems.
# | Country | Liberal Democracy Index | System of Government | Human Freedom Index |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sweden | 0.88 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.83 |
2 | Denmark | 0.88 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.98 |
3 | Norway | 0.86 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.76 |
4 | Costa Rica | 0.85 | Presidential | 8.25 |
5 | Estonia | 0.84 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.91 |
6 | New Zealand | 0.84 | Constitutional Monarchies | 9.01 |
7 | Switzerland | 0.84 | Parliamentary Republic | 9.11 |
8 | Finland | 0.83 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.85 |
9 | Germany | 0.82 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.73 |
10 | Ireland | 0.82 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.9 |
11 | Belgium | 0.82 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.61 |
12 | Netherlands | 0.81 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.78 |
13 | Portugal | 0.81 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.69 |
14 | Australia | 0.81 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.84 |
15 | Luxembourg | 0.8 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.8 |
16 | France | 0.8 | Semi-presidential | 8.34 |
17 | South Korea | 0.79 | Presidential | 8.39 |
18 | Spain | 0.78 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.56 |
19 | United Kingdom | 0.78 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.75 |
20 | Italy | 0.77 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.49 |
21 | Chile | 0.77 | Presidential | 8.44 |
22 | Slovakia | 0.77 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.21 |
23 | Uruguay | 0.76 | Presidential | 8.36 |
24 | Canada | 0.76 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.85 |
25 | Iceland | 0.75 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.77 |
26 | Austria | 0.75 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.67 |
27 | Japan | 0.74 | Constitutional Monarchies | 8.73 |
28 | Lithuania | 0.74 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.68 |
29 | United States of America | 0.74 | Presidential | 8.73 |
30 | Latvia | 0.73 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.67 |
31 | Czech Republic | 0.71 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.61 |
32 | Taiwan | 0.7 | Semi-presidential | 8.68 |
33 | Jamaica | 0.69 | Constitutional Monarchies | 7.91 |
34 | Cyprus | 0.69 | Presidential | 8.42 |
35 | Barbados | 0.68 | Constitutional Monarchies | 7.92 |
36 | Greece | 0.67 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.86 |
37 | Argentina | 0.66 | Presidential | 7.38 |
38 | Vanuatu | 0.66 | Parliamentary Republic | |
39 | Trinidad and Tobago | 0.66 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.7 |
40 | Peru | 0.65 | Presidential | 7.93 |
41 | Israel | 0.65 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.66 |
42 | Suriname | 0.65 | Presidential | 7.64 |
43 | Romania | 0.64 | Semi-presidential | 8.33 |
44 | Malta | 0.64 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.45 |
45 | Croatia | 0.63 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.16 |
46 | Moldova | 0.62 | Semi-presidential | 7.68 |
47 | Slovenia | 0.6 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.37 |
48 | South Africa | 0.59 | Semi-presidential | 7.3 |
49 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 0.58 | Semi-presidential | |
50 | Seychelles | 0.57 | Presidential | 7.84 |
51 | Ghana | 0.57 | Presidential | 7.49 |
52 | Panama | 0.56 | Presidential | 8.12 |
53 | Armenia | 0.56 | Presidential | 8.2 |
54 | Senegal | 0.55 | Presidential | 7.07 |
55 | Bulgaria | 0.55 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.08 |
56 | Malawi | 0.53 | Presidential | 6.99 |
57 | Namibia | 0.51 | Presidential | 7.56 |
58 | Brazil | 0.51 | Presidential | 7.22 |
59 | Lesotho | 0.5 | Constitutional Monarchies | 7.01 |
60 | Mongolia | 0.49 | Semi-presidential | 8 |
61 | Georgia | 0.49 | Presidential | 8.2 |
62 | East Timor | 0.49 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.22 |
63 | Botswana | 0.49 | Presidential | 7.9 |
64 | Bhutan | 0.48 | Absolute Monarchies | 6.86 |
65 | Burkina Faso | 0.48 | Presidential | 6.85 |
66 | Solomon Islands | 0.47 | Constitutional Monarchies | |
67 | Dominican Republic | 0.47 | Presidential | 7.88 |
68 | Colombia | 0.47 | Presidential | 7.01 |
69 | Ecuador | 0.47 | Presidential | 7.43 |
70 | Mauritius | 0.46 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.07 |
71 | Nepal | 0.46 | Semi-constitutional Monarchies | 7.12 |
72 | Liberia | 0.46 | Presidential | 6.81 |
73 | Tunisia | 0.46 | Presidential | 6.46 |
74 | Maldives | 0.45 | Presidential | |
75 | Indonesia | 0.43 | Presidential | 7.1 |
76 | Paraguay | 0.43 | Presidential | 7.54 |
77 | Sierra Leone | 0.43 | Presidential | 6.7 |
78 | Poland | 0.41 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.96 |
79 | The Gambia | 0.41 | Presidential | 6.88 |
80 | Albania | 0.4 | Parliamentary Republic | 8.14 |
81 | Kenya | 0.4 | Presidential | 6.73 |
82 | Niger | 0.4 | Presidential | 6.41 |
83 | Republic of Macedonia | 0.4 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.75 |
84 | Montenegro | 0.39 | Semi-presidential | 7.88 |
85 | Mexico | 0.39 | Presidential | 6.92 |
86 | Sri Lanka | 0.38 | Semi-presidential | 6.58 |
87 | Bolivia | 0.37 | Presidential | 6.94 |
88 | Guyana | 0.37 | Semi-presidential | 7.49 |
89 | Hungary | 0.36 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.73 |
90 | Guinea-Bissau | 0.36 | Presidential | 6.77 |
91 | India | 0.36 | Parliamentary Republic | 6.39 |
92 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 0.35 | Semi-presidential | 7.54 |
93 | Nigeria | 0.34 | Presidential | 6.28 |
94 | Papua New Guinea | 0.34 | Constitutional Monarchies | 7.17 |
95 | Singapore | 0.33 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.98 |
96 | Guatemala | 0.32 | Presidential | 7.63 |
97 | Ukraine | 0.32 | Semi-presidential | 6.86 |
98 | Tanzania | 0.31 | Presidential | 6.48 |
99 | Zambia | 0.3 | Presidential | 6.82 |
100 | Malaysia | 0.29 | Constitutional Monarchies | 7.17 |
101 | Lebanon | 0.28 | Semi-presidential | 6.76 |
102 | Philippines | 0.28 | Presidential | 6.83 |
103 | Benin | 0.28 | Presidential | 7.32 |
104 | Kuwait | 0.27 | Semi-constitutional Monarchies | 6.34 |
105 | Fiji | 0.27 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.36 |
106 | Kyrgyzstan | 0.27 | Presidential | 7.18 |
107 | Jordan | 0.25 | Semi-constitutional Monarchies | 6.91 |
108 | Serbia | 0.24 | Parliamentary Republic | 7.54 |
109 | Ivory Coast | 0.24 | Presidential | 6.9 |
110 | Madagascar | 0.24 | Presidential | 7.02 |
111 | Morocco | 0.24 | Semi-constitutional Monarchies | 5.9 |
112 | Mozambique | 0.24 | Presidential | 6.8 |
113 | Honduras | 0.24 | Presidential | 7.09 |
114 | Pakistan | 0.23 | Semi-presidential | 5.63 |
115 | Iraq | 0.22 | Parliamentary Republic | 5.02 |
116 | El Salvador | 0.22 | Presidential | 7.39 |
117 | Uganda | 0.21 | Presidential | 6.32 |
118 | Haiti | 0.21 | Presidential | 7.21 |
119 | Gabon | 0.21 | Presidential | 6.8 |
120 | Hong Kong | 0.2 | 8.41 | |
121 | Togo | 0.2 | Presidential | 6.5 |
122 | Angola | 0.19 | Semi-presidential | 6.09 |
123 | Zimbabwe | 0.19 | Presidential | 5.6 |
124 | Mali | 0.18 | Presidential | 6.25 |
125 | Thailand | 0.17 | Military Junta | 6.89 |
126 | Mauritania | 0.17 | Military Junta | 5.73 |
127 | Central African Republic | 0.16 | Presidential | 5.62 |
128 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 0.16 | Presidential | 5.62 |
129 | Ethiopia | 0.15 | Parliamentary Republic | 5.95 |
130 | Libya | 0.15 | Military Junta | 5.05 |
131 | Algeria | 0.15 | Semi-presidential | 5.26 |
132 | Palestine | 0.14 | ||
133 | Oman | 0.14 | Absolute Monarchies | 5.92 |
134 | Kazakhstan | 0.13 | Presidential | 6.77 |
135 | Cameroon | 0.13 | Presidential | 5.63 |
136 | Comoros | 0.13 | Presidential | 6.07 |
137 | Vietnam | 0.13 | One-party | 5.9 |
138 | Djibouti | 0.12 | Presidential | 5.84 |
139 | Iran | 0.12 | Theocracies | 4.53 |
140 | Egypt | 0.12 | Semi-presidential | 4.49 |
141 | Rwanda | 0.12 | Presidential | 6.36 |
142 | Bangladesh | 0.12 | Parliamentary Republic | 5.75 |
143 | Turkey | 0.12 | Parliamentary Republic | 5.79 |
144 | Guinea | 0.11 | Presidential | 5.82 |
145 | Eswatini | 0.11 | 5.79 | |
146 | Republic of the Congo | 0.11 | Presidential | 5.55 |
147 | Russia | 0.1 | Semi-presidential | 6.23 |
148 | Laos | 0.1 | One-party | 5.85 |
149 | Somalia | 0.09 | 4.93 | |
150 | Uzbekistan | 0.09 | Presidential | |
151 | Qatar | 0.09 | Absolute Monarchies | 6.15 |
152 | Myanmar | 0.08 | Military Junta | 5.78 |
153 | Sudan | 0.08 | Presidential | 4.48 |
154 | United Arab Emirates | 0.08 | Absolute Monarchies | 6.06 |
155 | Cuba | 0.08 | One-party | |
156 | Burundi | 0.08 | Presidential | 5.02 |
157 | Venezuela | 0.07 | Presidential | 4.03 |
158 | Azerbaijan | 0.07 | Presidential | 6.16 |
159 | Chad | 0.07 | Presidential | 5.57 |
160 | Cambodia | 0.07 | Constitutional Monarchies | 6.47 |
161 | South Sudan | 0.06 | ||
162 | Nicaragua | 0.06 | Presidential | 6.24 |
163 | Equatorial Guinea | 0.05 | Presidential | |
164 | Bahrain | 0.05 | Semi-constitutional Monarchies | 5.73 |
165 | Tajikistan | 0.05 | Presidential | 5.52 |
166 | People's Republic of China | 0.04 | One-party | 5.57 |
167 | Saudi Arabia | 0.04 | Absolute Monarchies | 5.12 |
168 | Turkmenistan | 0.04 | Presidential | |
169 | Syria | 0.04 | One-party | 3.66 |
170 | Belarus | 0.04 | Presidential | 6.73 |
171 | Yemen | 0.03 | Semi-presidential | 4.08 |
172 | Afghanistan | 0.02 | ||
173 | North Korea | 0.02 | One-party | |
174 | Eritrea | 0.01 | One-party |
Liberalism
Liberalism is an ideology which promotes individual freedom, civil rights, and the importance of the rule of law. It emphasizes the protection of individual liberty through government guarantees of civil rights, freedoms, and responsibilities in societies. It also stresses that governments should limit its intervention in economic activities except for enforcing contracts, property rights and other market regulations that promote competition. Liberalism also stands for equal rights for individuals regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation; it supports the idea of personal responsibility and encourages a merit-based society where individuals can rise up based on hard work. The core values in Liberalism include respect for human dignity and individual autonomy, the free exchange of ideas and goods, equality under the law, justice tempered by mercy and compassion, social inclusion, environmental stewardship, international cooperation and a strong commitment to democracy.
Liberal Democracies
Liberal democracies are countries in which citizens have the right to actively participate in political processes, such as voting and expressing their opinions through speech and peaceful protest. These countries typically also grant a wide range of civil liberties, such as freedom of religion, speech, and press. However, in practice some countries may be more liberal than others – for example, those with a strong constitutional protection of individual rights may afford their citizens a higher degree of liberty than those without. Additionally, depending on the country’s culture or demographics, certain liberties may be more widely accepted than others. In general, liberal democracies share commonalities when it comes to protecting civil rights and liberties but can vary greatly in terms of how liberal they actually allow their citizens to be.
Most Liberal Countries
The most liberal countries are Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Costa Rica, Estonia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, and Ireland. Sweden is the most liberal country in the world, with a liberal democracy index of 0.878. The second most liberal country is Denmark, at 0.877. The third most liberal country in the world is Norway, with a liberal democracy index of 0.857. Costa Rica is ranked fourth most liberal country in the world with a liberal democracy index of 0.85. Ranked fifth and sixth most liberal countries are Estonia and New Zealand, which both have a liberal democracy index of 0.837. Switzerland has a liberal democracy index of 0.836 and is ranked seventh most liberal country in the world. Finland comes in eighth place for most liberal countries, with a liberal democracy index of 0.829. Germany is ranked ninth most liberal country in the world, and has a liberal democracy index of 0.822. The tenth most liberal country in the world is Ireland, with a liberal democracy index of 0.82.
Most Liberal Countries in the World
1. Sweden – 0.878
2. Denmark – 0.877
3. Norway – 0.857
4. Costa Rica – 0.85
5. Estonia – 0.837
6. New Zealand – 0.837
7. Switzerland – 0.836
8. Finland – 0.829
9. Germany – 0.822
10. Ireland – 0.82
Most Liberal Country
Sweden is widely recognized as the most liberal country in the world, with a liberal democracy index of 0.878. This high ranking reflects Sweden’s strong commitment to human rights and individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, access to education and health care for all citizens, and the right to privacy. Moreover, Sweden has a long history of protecting progressive legislation concerning gender equality and LGBT rights. In addition to these legal protections, Sweden also has an open attitude towards refugees and immigrants that feel welcome in the country. As one of Europe’s most socially progressive countries, Sweden has a robust welfare system that provides support for its citizens regardless of their socio-economic background or cultural heritage. Moreover, Sweden’s strong sense of egalitarianism means that everyone is entitled to the same educational opportunities and job prospects regardless of race or gender. All this contributes to making Sweden the most liberal country in the world.
Liberal Democracy Index by Country
Afghanistan
Ranked in the World
#172
Albania
Ranked in the World
#80
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#42
Algeria
Ranked in the World
#131
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#153
Angola
Ranked in the World
#122
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#128
Argentina
Ranked in the World
#37
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#73
Armenia
Ranked in the World
#53
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#39
Australia
Ranked in the World
#14
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#8
Australia ranks as the fourteenth most liberal country in the world and has a liberal democracy index of 0.81. This rating puts Australia among other countries that have high levels of political rights, civil liberties, and functioning government institutions. Due to its strong liberal democratic standing, electoral processes are considered free and fair while citizens enjoy robust laws protecting individual rights and freedoms. Furthermore, Australia is known for having one of the most open markets in the world with an independent press, freedom of expression, and relatively low corruption rates. This environment encourages economic growth and innovation allowing Australians to benefit from an open society that embraces diversity and inclusion.
Austria
Ranked in the World
#26
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#21
Azerbaijan
Ranked in the World
#158
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#126
Bahrain
Ranked in the World
#164
System of Government
Semi-constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#142
Bangladesh
Ranked in the World
#142
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#141
Barbados
Ranked in the World
#35
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#50
Belarus
Ranked in the World
#170
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#108
Belgium
Ranked in the World
#11
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#23
Benin
Ranked in the World
#103
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#75
Bhutan
Ranked in the World
#64
System of Government
Absolute Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#97
Bolivia
Ranked in the World
#87
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#91
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ranked in the World
#92
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#66
Botswana
Ranked in the World
#63
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#52
Brazil
Ranked in the World
#58
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#77
Bulgaria
Ranked in the World
#55
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#44
Burkina Faso
Ranked in the World
#65
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#99
Burundi
Ranked in the World
#156
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#156
Cambodia
Ranked in the World
#160
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#114
Cameroon
Ranked in the World
#135
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#144
Canada
Ranked in the World
#24
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#6
Canada is ranked as the twenty-fourth most liberal country in the world with a liberal democracy index of 0.76. Canada's relatively high score is due to its robust free press and longstanding commitment to inclusivity and multiculturalism. Canadian citizens enjoy a wide range of rights and freedom that are enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which serves as a cornerstone for many laws that protect citizens from discrimination or other abuses. Furthermore, Canada’s strong democratic values have been affirmed both domestically through the recognition of Indigenous rights and abroad through its active involvement in international organizations like the United Nations.
Central African Republic
Ranked in the World
#127
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#146
Chad
Ranked in the World
#159
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#149
Chile
Ranked in the World
#21
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#28
Colombia
Ranked in the World
#68
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#88
Comoros
Ranked in the World
#136
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#129
Costa Rica
Ranked in the World
#4
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#36
Croatia
Ranked in the World
#45
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#41
Cuba
Ranked in the World
#155
System of Government
One-party
Cyprus
Ranked in the World
#34
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#29
Czech Republic
Ranked in the World
#31
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#24
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ranked in the World
#128
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#147
Denmark
Ranked in the World
#2
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#3
Djibouti
Ranked in the World
#138
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#136
Dominican Republic
Ranked in the World
#67
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#53
East Timor
Ranked in the World
#62
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#78
Ecuador
Ranked in the World
#69
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#71
Egypt
Ranked in the World
#140
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#160
El Salvador
Ranked in the World
#116
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#72
Equatorial Guinea
Ranked in the World
#163
System of Government
Presidential
Eritrea
Ranked in the World
#174
System of Government
One-party
Estonia
Ranked in the World
#5
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#4
Eswatini
Ranked in the World
#145
Ranked in the World
#138
Ethiopia
Ranked in the World
#129
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#131
Fiji
Ranked in the World
#105
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#74
Finland
Ranked in the World
#8
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#7
France
Ranked in the World
#16
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#34
Gabon
Ranked in the World
#119
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#103
Georgia
Ranked in the World
#61
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#40
Germany
Ranked in the World
#9
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#15
Ghana
Ranked in the World
#51
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#69
Greece
Ranked in the World
#36
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#55
Guatemala
Ranked in the World
#96
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#64
Guinea
Ranked in the World
#144
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#137
Guinea-Bissau
Ranked in the World
#90
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#105
Guyana
Ranked in the World
#88
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#70
Haiti
Ranked in the World
#118
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#79
Honduras
Ranked in the World
#113
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#85
Hong Kong
Ranked in the World
#120
Ranked in the World
#30
Hungary
Ranked in the World
#89
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#58
Iceland
Ranked in the World
#25
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#12
India
Ranked in the World
#91
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#118
Indonesia
Ranked in the World
#75
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#84
Iran
Ranked in the World
#139
System of Government
Theocracies
Ranked in the World
#159
Iraq
Ranked in the World
#115
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#157
Ireland
Ranked in the World
#10
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#5
Israel
Ranked in the World
#41
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#61
Italy
Ranked in the World
#20
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#26
Ivory Coast
Ranked in the World
#109
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#94
Jamaica
Ranked in the World
#33
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#51
Japan
Ranked in the World
#27
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#16
Jordan
Ranked in the World
#107
System of Government
Semi-constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#93
Kazakhstan
Ranked in the World
#134
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#106
Kenya
Ranked in the World
#81
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#109
Kuwait
Ranked in the World
#104
System of Government
Semi-constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#120
Kyrgyzstan
Ranked in the World
#106
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#80
Laos
Ranked in the World
#148
System of Government
One-party
Ranked in the World
#135
Latvia
Ranked in the World
#30
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#22
Lebanon
Ranked in the World
#101
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#107
Lesotho
Ranked in the World
#59
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#89
Liberia
Ranked in the World
#72
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#102
Libya
Ranked in the World
#130
System of Government
Military Junta
Ranked in the World
#155
Lithuania
Ranked in the World
#28
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#19
Luxembourg
Ranked in the World
#15
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#10
Madagascar
Ranked in the World
#110
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#87
Malawi
Ranked in the World
#56
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#90
Malaysia
Ranked in the World
#100
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#81
Maldives
Ranked in the World
#74
System of Government
Presidential
Mali
Ranked in the World
#124
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#123
Malta
Ranked in the World
#44
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#27
Mauritania
Ranked in the World
#126
System of Government
Military Junta
Ranked in the World
#143
Mauritius
Ranked in the World
#70
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#45
Mexico
Ranked in the World
#85
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#92
Moldova
Ranked in the World
#46
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#60
Mongolia
Ranked in the World
#60
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#46
Montenegro
Ranked in the World
#84
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#54
Morocco
Ranked in the World
#111
System of Government
Semi-constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#133
Mozambique
Ranked in the World
#112
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#104
Myanmar
Ranked in the World
#152
System of Government
Military Junta
Ranked in the World
#140
Namibia
Ranked in the World
#57
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#65
Nepal
Ranked in the World
#71
System of Government
Semi-constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#83
Netherlands
Ranked in the World
#12
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#11
New Zealand
Ranked in the World
#6
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#2
Nicaragua
Ranked in the World
#162
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#124
Niger
Ranked in the World
#82
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#117
Nigeria
Ranked in the World
#93
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#122
North Korea
Ranked in the World
#173
System of Government
One-party
Norway
Ranked in the World
#3
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#13
Oman
Ranked in the World
#133
System of Government
Absolute Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#132
Pakistan
Ranked in the World
#114
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#145
Palestine
Ranked in the World
#132
Panama
Ranked in the World
#52
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#43
Papua New Guinea
Ranked in the World
#94
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#82
Paraguay
Ranked in the World
#76
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#67
People's Republic of China
Ranked in the World
#166
System of Government
One-party
Ranked in the World
#150
Peru
Ranked in the World
#40
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#49
Philippines
Ranked in the World
#102
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#100
Poland
Ranked in the World
#78
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#48
Portugal
Ranked in the World
#13
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#18
Qatar
Ranked in the World
#151
System of Government
Absolute Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#127
Republic of Macedonia
Ranked in the World
#83
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#57
Republic of the Congo
Ranked in the World
#146
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#151
Romania
Ranked in the World
#43
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#35
Russia
Ranked in the World
#147
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#125
Rwanda
Ranked in the World
#141
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#119
São Tomé and Príncipe
Ranked in the World
#49
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Saudi Arabia
Ranked in the World
#167
System of Government
Absolute Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#154
Senegal
Ranked in the World
#54
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#86
Serbia
Ranked in the World
#108
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#68
Seychelles
Ranked in the World
#50
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#56
Sierra Leone
Ranked in the World
#77
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#110
Singapore
Ranked in the World
#95
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#47
Slovakia
Ranked in the World
#22
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#38
Slovenia
Ranked in the World
#47
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#32
Solomon Islands
Ranked in the World
#66
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Somalia
Ranked in the World
#149
Ranked in the World
#158
South Africa
Ranked in the World
#48
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#76
South Korea
Ranked in the World
#17
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#31
South Sudan
Ranked in the World
#161
Spain
Ranked in the World
#18
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#25
Sri Lanka
Ranked in the World
#86
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#111
Sudan
Ranked in the World
#153
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#161
Suriname
Ranked in the World
#42
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#63
Sweden
Ranked in the World
#1
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#9
Sweden is the most liberal country in the world due to its high score of 0.88 on the liberal democracy index. This is largely attributed to its progressive policies, such as a generous welfare system, rigorous environmental regulations, and comprehensive civil rights laws that ensure citizens are safe and able to exercise their political freedoms. Sweden enjoys a comparatively lower rate of inequality among its population than other countries, including a minimal gender pay gap that makes the standard of living quite high. Additionally, Sweden has seen an overall increase in voter turnout over the past two decades, indicating that citizens have faith in their government’s ability to protect their rights and provide for their interests.
Switzerland
Ranked in the World
#7
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#1
Syria
Ranked in the World
#169
System of Government
One-party
Ranked in the World
#164
Taiwan
Ranked in the World
#32
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#20
Tajikistan
Ranked in the World
#165
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#152
Tanzania
Ranked in the World
#98
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#113
Thailand
Ranked in the World
#125
System of Government
Military Junta
Ranked in the World
#95
The Gambia
Ranked in the World
#79
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#96
Togo
Ranked in the World
#121
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#112
Trinidad and Tobago
Ranked in the World
#39
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#59
Tunisia
Ranked in the World
#73
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#116
Turkey
Ranked in the World
#143
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Ranked in the World
#139
Turkmenistan
Ranked in the World
#168
System of Government
Presidential
Uganda
Ranked in the World
#117
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#121
Ukraine
Ranked in the World
#97
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#98
United Arab Emirates
Ranked in the World
#154
System of Government
Absolute Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#130
United Kingdom
Ranked in the World
#19
System of Government
Constitutional Monarchies
Ranked in the World
#14
United States of America
Ranked in the World
#29
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#17
The United States is the twenty-ninth most liberal country in the world with a liberal democracy index of 0.74. This score indicates that the U.S. has a relatively high level of civil liberties and political rights for citizens. Despite this ranking, there are still challenges to an open system of government; many have argued that money in politics has undermined the democratic process and further eroded personal liberties. Research also shows that certain racial and socioeconomic groups are more likely to experience discrimination and unequal access to resources due to persistent systemic divisions.
Uruguay
Ranked in the World
#23
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#33
Uzbekistan
Ranked in the World
#150
System of Government
Presidential
Vanuatu
Ranked in the World
#38
System of Government
Parliamentary Republic
Venezuela
Ranked in the World
#157
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#163
Vietnam
Ranked in the World
#137
System of Government
One-party
Ranked in the World
#134
Yemen
Ranked in the World
#171
System of Government
Semi-presidential
Ranked in the World
#162
Zambia
Ranked in the World
#99
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#101
Zimbabwe
Ranked in the World
#123
System of Government
Presidential
Ranked in the World
#148
FAQs
What are the most liberal countries in the world ?
The most liberal countries in the world are :
1. Sweden – 0.878
2. Denmark – 0.877
3. Norway – 0.857
4. Costa Rica – 0.85
5. Estonia – 0.837
6. New Zealand – 0.837
7. Switzerland – 0.836
8. Finland – 0.829
9. Germany – 0.822
10. Ireland – 0.82
What is the most liberal country in the world ?
The most liberal country in the world is Sweden, with a liberal democracy index of 0.878.
What are the 15 most liberal countries ?
The 15 most liberal countries in the world are Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Costa Rica, Estonia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Australia, and Luxembourg.