Least free were Syria (3.79), Venezuela (3.80), and Yemen (4.30). The components on which the index is based can be divided into economic freedoms and other personal freedoms.
In 2020, Venezuela was the country that had the lowest economic freedom score. With a score of only 3.32 the country is far behind the second lowest scoring country, Sudan with 4.21. Zimbabwe and Syria can also be found at the bottom of the list with a score of 4.48 and 4.63 respectively.
In these twenty countries, which include North Korea, Burma (Republic of the Union of Myanmar), Republic of Belarus, Turkmenistan, Republic of Uzbekistan and Tibet, citizens' most basic rights are denied and any attempts to oppose these regimes often result in torture, imprisonment and sometimes death.
2023 rankings
In the 2023 index, Switzerland is ranked most free overall, while North Korea is last. Bahrain was ranked most conservative, while Argentina was ranked most progressive.
Japan chose to be a free and democratic nation following its tragic experiences in World War II. Liberal democracy is now firmly rooted in Japan, and the Japanese people enjoy freedom, peace, and prosperity.
The North Korean constitution has clauses guaranteeing the freedoms of speech and assembly. In practice, other clauses take precedence, including the requirement that citizens follow a socialist way of life.
Individual rights
Every Korean citizen over the age of 19 has the right to vote. In the Constitution of Republic of Korea, there are rights and freedoms for its citizens. For instance, freedom of speech or press. Hence, there is no official censorship in place.
Australia has a strong tradition of respect for the rights and freedoms of every individual. This tradition is founded on the rule of law, which is a core value of our democracy requiring that all authority be subject to, and constrained by, the law.
The first and only country to self-liberate from slavery was actually a former French colony, Haiti, as a result of the Revolution of 1791 - 1804.
In a scale from zero to 10, where zero represents the best conditions and 10 the worst, Yemen had the highest points and was closely followed by Iran, and China.
There are 195 countries in the world today. This total comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and 2 countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine.
Australia ranks third freest economy in the world according to The Index of Economic Freedom. Australia ranks third in the 2021 Index of Economic Freedom, which measures the degree of economic freedom in all countries.
Australia achieved full sovereignty from the UK on a progressive basis. On 1 January 1901, the British Parliament passed legislation allowing the six Australian colonies to govern in their own right as part of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Australia is a representative democracy where voters elect candidates to carry out the business of government on their behalf.
Australia is considered a wealthy nation with a market-based economy that has a comparatively high gross domestic product and per capita income. Its economy is driven by the service sector and the export of commodities. [Explore the top universities in Australia.]
Australia is founded on the rule of law and has a strong tradition of respect for the rights and freedoms of every individual. Human rights are recognised and protected across Australia through a range of laws at the federal and state and territory levels, the Australian Constitution, and the common law.
Australian constitutional law provides that the person who is monarch of the United Kingdom is also the monarch of Australia.
South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea), independent since 1948, is not recognised by one UN member, North Korea. North Korea considers itself to be the sole legitimate government of Korea, and claims all territory controlled by South Korea.
Due to the large police and military presence after the Korean War, the expansion of home-grown organized crime was slowed, almost giving South Korea immunity against international criminal organizations.