Press Freedom Index Score 2014

The Press Freedom Index Score measures the level of media freedom in countries worldwide. A higher score indicates stronger press independence, essential for democracy and transparency. Understanding these scores helps highlight the importance of free expression in society.

177 data points•Updated 12/7/2025•World•Reporters Without Borders (RSF)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Finland	93.6 points
2	Netherlands	93.54 points
3	Norway	93.48 points
4	Luxembourg	93.3 points
5	Andorra	93.18 points
6	Liechtenstein	92.98 points
7	Denmark	92.57 points
8	Iceland	91.5 points
9	New Zealand	91.45 points
10	Sweden	91.02 points
11	Estonia	90.37 points
12	Austria	89.99 points
13	Czech Republic	89.93 points
14	Germany	89.77 points
15	Switzerland	89.53 points
16	Ireland	89.13 points
17	Jamaica	89.1 points
18	Canada	89.01 points
19	Poland	88.97 points
20	Slovakia	88.61 points
21	Costa Rica	87.77 points
22	Namibia	87.5 points
23	Belgium	87.2 points
24	Cabo Verde	85.68 points
25	Cyprus	85.55 points
26	Uruguay	83.92 points
27	Ghana	83.71 points
28	Australia	83.09 points
29	Belize	82.95 points
30	Portugal	82.27 points
31	Suriname	81.8 points
32	Lithuania	80.8 points
33	United Kingdom	80.07 points
34	Slovenia	79.62 points
35	Spain	79.37 points
36	Latvia	78.9 points
37	El Salvador	78.43 points
38	France	78.11 points
39	Samoa	77.98 points
40	Botswana	77.09 points
41	South Africa	76.81 points
42	Trinidad and Tobago	76.72 points
43	Papua New Guinea	76.54 points
44	Romania	76.52 points
45	United States	76.51 points
46	Haiti	76.47 points
47	Niger	76.41 points
48	Italy	76.25 points
49	Taiwan	76.18 points
50	Malta	76.16 points
51	Burkina Faso	75.55 points
52	Comoros	75.48 points
53	Serbia	74.95 points
54	Argentina	74.73 points
55	Republic of Moldova	74.65 points
56	South Korea	74.34 points
57	Chile	74.2 points
58	Japan	73.98 points
59	Mauritania	73.47 points
60	China, Hong Kong SAR	73.45 points
61	Senegal	73.32 points
62	Tonga	73.3 points
63	Hungary	73.27 points
64	Croatia	73.18 points
65	Bosnia and Herzegovina	73.14 points
66	Guyana	72.92 points
67	Dominican Republic	72.83 points
68	Tanzania	72.7 points
69	Mauritius	72.31 points
70	Nicaragua	72.3 points
71	Sierra Leone	71.77 points
72	Malawi	71.71 points
73	Lesotho	71.64 points
74	Benin	71.17 points
75	Togo	71 points
76	Timor-Leste	70.96 points
77	Armenia	70.93 points
78	Mozambique	70.74 points
79	Madagascar	70.62 points
80	Congo	70.56 points
81	Georgia	70.22 points
82	Albania	70.08 points
83	Guinea-Bissau	69.95 points
84	Panama	69.8 points
85	Mongolia	69.7 points
86	Liberia	69.35 points
87	Kenya	69.3 points
88	Kuwait	69.29 points
89	Bhutan	69.27 points
90	Zambia	69.11 points
91	Bolivia	68.96 points
92	Ecuador	68.84 points
93	Israel	68.81 points
94	Kyrgyzstan	68.76 points
95	Gabon	68.68 points
96	Greece	68.67 points
97	Bulgaria	68.58 points
98	Côte d'Ivoire	68.37 points
99	Guinea	68.33 points
100	Seychelles	68.32 points
101	Peru	68.3 points
102	Paraguay	68.19 points
103	Lebanon	68.11 points
104	Fiji	67.43 points
105	Maldives	66.89 points
106	Central African Republic	66.87 points
107	Uganda	66.71 points
108	Brazil	65.97 points
109	Nigeria	65.76 points
110	Qatar	65.68 points
111	Montenegro	65.22 points
112	Tajikistan	65.14 points
113	Venezuela	64.63 points
114	Brunei Darussalam	64.55 points
115	United Arab Emirates	63.97 points
116	South Sudan	63.95 points
117	Nepal	63.84 points
118	Algeria	63.74 points
119	Mali	63.71 points
120	North Macedonia	63.57 points
121	Angola	63.5 points
122	Guatemala	63.39 points
123	Colombia	63.32 points
124	Ukraine	63.07 points
125	Afghanistan	62.93 points
126	Honduras	62.86 points
127	Thailand	62.06 points
128	Cameroon	61.87 points
129	Indonesia	61.85 points
130	Tunisia	61.31 points
131	Oman	61.17 points
132	Zimbabwe	60.81 points
133	Morocco	60.28 points
134	Libya	60.16 points
135	State of Palestine	59.89 points
136	Chad	59.78 points
137	India	59.66 points
138	Jordan	59.58 points
139	Burundi	59.5 points
140	Ethiopia	59.42 points
141	Cambodia	59.03 points
142	Myanmar	58.57 points
143	Bangladesh	57.42 points
144	Malaysia	57.27 points
145	Russia	57.22 points
146	Philippines	56.31 points
147	Singapore	55.71 points
148	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	55.36 points
149	Mexico	54.96 points
150	Iraq	54.56 points
151	Turkey	54.13 points
152	Gambia	53.58 points
153	Eswatini	53.24 points
154	Belarus	52.18 points
155	Pakistan	48.54 points
156	Egypt	48.11 points
157	Azerbaijan	47.13 points
158	Kazakhstan	45.06 points
159	Rwanda	43.43 points
160	Bahrain	41.74 points
161	Saudi Arabia	41.7 points
162	Sri Lanka	40.87 points
163	Uzbekistan	38.99 points
164	Yemen	32.74 points
165	Equatorial Guinea	32.05 points
166	Djibouti	29.66 points
167	Cuba	29.08 points
168	Laos	28.78 points
169	Sudan	28.12 points
170	Iran	27.71 points
171	Vietnam	27.64 points
172	China	27.09 points
173	Somalia	26.81 points
174	Syrian Arab Republic	22.96 points
175	Turkmenistan	19.19 points
176	North Korea	18.04 points
177	Eritrea	15.17 points

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The Press Freedom Index Score for 2014 serves as a crucial indicator of media independence across the globe, acting as a barometer for democracy and transparency. This metric assesses the degree of freedom journalists, news organizations, and citizens have in different countries to disseminate information without undue interference. In an era where information is power, understanding these scores and their implications helps underscore the importance of free expression in society. The 2014 dataset provides a compelling snapshot of where press freedom stands, reflecting the political, social, and economic climates that shape media landscapes worldwide.

Global Leaders in Press Freedom

The year 2014 saw Finland, Netherlands, and Norway leading the charts with Press Freedom Index Scores of 93.6, 93.54, and 93.48, respectively. These countries consistently rank high due to their robust legal frameworks that safeguard press freedom, alongside a cultural emphasis on transparency and accountability. In Finland, for instance, the media operates with minimal restrictions, reflecting a strong commitment to protecting journalistic endeavors. Similarly, the Netherlands and Norway feature media environments characterized by low levels of censorship and high levels of public trust in journalism. The commitment to media independence in these nations offers a model for other countries aiming to enhance press freedom.

Challenges in Restricted Regions

At the other end of the spectrum, countries like Eritrea, North Korea, and Turkmenistan report the lowest scores, with Eritrea at a mere 15.17. These nations are notorious for their tight control over media, where state-run outlets dominate and independent journalism is virtually non-existent. In Eritrea, all domestic media is government-owned, and journalists operate under constant threat of arrest. North Korea's tightly sealed borders prevent external media influence, with the state curating all accessible information. Understanding these dynamics is vital for international bodies working towards improving press freedom in such restrictive environments, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for free expression in regions where it is most threatened.

Year-over-Year Changes and Trends

The average Press Freedom Index Score in 2014 saw a slight decrease of 0.48 points, a trend reflected in several countries experiencing significant shifts. For instance, Bahrain exhibited the largest positive change, with an increase of 4.49 points, indicating efforts to grant greater media freedoms. Conversely, the United States saw a decrease of 5.27 points, reflecting challenges such as increased surveillance concerns and pressures on journalists. Such fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of press freedom, where geopolitical changes, policy reforms, and societal shifts play influential roles in shaping the media landscape.

Regional Variations in Press Freedom

Regional disparities in press freedom are pronounced, with Scandinavian countries consistently outperforming other regions. Europe, in general, boasts higher scores due to robust legal protections and a strong tradition of free press. Meanwhile, Africa and Asia show varied performances, with countries like Somalia and China at the lower end. Africa's scores are often influenced by political instability and conflict, while Asia's challenges stem from authoritarian regimes imposing strict media controls. These regional differences illustrate the significant impact of local political and cultural contexts on press freedom, offering insights into where international support could be most effective.

Impact of Policy and Governance

Policy and governance heavily influence Press Freedom Index Scores. Countries with transparent governance and strong democratic institutions generally enjoy higher scores. This correlation underscores the necessity of policy reforms aimed at enhancing press freedom. For nations at the bottom of the index, such as Vietnam and Iran, governmental reforms could pave the way for a freer press environment. The link between governance and media freedom highlights the role of international advocacy in promoting policies that protect and enhance press freedom worldwide.

In conclusion, the Press Freedom Index Score for 2014 offers a vital reflection on the state of media freedom, underscoring the diverse challenges and achievements across the globe. By analyzing these scores, stakeholders can better advocate for the protection and expansion of press freedoms, thereby reinforcing the fundamental human right of free expression.

Insights by country

United States

The United States ranked 45th out of 177 countries in the 2014 Press Freedom Index, with a score of 76.51 points. This score reflects a moderate level of press freedom, indicating both strengths and weaknesses in the media landscape within the country.

Factors contributing to this ranking include concerns over government surveillance, legal threats to journalists, and the increasing concentration of media ownership. While the United States is known for its strong legal protections for freedom of speech under the First Amendment, incidents of intimidation and violence against journalists have raised alarms about the state of press freedom.

Additionally, the U.S. media environment is characterized by a vibrant array of outlets and a diverse range of opinions; however, economic pressures and the rise of misinformation have posed significant challenges. The 2014 score reflects ongoing tensions between national security interests and the public's right to know, illustrating a complex relationship between media and government in the United States.

Lebanon

In 2014, Lebanon held the 103rd position out of 177 countries in the Press Freedom Index, with a score of 68.11 points. This ranking reflects the challenges faced by the media in Lebanon, where press freedom is influenced by a complex interplay of political factions, sectarian divisions, and external pressures.

The relatively moderate score indicates that while Lebanon has a vibrant media landscape, it is often marred by censorship, intimidation, and restrictions imposed by both state and non-state actors. Factors contributing to these conditions include ongoing political instability, the presence of armed groups, and legislative frameworks that can limit journalistic expression.

Additionally, Lebanon's media environment is characterized by a high degree of partisanship, where many outlets align with specific political or sectarian interests, potentially compromising journalistic independence. This context serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the socio-political realities faced by journalists in the region.

Lithuania

In 2014, Lithuania achieved a commendable Press Freedom Index Score of 80.8 points, ranking 32nd out of 177 countries. This position reflects the nation's commitment to maintaining a free and independent press, marked by a vibrant media landscape and a strong legal framework protecting journalistic freedom.

The relatively high score can be attributed to several factors, including Lithuania's democratic governance, a robust civil society, and the absence of significant state control over media outlets. Additionally, the country has made efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in media ownership, which further contributes to a diverse range of viewpoints being represented.

Interestingly, Lithuania's score places it among the top tier of European nations regarding press freedom, highlighting its role as a leader in promoting media rights in the region. This achievement underscores the importance of a free press in fostering informed public discourse and democratic engagement.

Cuba

Cuba ranked 167th out of 177 countries in the Press Freedom Index for the year 2014, reflecting a severely restricted media environment. The country received a score of 29.08 points, indicating significant challenges to freedom of expression and access to information.

The low ranking can be attributed to the Cuban government's stringent control over the media, where independent journalism is heavily suppressed, and dissenting voices are often silenced. The state maintains a monopoly on television, radio, and print media, which are primarily used to disseminate government propaganda.

In addition to the lack of independent media, factors such as harassment of journalists, censorship, and the criminalization of dissent contribute to Cuba's poor standing in press freedom. The country has seen ongoing restrictions on internet access and the dissemination of information, further exacerbating the challenges faced by journalists and citizens seeking free expression.

Netherlands

The Netherlands achieved a remarkable Press Freedom Index Score of 93.54 points in 2014, ranking 2nd out of 177 countries. This impressive score reflects the nation's strong commitment to maintaining a free and independent press, which is considered vital for a functioning democracy and informed citizenry.

Several factors contribute to the high press freedom score in the Netherlands, including a robust legal framework that protects journalists and enables freedom of expression. The country also benefits from a diverse media landscape, characterized by a wide range of publications and broadcasters that operate without significant government interference.

Moreover, the Netherlands has a long-standing tradition of valuing human rights and civil liberties, which further supports the environment for press freedom. In contrast to many countries, where media outlets face censorship or threats, the Dutch press operates in a climate of safety and openness, fostering investigative journalism and public discourse.

Armenia

In 2014, Armenia achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 70.93 points, positioning the country at 77th out of 177 countries evaluated. This score indicates a moderate level of press freedom, reflecting both advancements and ongoing challenges in the media landscape of Armenia.

The relatively high score can be attributed to a period of gradual improvement in media pluralism and the presence of diverse media outlets. However, issues such as government influence, censorship, and the harassment of journalists still posed significant obstacles to full press freedom. The aftermath of the 2013 presidential election led to heightened tensions and scrutiny over media practices, which ultimately impacted this index.

Furthermore, Armenia's ranking places it within a complex regional context where neighboring countries often exhibit lower press freedom scores. For instance, countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey, which share borders with Armenia, have consistently ranked lower, highlighting the unique position of Armenia in promoting a somewhat freer media environment despite the challenges it faces.

Chile

In 2014, Chile achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 74.2 points, ranking 57 out of 177 countries. This score indicates a relatively positive environment for press freedom compared to many other nations, reflecting a media landscape that allows for diverse opinions and reporting.

Factors contributing to this score include Chile's democratic governance and a constitution that protects freedom of expression. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the treatment of journalists and media outlets critical of the government. Issues such as political pressure, self-censorship, and occasional violence against journalists have been reported, impacting the overall perception of press freedom.

Interestingly, Chile's ranking and score highlight the contrast with some of its neighbors in Latin America, where press freedom is often more restricted. This underscores Chile’s relatively stable democratic institutions and the importance placed on media independence in the country.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranked 70th out of 177 countries on the Press Freedom Index in 2014, with a score of 72.3 points. This ranking reflects a concerning environment for media freedom in the country, indicating significant challenges faced by journalists and media outlets.

The relatively low score can be attributed to government pressure on the press, including instances of censorship and intimidation. During this period, the Nicaraguan government was criticized for its attempts to control the narrative through restrictive laws and suppression of dissenting voices, which contributed to a climate of fear among journalists.

Despite these challenges, Nicaragua's media landscape has shown resilience, with numerous independent outlets striving to operate in the face of adversity. It is notable that the country has historically experienced fluctuations in press freedom, often influenced by political changes and governmental policies.

Panama

In 2014, Panama achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 69.8, ranking 84th out of 177 countries. This score reflects a relatively moderate level of press freedom compared to other nations, indicating that while the media operates with a degree of independence, challenges remain.

Several factors contribute to Panama's press freedom landscape. The country has a history of government control over media outlets and has faced issues related to censorship and intimidation of journalists. Additionally, the legal framework surrounding press operations can sometimes favor the interests of powerful individuals and entities, leading to a constrained environment for journalistic activities.

Despite these challenges, Panama's media landscape is vibrant, with numerous outlets providing a range of viewpoints. However, incidents of violence against journalists and instances of self-censorship persist, highlighting ongoing struggles for true media independence. Overall, the 2014 Press Freedom Index serves as a critical indicator of Panama's media environment and the need for continued advocacy for press rights.

North Korea

In 2014, North Korea had a Press Freedom Index Score of 18.04 points, ranking 176 out of 177 countries. This ranking highlights the severe restrictions on freedom of the press in the country, where the government maintains strict control over all media outlets, allowing little to no room for independent journalism.

The abysmally low score reflects a media landscape characterized by pervasive censorship, state propaganda, and the criminalization of dissenting voices. Factors contributing to this situation include the regime's prioritization of ideological conformity and the suppression of any information that might challenge the authority of the ruling party.

Interestingly, North Korea has consistently ranked at or near the bottom of global press freedom indices, reflecting a broader pattern of human rights violations and the lack of basic freedoms within the country. The state’s control over information serves to maintain its grip on power, further isolating the nation from the international community.

Data Source

Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

Reporters Without Borders (RWB) is an international non-profit organisation governed by principles of democratic governance. We are neither a trade union nor a representative of media companies. Founded in 1985 in Montpellier by four journalists, RSF is at the forefront of the defence and promotion of freedom of information. Recognised as a public interest organisation in France since 1995, RSF has consultative status with the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF).

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Press Freedom Index Score data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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