Press Freedom Index Score 2015

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	92.48 points
2	Norway	92.25 points
3	Denmark	91.76 points
4	Netherlands	90.78 points
5	Sweden	90.53 points
6	New Zealand	89.94 points
7	Austria	89.15 points
8	Canada	89.01 points
9	Jamaica	88.82 points
10	Estonia	88.81 points
11	Ireland	88.8 points
12	Germany	88.53 points
13	Czech Republic	88.38 points
14	Slovakia	88.34 points
15	Belgium	88.02 points
16	Costa Rica	87.74 points
17	Namibia	87.5 points
18	Poland	87.29 points
19	Luxembourg	86.39 points
20	Switzerland	86.15 points
21	Iceland	86.13 points
22	Ghana	84.5 points
23	Uruguay	84.06 points
24	Cyprus	83.48 points
25	Australia	82.97 points
26	Portugal	82.89 points
27	Liechtenstein	82.33 points
28	Latvia	81.88 points
29	Suriname	81.8 points
30	Belize	81.46 points
31	Lithuania	81.2 points
32	Andorra	80.13 points
33	Spain	80.05 points
34	United Kingdom	80 points
35	Slovenia	79.45 points
36	Cabo Verde	79.31 points
37	France	78.85 points
38	South Africa	77.94 points
39	Samoa	77.68 points
40	Trinidad and Tobago	77.61 points
41	Botswana	77.09 points
42	Chile	77 points
43	Tonga	76.63 points
44	El Salvador	76.34 points
45	Burkina Faso	76.21 points
46	Niger	76.15 points
47	Malta	75.84 points
48	United States	75.59 points
49	Comoros	75.48 points
50	Taiwan	75.17 points
51	Romania	75.1 points
52	Haiti	74.92 points
53	Mongolia	74.75 points
54	Mauritania	74.73 points
55	Papua New Guinea	74.13 points
56	Argentina	73.89 points
57	Croatia	73.88 points
58	Malawi	73.59 points
59	South Korea	73.45 points
60	Japan	73.05 points
61	Guyana	72.79 points
62	Dominican Republic	72.69 points
63	Madagascar	72.57 points
64	Hungary	72.56 points
65	Bosnia and Herzegovina	72.49 points
66	Serbia	72.34 points
67	Mauritius	72.31 points
68	Georgia	72.3 points
69	China, Hong Kong SAR	72.24 points
70	Senegal	72.23 points
71	Republic of Moldova	72.15 points
72	Italy	72.06 points
73	Nicaragua	72.06 points
74	Tanzania	71.91 points
75	Lesotho	71.64 points
76	Armenia	71.57 points
77	Sierra Leone	71.53 points
78	Togo	71.5 points
79	Guinea-Bissau	71.3 points
80	Albania	71.23 points
81	Panama	71.02 points
82	Benin	70.76 points
83	Mozambique	70.02 points
84	Côte d'Ivoire	69.55 points
85	Kyrgyzstan	69.31 points
86	Liberia	69.22 points
87	Kuwait	69.16 points
88	Greece	68.99 points
89	Peru	68.79 points
90	Fiji	68.72 points
91	Bolivia	68.71 points
92	Gabon	68.62 points
93	Seychelles	68.45 points
94	Uganda	68.35 points
95	Lebanon	68.19 points
96	Brazil	68.07 points
97	Kenya	67.93 points
98	Israel	67.91 points
99	Guinea	67.44 points
100	Timor-Leste	67.37 points
101	Bhutan	67.35 points
102	Nepal	67.29 points
103	Bulgaria	67.09 points
104	Congo	67 points
105	Ecuador	66.35 points
106	Paraguay	66.26 points
107	Central African Republic	66.16 points
108	Nigeria	65.91 points
109	Maldives	65.68 points
110	Zambia	65.65 points
111	Montenegro	65.37 points
112	Qatar	64.65 points
113	Tajikistan	63.81 points
114	North Macedonia	63.74 points
115	Mali	63.67 points
116	Algeria	63.37 points
117	United Arab Emirates	63.27 points
118	Brunei Darussalam	63.24 points
119	Afghanistan	62.56 points
120	Angola	62.16 points
121	Guatemala	62.08 points
122	South Sudan	61.96 points
123	Tunisia	61.32 points
124	Oman	61.17 points
125	Colombia	60.92 points
126	Ukraine	60.9 points
127	Morocco	60.81 points
128	Zimbabwe	60.81 points
129	Honduras	60.73 points
130	Cameroon	60.37 points
131	Thailand	59.93 points
132	Chad	59.83 points
133	India	59.51 points
134	Venezuela	59.39 points
135	Indonesia	59.25 points
136	Cambodia	59.01 points
137	State of Palestine	58.99 points
138	Philippines	58.81 points
139	Ethiopia	58.17 points
140	Jordan	57.93 points
141	Myanmar	57.92 points
142	Burundi	57.07 points
143	Bangladesh	57.05 points
144	Malaysia	56.71 points
145	Mexico	56.31 points
146	Turkey	55.84 points
147	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	55.69 points
148	Gambia	55.5 points
149	Russia	55.03 points
150	Singapore	54.13 points
151	Libya	54.01 points
152	Eswatini	52.72 points
153	Iraq	52.24 points
154	Belarus	52.02 points
155	Egypt	49.83 points
156	Pakistan	49.54 points
157	Kazakhstan	46.54 points
158	Rwanda	43.43 points
159	Azerbaijan	41.59 points
160	Bahrain	41.31 points
161	Saudi Arabia	40.59 points
162	Sri Lanka	39.72 points
163	Uzbekistan	38.86 points
164	Equatorial Guinea	33.77 points
165	Yemen	33.64 points
166	Cuba	29.79 points
167	Djibouti	28.96 points
168	Laos	28.75 points
169	Somalia	27.69 points
170	Iran	27.68 points
171	Sudan	27.66 points
172	Vietnam	27.37 points
173	China	26.45 points
174	Syrian Arab Republic	22.71 points
175	Turkmenistan	19.17 points
176	North Korea	16.75 points
177	Eritrea	15.14 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 2015 offers a comprehensive look into the level of media freedom across the globe. This metric is pivotal as it reflects the degree of journalistic independence, which is essential for fostering democracy and ensuring transparency within societies. By analyzing the scores, we gain insights into how countries uphold or restrict free expression, highlighting the global landscape of press freedom.

Global Leaders in Press Freedom

In 2015, Finland emerged as the global leader in press freedom with an impressive score of 92.48. Following closely were Norway and Denmark, with scores of 92.25 and 91.76, respectively. These Scandinavian countries are renowned for their strong democratic institutions and unwavering commitment to maintaining a free press. This commitment is reflected in their high scores, which signify robust media independence. Other notable countries in the top ten include the Netherlands, Sweden, and New Zealand, demonstrating a pattern where developed nations with stable political climates tend to excel in press freedom.

Challenges in Press Freedom

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Eritrea recorded the lowest Press Freedom Index Score of 15.14, followed by North Korea at 16.75 and Turkmenistan at 19.17. These scores underscore severe restrictions on media and free expression, often resulting from authoritarian governance and stringent control over information dissemination. In these environments, journalists face immense challenges, from censorship to imprisonment, making it difficult to operate independently and impartially. The low rankings of these countries highlight ongoing struggles against governmental crackdowns on free speech and the press.

Year-over-Year Variations: Gains and Declines

Examining the year-over-year changes in the Press Freedom Index Score reveals intriguing trends. Notably, Mongolia saw the most significant improvement, with a score increase of 5.05 (7.2%). This positive change can be attributed to reforms and efforts to enhance journalistic freedom within the country. Similarly, Nepal experienced a notable increase of 3.45 (5.4%), reflecting progress in media independence following a period of political turmoil. On the downside, Andorra faced the most significant decline, dropping by 13.05 points (14.0%), illustrating how even small nations can experience setbacks in media freedom due to shifts in policy or leadership.

Regional Insights and Patterns

Analyzing the Press Freedom Index on a regional basis exposes distinct patterns. Europe dominates the higher echelons of the index, with multiple countries consistently scoring above 85. This regional clustering is indicative of Europe's robust legal frameworks supporting press freedom and well-established media institutions. In contrast, regions like the Middle East and parts of Asia exhibit lower scores, often due to political instability, restrictive laws, and conflicts that stifle journalistic practice. These regional disparities emphasize the crucial role that governance and political stability play in nurturing or hindering media freedom.

The Crucial Role of Press Freedom in Society

The importance of a free press cannot be overstated. The Press Freedom Index Score underscores its role as a pillar of democracy and a tool for transparency and accountability. Countries with higher scores typically enjoy more robust democratic processes and governance, as a free press fosters informed citizenry and a check on power. In contrast, low-scoring countries tend to struggle with corruption, human rights violations, and lack of governmental accountability. The 2015 Press Freedom Index Score serves as a vital reminder of the need to protect and promote media independence worldwide, ensuring that the rights to free speech and information are upheld across all nations.

In summary, the Press Freedom Index Score for 2015 paints a vivid picture of the global state of media freedom, highlighting both advancements and ongoing challenges. By understanding these scores and their implications, societies can better advocate for a freer, more transparent world where the press can fulfill its role as a guardian of truth and democracy.

Insights by country

Bulgaria

In 2015, Bulgaria ranked 103rd out of 177 countries in the Press Freedom Index, with a score of 67.09 points. This position reflects ongoing challenges in the media landscape, where issues such as government influence and corruption have hindered journalistic independence.

The relatively low ranking can be attributed to factors including political pressure on journalists, threats to media personnel, and a lack of transparency regarding media ownership. These conditions have contributed to a climate where self-censorship is prevalent among reporters, limiting the scope of investigative journalism.

Despite these challenges, Bulgaria has a vibrant media scene, with a diverse array of outlets. However, the pressures faced by the press highlight the need for reforms to strengthen media freedom and protect journalists from intimidation and censorship.

Kuwait

Kuwait was ranked 87th out of 177 countries in the Press Freedom Index for the year 2015, with a score of 69.16 points. This position indicates a moderate level of press freedom compared to other nations globally, reflecting both advancements and challenges in the country's media landscape.

The score of 69.16 suggests that while there is some level of journalistic freedom, Kuwait still grapples with restrictions that impact the press. Factors contributing to this ranking include government control over media narratives, laws that limit dissent, and instances of censorship, particularly concerning criticism of the ruling family and government officials.

Despite these challenges, Kuwait has a vibrant media environment with various newspapers and television channels that provide diverse viewpoints. Nonetheless, the legal framework surrounding press freedom remains a significant barrier, influencing the overall atmosphere for journalists and media organizations operating within the country.

Sweden

In 2015, Sweden achieved a remarkable Press Freedom Index Score of 90.53 points, ranking 5th out of 177 countries, demonstrating its strong commitment to freedom of the press. This high ranking reflects Sweden's robust democratic institutions and the legal protections afforded to journalists, ensuring their ability to operate without fear of censorship or persecution.

Several factors contribute to Sweden's exemplary press freedom status, including a long-standing tradition of transparency, public access to information laws, and a culture that values open discourse. The country also benefits from a vibrant media landscape that includes a variety of independent outlets, which fosters diverse viewpoints and encourages investigative journalism.

Additionally, Sweden's strong commitment to human rights and civil liberties plays a significant role in maintaining its high press freedom ranking. The nation consistently ranks among the top countries globally in various indices related to democracy and freedom, highlighting its ongoing efforts to protect journalists and promote a free and open society.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 2015, Bosnia and Herzegovina achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 72.49 points, ranking 65th out of 177 countries. This score reflects a moderate level of press freedom, indicating both positive developments and ongoing challenges in the media landscape.

The country’s press freedom situation has been influenced by its complex political environment, post-war reconstruction, and ethnic divisions. Factors such as political pressure, media ownership concentration, and self-censorship among journalists contribute to the challenges faced by the media in reporting freely and independently.

In comparison to neighboring countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina's score highlights a struggle for journalistic integrity amidst issues such as corruption and lack of transparency in government. Additionally, the media environment is often affected by the influence of political parties and business interests, which can hinder the ability of journalists to operate without fear of reprisal.

Djibouti

In 2015, Djibouti was ranked 167th out of 177 countries in the Press Freedom Index, reflecting a serious lack of media freedom within the nation. The country received a score of 28.96 points, indicating significant restrictions on freedom of expression and press operations.

This low score can be attributed to a combination of factors, including government control over the media, censorship practices, and the harassment of journalists. The Djiboutian government has been known to suppress dissent and limit access to information, which severely hinders the ability of the press to operate independently.

Additionally, media outlets often face pressure to align with government narratives, resulting in an environment where criticism of the government is discouraged. This situation is further exacerbated by the presence of a small number of media organizations that are predominantly state-owned or heavily regulated.

Canada

In 2015, Canada achieved an impressive Press Freedom Index Score of 89.01 points, ranking 8th out of 177 countries. This high score reflects a robust commitment to media independence and freedom of expression, hallmarks of Canadian democracy.

The favorable ranking can be attributed to several factors, including a strong legal framework that protects journalists, a diverse and vibrant media landscape, and a general societal respect for the role of the press. Additionally, Canada has a history of relatively low levels of violence against journalists and minimal government interference in media operations.

Interestingly, Canada’s performance in press freedom is consistently strong, often ranking among the top ten countries globally. This positions Canada as a model for media freedom in the North American region, contrasting sharply with countries exhibiting lower scores due to censorship and repression.

Bangladesh

In 2015, Bangladesh ranked 143rd out of 177 countries in the Press Freedom Index, with a score of 57.05 points. This ranking reflects significant challenges faced by journalists and media outlets in the country, where freedom of expression is often curtailed by government restrictions and societal pressures.

The low score can be attributed to a variety of factors, including increasing censorship, threats to journalists, and the use of laws to silence dissent. The government has been known to impose strict regulations on media content, leading to an environment where self-censorship becomes common among reporters.

Additionally, the political climate in Bangladesh has historically been tense, with instances of violence against journalists and media personnel, making it difficult for the press to operate freely. Despite these challenges, the media landscape remains diverse, with numerous outlets striving to report on critical issues, although often under significant risk.

Comoros

In 2015, Comoros achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 75.48 points, ranking 49th out of 177 countries. This score reflects a relatively positive environment for press freedom compared to many other nations, indicating a moderate level of media independence and expression.

The favorable ranking can be attributed to several factors, including a history of political stability in certain periods, as well as the presence of a diverse range of media outlets that provide varied perspectives. However, challenges remain, including occasional government interference and limited resources for journalists, which can impact the overall media landscape.

Additionally, the Comorian media landscape is characterized by a mix of public and private ownership, which contributes to a vibrant, albeit constrained, media environment. Despite its relatively high score in 2015, ongoing issues such as political pressures and economic constraints pose risks to the future of press freedom in the country.

Tanzania

Tanzania achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 71.91 points in 2015, ranking 74th out of 177 countries. This score reflects a moderate level of press freedom within the country, indicating some restrictions on media operations and journalistic practices.

The media landscape in Tanzania has faced challenges, including government censorship, legal constraints, and harassment of journalists, which have influenced the country's ranking. The government's control over major media outlets and the implementation of laws that limit press freedoms have been significant factors in this context.

Despite these challenges, Tanzania's ranking suggests that there are areas of relative openness compared to other countries within the region. However, ongoing concerns about the protection of journalists and the right to free expression continue to be critical issues for the media environment in Tanzania.

Australia

In 2015, Australia achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 82.97 points, ranking 25th out of 177 countries. This score reflects a relatively high level of press freedom in comparison to many other nations, indicating a robust media environment that allows for diverse and independent reporting.

The high ranking can be attributed to several factors, including strong legal protections for journalists, a generally open political landscape, and a commitment to democratic principles. However, concerns have been raised regarding government surveillance practices and their potential impact on journalistic activities, which may pose challenges to press freedom in the future.

Interestingly, Australia's ranking and score signify its position as one of the leaders in the Asia-Pacific region regarding press freedom, although the country has faced criticism for issues such as the treatment of whistleblowers and the increasing concentration of media ownership.

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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