Press Freedom Index Score 2018

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)•

View data for:

Interactive Map

Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Norway	92.37 points
2	Sweden	91.69 points
3	Netherlands	89.99 points
4	Finland	89.74 points
5	Switzerland	88.73 points
6	Jamaica	88.67 points
7	Belgium	86.84 points
8	New Zealand	86.38 points
9	Denmark	86.01 points
10	Costa Rica	85.99 points
11	Austria	85.96 points
12	Estonia	85.92 points
13	Iceland	85.9 points
14	Portugal	85.83 points
15	Germany	85.61 points
16	Ireland	85.41 points
17	Luxembourg	85.28 points
18	Canada	84.72 points
19	Australia	84.54 points
20	Uruguay	84.44 points
21	Suriname	83.56 points
22	Samoa	83.31 points
23	Ghana	81.59 points
24	Latvia	80.37 points
25	Cyprus	80.15 points
26	Namibia	79.76 points
27	Slovakia	79.74 points
28	Cabo Verde	79.61 points
29	South Africa	79.61 points
30	Liechtenstein	79.51 points
31	Spain	79.49 points
32	Slovenia	78.31 points
33	France	78.13 points
34	Czech Republic	78.11 points
35	Lithuania	77.8 points
36	Andorra	77.79 points
37	Chile	77.31 points
38	Trinidad and Tobago	77.21 points
39	United Kingdom	76.75 points
40	Burkina Faso	76.67 points
41	Taiwan	76.64 points
42	South Korea	76.49 points
43	Romania	76.35 points
44	United States	76.27 points
45	Italy	75.88 points
46	Belize	75.45 points
47	Botswana	74.71 points
48	Comoros	74.7 points
49	Senegal	74.39 points
50	Tonga	74.32 points
51	Argentina	73.95 points
52	Papua New Guinea	73.81 points
53	Madagascar	73.8 points
54	Guyana	73.75 points
55	Mauritius	73.55 points
56	Fiji	73.45 points
57	Poland	73.41 points
58	Dominican Republic	73.21 points
59	Haiti	73.18 points
60	Georgia	72.66 points
61	Bosnia and Herzegovina	72.63 points
62	Niger	72.6 points
63	Malawi	72.57 points
64	Malta	72.56 points
65	El Salvador	72.22 points
66	Japan	71.36 points
67	Lesotho	71.22 points
68	Croatia	71.06 points
69	China, Hong Kong SAR	70.96 points
70	Mongolia	70.95 points
71	Mauritania	70.91 points
72	Hungary	70.89 points
73	Greece	70.81 points
74	Albania	70.51 points
75	Serbia	70.42 points
76	Sierra Leone	70.02 points
77	Armenia	70.01 points
78	Republic of Moldova	69.99 points
79	Côte d'Ivoire	69.92 points
80	Guinea-Bissau	69.91 points
81	Benin	69.84 points
82	Seychelles	69.83 points
83	Togo	69.77 points
84	Israel	69.74 points
85	Peru	69.73 points
86	Liberia	69.67 points
87	Nicaragua	69.59 points
88	Ecuador	69.44 points
89	Panama	69.44 points
90	Tanzania	69.35 points
91	Bhutan	69.27 points
92	Timor-Leste	69.19 points
93	Kenya	69.18 points
94	Tunisia	69.09 points
95	Kyrgyzstan	69 points
96	Mozambique	68.88 points
97	Lebanon	68.85 points
98	Ukraine	68.84 points
99	Brazil	68.8 points
100	Montenegro	68.79 points
101	Guinea	68.1 points
102	Kuwait	68.09 points
103	Nepal	67.95 points
104	Paraguay	67.68 points
105	Gabon	67.63 points
106	North Macedonia	67.57 points
107	Bolivia	67.55 points
108	Bulgaria	64.78 points
109	Central African Republic	64.75 points
110	Zambia	64.64 points
111	Congo	64.58 points
112	Mali	63.85 points
113	Guatemala	63.83 points
114	Uganda	63.23 points
115	Afghanistan	62.72 points
116	Nigeria	62.59 points
117	Maldives	62.05 points
118	Angola	61.65 points
119	Gambia	61.64 points
120	Chad	61.55 points
121	Indonesia	60.32 points
122	Qatar	59.84 points
123	Zimbabwe	59.47 points
124	Oman	59.33 points
125	United Arab Emirates	59.14 points
126	Cameroon	59.08 points
127	Colombia	58.97 points
128	Sri Lanka	58.63 points
129	Jordan	58.29 points
130	Philippines	57.47 points
131	State of Palestine	57.04 points
132	Algeria	56.87 points
133	Morocco	56.87 points
134	Myanmar	56.85 points
135	India	56.76 points
136	Pakistan	56.76 points
137	Thailand	55.69 points
138	Honduras	54.77 points
139	Cambodia	54.1 points
140	Venezuela	53.97 points
141	South Sudan	53.12 points
142	Malaysia	52.59 points
143	Bangladesh	51.38 points
144	Mexico	51.09 points
145	Russia	50.04 points
146	Tajikistan	49.94 points
147	Ethiopia	49.83 points
148	Singapore	49.05 points
149	Eswatini	48.54 points
150	Brunei Darussalam	48.52 points
151	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	48.4 points
152	Belarus	47.41 points
153	Rwanda	47.1 points
154	Turkey	46.5 points
155	Kazakhstan	45.59 points
156	Burundi	44.74 points
157	Iraq	43.44 points
158	Egypt	43.28 points
159	Libya	43.21 points
160	Azerbaijan	40.27 points
161	Iran	39.29 points
162	Uzbekistan	39.16 points
163	Bahrain	39.15 points
164	Yemen	37.77 points
165	Somalia	36.96 points
166	Saudi Arabia	36.87 points
167	Laos	33.59 points
168	Equatorial Guinea	33.53 points
169	Cuba	31.1 points
170	Djibouti	29.23 points
171	Sudan	28.87 points
172	Vietnam	24.95 points
173	China	21.71 points
174	Syrian Arab Republic	20.78 points
175	Turkmenistan	15.8 points
176	Eritrea	15.76 points
177	North Korea	11.13 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 2018 presents an insightful look into the global state of media independence, reminding us of its critical role in ensuring democracy and transparency. This index measures the degree of press freedom in countries around the world, with a higher score indicating stronger independence. Understanding these scores not only highlights the importance of free expression but also uncovers the socio-political landscapes influencing it. In 2018, data from 177 countries offered a comprehensive picture of media freedom's global status.

Top Performers of 2018

In 2018, Nordic countries dominated the top ten rankings, showcasing their robust commitment to press freedom. Norway led the list with a remarkable score of 92.37, followed closely by Sweden at 91.69. The Netherlands achieved a noteworthy score of 89.99, securing its place among the leaders. These countries consistently demonstrate a strong tradition of protecting journalistic independence and freedom of expression, reflecting their stable and transparent political environments. Other countries such as Finland, Switzerland, and Jamaica also performed exceptionally well, reinforcing the notion that a free press thrives in open democracies. New Zealand, Belgium, Denmark, and Costa Rica round out the top ten, each with scores above 85, highlighting a global north-south divide in media freedom. This pattern underscores the correlation between democratic governance and high press freedom scores.

Challenges in Media Independence

Conversely, countries at the bottom of the Press Freedom Index faced significant challenges in 2018, often tied to authoritarian governance and censorship. North Korea, with a score of 11.13, sat at the very bottom, reflecting its severe restrictions on free expression. Eritrea and Turkmenistan also scored poorly, with values of 15.76 and 15.8 respectively, emphasizing a trend of restricted media environments in these regions. In countries like Syria and China, ongoing conflicts and stringent state control over media content further suppressed journalistic freedom. Vietnam, Sudan, and Cuba's low scores highlight systemic issues in press freedom, often exacerbated by limited access to independent information and government censorship. These challenges illustrate an ongoing struggle to uphold media rights in politically repressive contexts.

Year-over-Year Changes

The year 2018 saw notable shifts in press freedom across several nations. The Gambia experienced a significant improvement, increasing its score by 8.34 points (15.6%), signaling a positive turn towards greater media independence. Similarly, Uzbekistan and Iran observed noticeable enhancements, with increases of 5.27 (15.6%) and 4.41 (12.6%) respectively. These upward trends may reflect political reforms and a stronger commitment to freedom of expression. South Korea also improved its score by 4.10 points (5.7%), likely due to reforms aimed at enhancing media transparency. In contrast, countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia faced declines in their scores, dropping by 4.98 (-6.0%) and 4.75 (-5.6%) respectively, which may indicate rising pressures on journalistic practices. North Korea's score decreased by 3.89 (-25.9%), reflecting even tighter restrictions. Such fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of press freedom and its susceptibility to political and societal changes.

Policy Implications and Global Trends

The 2018 Press Freedom Index underscores the vital role of policies in shaping media landscapes. Countries with proactive media regulations and protections tend to score higher, affirming the relationship between effective governance and press freedom. The data suggests that in regions where governments have made concerted efforts to liberalize media laws and support independent journalism, there has been a marked improvement in scores. This trend is evident in nations like The Gambia and South Korea, where policy shifts have positively impacted media freedom. Conversely, countries with regressive media policies continue to languish at the lower end of the index, emphasizing the need for policy reforms to foster an environment conducive to free expression. These insights point to the importance of international collaboration and advocacy to uphold and advance media freedom globally.

Conclusion: The State of Press Freedom in 2018

Overall, the Press Freedom Index Score for 2018 reflects a diverse range of media environments worldwide, from the high-scoring Nordic countries to those facing severe restrictions. With an average score of 65.08 across 177 countries, the index reveals both progress and challenges in the quest for media independence. The data highlights the complex interplay between political governance, societal norms, and media practices, underscoring the critical need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy to protect press freedom. As nations navigate the evolving media landscape, understanding these scores remains essential in fostering informed societies and resilient democracies.

Insights by country

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranked 147th out of 177 countries in the Press Freedom Index for the year 2018, with a score of 49.83 points. This ranking reflects a challenging environment for journalists and media outlets within the country, where press freedom is often hindered by government restrictions and censorship.

Several factors contributed to this low score, including increased government surveillance, the arrest of journalists, and stringent media laws that limit freedom of expression. The political climate in Ethiopia during this period was marked by unrest and protests, which often led to crackdowns on dissent and a hostile atmosphere for reporters.

In a broader context, Ethiopia's media landscape faces ongoing challenges, with many journalists operating under pressure and fearing repercussions for their work. Despite these obstacles, there have been efforts towards reform, especially following the appointment of a new prime minister in 2018, which raised hopes for improved press freedoms in the future.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 73.81 points in 2018, ranking 52nd out of 177 countries. This score indicates a relatively moderate level of press freedom within the nation, suggesting that while there are opportunities for journalistic expression, significant challenges remain.

The ranking reflects a complex media landscape characterized by both vibrant local journalism and considerable pressures from political entities. Factors influencing this index score include instances of government interference, threats to journalists, and the prevalence of censorship in certain contexts, often fueled by the political climate and social issues.

Despite these challenges, Papua New Guinea's media environment has seen improvements over time, with a growing number of independent news outlets and an increasing public demand for transparency and accountability. The country’s unique cultural diversity further enriches the media discourse, although it also presents challenges in terms of equitable access to information across different regions.

Senegal

In 2018, Senegal achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 74.39 points, ranking 49th out of 177 countries. This score reflects a relatively high level of press freedom in comparison to many other nations, indicating a vibrant media landscape that allows for diverse opinions and reporting.

The positive ranking can be attributed to Senegal's democratic governance and a generally supportive legal framework for journalists. However, challenges still persist, including instances of harassment against journalists and limitations on media ownership, which can affect the overall media independence.

Additionally, Senegal is known for its active civil society and public engagement, which further supports press freedom. The country's commitment to maintaining a free press is essential for its democratic process and societal accountability, contributing to its position as a leader in West Africa regarding media rights.

Serbia

In 2018, Serbia achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 70.42 points, ranking it 75th out of 177 countries. This score indicates a moderate level of press freedom, reflecting the challenges and limitations faced by journalists in the country.

The press landscape in Serbia has been characterized by issues such as political pressure, media ownership concentration, and instances of violence against journalists. These factors contribute to a climate where media independence is often compromised, impacting the ability of the press to operate freely and critically.

Despite these challenges, Serbia has a vibrant civil society and media landscape, with a number of independent outlets working to provide diverse perspectives. However, ongoing concerns about government influence and the safety of journalists remain significant hurdles that could affect future press freedom ratings.

Taiwan

Taiwan achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 76.64 in 2018, ranking 41st out of 177 countries. This score reflects Taiwan's commitment to maintaining a free and open media environment, which is a significant aspect of its democratic society.

The relatively high score can be attributed to several factors, including a robust legal framework that supports freedom of expression, a diverse media landscape, and active civil society engagement. However, challenges remain, such as pressures from mainland China and concerns about misinformation.

Interestingly, Taiwan's ranking places it among the top countries in Asia for press freedom, highlighting its position as a beacon of democracy in the region. In comparison, many neighboring countries face more severe restrictions on media and expression, underscoring Taiwan's unique status in promoting journalistic independence.

Uzbekistan

In 2018, Uzbekistan ranked 162nd out of 177 countries in the Press Freedom Index, indicating a low level of press freedom in the nation. The country received a score of 39.16 points, reflecting significant restrictions on media activities and the suppression of independent journalism.

This ranking can be attributed to a variety of factors, including stringent government control over media outlets, censorship, and persecution of journalists. The Uzbek government has historically maintained a tight grip on information dissemination, leading to a media landscape characterized by limited diversity of opinions and significant risks for those who criticize the state.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Uzbekistan's press freedom situation has been affected by its political climate, with reforms being slow and often superficial despite changes in leadership. As of 2018, the country remained one of the most repressive environments for journalists in Central Asia, highlighting the ongoing challenges for free expression and media independence.

Argentina

In 2018, Argentina achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 73.95 points, ranking 51st out of 177 countries. This score reflects a relatively positive environment for press freedom compared to many other nations, indicating a commitment to journalistic independence and freedom of expression.

Despite this favorable ranking, the media landscape in Argentina faces challenges, including instances of government influence and threats to journalists. Factors contributing to the score include a vibrant press sector and the presence of diverse media outlets, but also highlight ongoing issues such as censorship, violence against journalists, and the economic pressures impacting media sustainability.

Interestingly, Argentina's score in 2018 demonstrates a significant commitment to maintaining press freedoms in a region where such rights can often be under threat. This is vital for the functioning of democracy and public discourse within the country.

Andorra

In 2018, Andorra achieved a commendable Press Freedom Index Score of 77.79 points, ranking 36th out of 177 countries. This score reflects the country's strong commitment to maintaining a free and independent press, which is crucial for democratic governance and public accountability.

The favorable press environment in Andorra can be attributed to several factors, including a robust legal framework that protects freedom of expression and the absence of significant government censorship. Additionally, the small size of the country fosters a close-knit media landscape where journalists can operate with relative safety and autonomy.

Interestingly, Andorra's ranking highlights its position as one of the leaders in media freedom within Europe, a region that generally upholds high standards for press rights. This ranking is indicative of the broader trend in which smaller nations often exhibit stronger press freedoms compared to larger states, where political and economic pressures may impose greater restrictions.

Georgia

In 2018, Georgia achieved a Press Freedom Index score of 72.66 points, ranking 60th out of 177 countries. This score reflects a relatively favorable environment for media freedom compared to many other nations, indicating that journalists in Georgia can operate with a degree of independence and freedom of expression.

Several factors contribute to Georgia's performance in the Press Freedom Index. The country has made significant strides since the Rose Revolution in 2003, which led to democratic reforms and a more open media landscape. However, challenges remain, including political pressures, ownership concentration in media outlets, and occasional instances of violence against journalists.

Furthermore, while Georgia's score is commendable, it still faces ongoing issues such as disinformation campaigns and interference from political entities, which can undermine the quality and reliability of journalism. In the broader context of the region, Georgia's performance in the Press Freedom Index is notable, as it stands out as one of the more progressive countries in the South Caucasus, often being compared to its neighbors, Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have lower scores.

Liberia

Liberia achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 69.67 points in 2018, ranking 86th out of 177 countries. This score reflects a relatively moderate level of press freedom in comparison to other nations, indicating that while there are avenues for expression, challenges remain.

The index score is influenced by various factors, including the legal framework governing media, incidents of violence against journalists, and the overall political climate. In Liberia, the aftermath of civil conflict has fostered a complex media landscape, where both governmental and societal pressures can affect journalistic independence.

Despite the progress made in post-conflict recovery, issues such as censorship and intimidation of journalists continue to pose significant challenges to press freedom. Notably, Liberia has a vibrant community of media practitioners and civil society organizations advocating for greater transparency and protection of journalistic rights.

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).

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

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

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

More Communications Facts

Internet Usage Rate by Country (% of Population)

Discover the internet usage rate by country, showcasing the percentage of the population online. This statistic highlights digital accessibility and connectivity trends globally, emphasizing the importance of internet access in today's world.

View data

Browse All Communications

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data