Press Freedom Index Score 2024

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.

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

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Norway	91.89 points
2	Denmark	89.6 points
3	Sweden	88.32 points
4	Netherlands	87.73 points
5	Finland	86.55 points
6	Estonia	86.44 points
7	Portugal	85.9 points
8	Ireland	85.59 points
9	Switzerland	84.01 points
10	Germany	83.84 points
11	Luxembourg	83.8 points
12	Latvia	82.9 points
13	Lithuania	81.73 points
14	Canada	81.7 points
15	Liechtenstein	81.52 points
16	Belgium	81.49 points
17	Czech Republic	80.14 points
18	Iceland	80.13 points
19	New Zealand	79.72 points
20	Timor-Leste	78.92 points
21	France	78.65 points
22	Samoa	78.41 points
23	United Kingdom	77.51 points
24	Jamaica	77.3 points
25	Trinidad and Tobago	76.69 points
26	Costa Rica	76.13 points
27	Taiwan	76.13 points
28	Suriname	76.11 points
29	Slovakia	76.03 points
30	Spain	76.01 points
31	Republic of Moldova	74.86 points
32	Austria	74.69 points
33	Mauritania	74.2 points
34	Namibia	74.16 points
35	Dominican Republic	73.89 points
36	North Macedonia	73.78 points
37	Seychelles	73.75 points
38	South Africa	73.73 points
39	Australia	73.42 points
40	Montenegro	73.21 points
41	Cabo Verde	72.77 points
42	Slovenia	72.6 points
43	Armenia	71.6 points
44	Fiji	71.23 points
45	Tonga	70.11 points
46	Italy	69.8 points
47	Poland	69.17 points
48	Croatia	68.79 points
49	Romania	68.45 points
50	Ghana	67.71 points
51	Uruguay	67.7 points
52	Chile	67.32 points
53	Côte d'Ivoire	66.89 points
54	Belize	66.85 points
55	United States	66.59 points
56	Gabon	65.83 points
57	Mauritius	65.55 points
58	Gambia	65.53 points
59	Bulgaria	65.32 points
60	Liberia	65.13 points
61	Ukraine	65 points
62	South Korea	64.87 points
63	Malawi	64.46 points
64	Sierra Leone	64.27 points
65	Cyprus	63.14 points
66	Argentina	63.13 points
67	Hungary	62.98 points
68	Congo	62.57 points
69	Japan	62.12 points
70	Comoros	61.47 points
71	Andorra	61.44 points
72	Malta	60.96 points
73	Nepal	60.52 points
74	Kosovo	60.19 points
75	Central African Republic	60.12 points
76	Guyana	60.1 points
77	Guinea	59.97 points
78	Botswana	59.78 points
79	Niger	59.71 points
80	Bosnia and Herzegovina	58.85 points
81	Brazil	58.59 points
82	Panama	58.55 points
83	Qatar	58.48 points
84	Eswatini	58.31 points
85	Burkina Faso	58.24 points
86	Thailand	58.12 points
87	Greece	57.15 points
88	Benin	56.73 points
89	Papua New Guinea	56.02 points
90	Guinea-Bissau	55.95 points
91	Haiti	55.92 points
92	Senegal	55.44 points
93	Zambia	55.38 points
94	Chad	54.81 points
95	Tanzania	54.8 points
96	Serbia	54.48 points
97	Albania	54.1 points
98	Madagascar	54.07 points
99	Israel	53.23 points
100	Kenya	53.22 points
101	Georgia	53.05 points
102	Angola	52.44 points
103	Mozambique	52.42 points
104	Maldives	52.36 points
105	Malaysia	52.07 points
106	Burundi	51.78 points
107	Mongolia	51.34 points
108	Ecuador	51.3 points
109	Indonesia	51.15 points
110	Nigeria	51.03 points
111	Togo	50.89 points
112	Mali	50.56 points
113	Paraguay	50.48 points
114	Zimbabwe	50.31 points
115	Brunei Darussalam	50.09 points
116	Tunisia	49.97 points
117	Colombia	49.63 points
118	Kyrgyzstan	49.11 points
119	Mexico	49.01 points
120	Lesotho	48.92 points
121	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	48.91 points
122	Bolivia	48.88 points
123	Peru	47.76 points
124	Singapore	47.19 points
125	Equatorial Guinea	46.49 points
126	Uganda	46 points
127	Morocco	45.97 points
128	Cameroon	44.95 points
129	Kuwait	44.66 points
130	Jordan	44.3 points
131	El Salvador	44.01 points
132	Philippines	43.36 points
133	China, Hong Kong SAR	43.06 points
134	South Sudan	42.57 points
135	Oman	42.52 points
136	Guatemala	42.28 points
137	Algeria	41.98 points
138	Lebanon	41.91 points
139	Ethiopia	41.37 points
140	Kazakhstan	41.11 points
141	Libya	40.59 points
142	Rwanda	40.54 points
143	Somalia	39.4 points
144	Honduras	38.18 points
145	Bhutan	37.29 points
146	Uzbekistan	37.27 points
147	Sudan	35.73 points
148	Sri Lanka	35.21 points
149	Cambodia	34.28 points
150	Pakistan	33.9 points
151	Laos	33.76 points
152	Yemen	33.67 points
153	Tajikistan	33.31 points
154	Venezuela	33.06 points
155	State of Palestine	31.92 points
156	Turkey	31.6 points
157	India	31.28 points
158	United Arab Emirates	30.62 points
159	Djibouti	30.14 points
160	Russia	29.86 points
161	Nicaragua	29.2 points
162	Azerbaijan	27.99 points
163	Bangladesh	27.64 points
164	Saudi Arabia	27.14 points
165	Belarus	26.8 points
166	Cuba	25.63 points
167	Iraq	25.48 points
168	Egypt	25.1 points
169	Myanmar	24.41 points
170	China	23.36 points
171	Bahrain	23.21 points
172	Vietnam	22.31 points
173	Turkmenistan	22.01 points
174	Iran	21.3 points
175	North Korea	20.66 points
176	Afghanistan	19.09 points
177	Syrian Arab Republic	17.41 points
178	Eritrea	16.64 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 is a crucial metric that measures the level of media freedom in countries worldwide. This score is pivotal for assessing the health of democracies as it underlines the extent to which journalists can operate independently, free from political influence and censorship. In 2024, the Press Freedom Index Score has revealed significant insights into global media landscapes, highlighting both improvements and deteriorations that mirror the geopolitical shifts and policy changes across the globe.

Global Overview of Press Freedom in 2024

The 2024 Press Freedom Index Score analysis encompasses data from 178 countries, showcasing a diverse spectrum of media freedom. The scores range from a minimum of 16.64 to a maximum of 91.89, with an average score of 55.83. This data suggests a modest global distribution towards stronger press independence. Notably, Norway continues to set the standard with the highest score of 91.89, reflecting its robust commitment to free expression. Other leading nations include Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands, each scoring above 87, further cementing their status as champions of media freedom.

Notable Improvements in Media Freedom

Several countries have made remarkable strides in enhancing their media environments. Among the most significant improvements are seen in Mauritania, which experienced a remarkable 24.8% increase, bringing its score up by 14.75 points. Similarly, Fiji and Tanzania have both improved their scores by over 10 points. This positive trend in these nations suggests an expanding space for journalistic freedom, possibly linked to recent policy reforms or shifts in political climates that favor transparency.

Challenges and Declines in Press Freedom

Despite the advancements, the 2024 data also reflects notable declines in certain regions, underscoring ongoing challenges. Afghanistan's score plummeted by 20.66 points, a stark 52% decrease, indicating severe setbacks in press freedom, likely exacerbated by political instability. Bhutan and Lesotho also faced significant declines, with reductions of 21.96 and 15.37 points, respectively. These reductions may correlate with tightening government control or increased intolerance towards dissenting voices.

Regional Disparities in Press Freedom

The 2024 Press Freedom Index Score highlights pronounced regional disparities. European countries predominantly occupy the top tier, with established democracies leading the way in media independence. In contrast, regions such as the Middle East and parts of Asia exhibit lower scores, with countries like Eritrea and North Korea scoring as low as 16.64 and 20.66, respectively. These regions face persistent issues like state censorship and limited journalistic autonomy, reflecting broader socio-political constraints.

Policy Impact and International Influence

Policy changes and international influences have played crucial roles in shaping the 2024 press freedom landscape. Nations implementing reforms to safeguard journalistic rights have seen improvements, as evidenced by countries like Chile, which increased its score by 7.23 points. Conversely, geopolitical tensions and authoritarian governance have curtailed media freedom in other nations. The global average decrease of 2.58 points, or 5.3%, underscores the fragility of press independence in volatile regions, highlighting the need for sustained advocacy and international support to uphold freedom of expression.

The Press Freedom Index Score for 2024 provides a compelling snapshot of the current state of global media freedom. This metric not only serves as a barometer for democratic health but also prompts critical discourse on the need to protect and enhance press independence worldwide. As nations continue to grapple with the complexities of modern governance and communication, the Press Freedom Index Score remains an invaluable tool for assessing and promoting media freedom across all borders.

Insights by country

Turkey

Turkey ranks 156 out of 178 countries in the 2024 Press Freedom Index, reflecting a significant challenge to journalistic freedoms within the nation. The country's score of 31.6 points indicates a precarious environment for media, characterized by government control, censorship, and threats against journalists.

This low ranking is influenced by various factors, including the government's tightening grip on the press, the imprisonment of journalists, and the suppression of dissenting voices. In recent years, many media outlets have been shuttered or taken over by pro-government entities, leading to a homogenized media landscape that stifles critical reporting.

Moreover, the ongoing political climate, marked by a crackdown on opposition and civil liberties, exacerbates the challenges faced by journalists. These issues are compounded by societal pressures and a culture of self-censorship among media professionals, who fear repercussions for their reporting.

Fiji

Fiji ranks 44th out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index for the year 2024, with a score of 71.23 points. This score reflects a relatively favorable climate for media freedom compared to many other nations, indicating a moderate level of press independence and the ability for journalists to operate without excessive government interference.

Several factors contribute to Fiji's position in the Press Freedom Index, including recent political reforms aimed at enhancing democratic governance and improving civil liberties. However, the nation's history of political instability and military coups has left an imprint on media operations, leading to a cautious environment where journalists must navigate potential repercussions for their reporting.

In addition to its rank, it is noteworthy that Fiji's media landscape is characterized by a mix of state-owned and private media outlets, which can influence the diversity of viewpoints available to the public. This context is vital for understanding the ongoing challenges and improvements in the realm of press freedom in Fiji.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic ranks 17th out of 178 countries on the Press Freedom Index for the year 2024, with a score of 80.14 points. This position reflects the country's strong commitment to maintaining a free and independent press, which is a cornerstone of its democratic society.

Several factors contribute to this high score, including a robust legal framework that protects journalists and media organizations, as well as a vibrant civil society that advocates for press freedoms. Additionally, the media landscape in the Czech Republic is diverse, encompassing a variety of opinions and voices, which enhances the overall media environment.

However, challenges remain, such as concerns over disinformation and the influence of political and economic interests on media integrity. Despite these issues, the Czech Republic continues to uphold its reputation as one of the leading countries in Central and Eastern Europe regarding press freedom.

Cambodia

Cambodia ranks 149 out of 178 countries in the 2024 Press Freedom Index, reflecting a significant concern regarding the state of press freedoms in the nation. With a score of 34.28 points, the country shows a challenging environment for journalists and media outlets, often characterized by government restrictions and censorship.

This low score and ranking can be attributed to various factors, including government control over media, intimidation of journalists, and the use of laws to suppress dissenting voices. The Cambodian government has been known to target independent media and critics, which further exacerbates the situation for press freedoms.

In a broader context, Cambodia's press freedom situation mirrors a trend observed in several Southeast Asian nations where authoritarian governance has led to increased limitations on media expression. This environment not only affects journalistic integrity but also impacts public access to information and civic engagement.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic ranks 35th out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index for the year 2024, achieving a score of 73.89 points. This position reflects a relatively strong commitment to press freedom compared to many countries in the region.

Several factors contribute to this score, including a vibrant media landscape and the presence of diverse news outlets that operate independently. However, challenges remain, such as occasional government pressure, threats to journalists, and issues related to self-censorship. These elements can undermine the overall effectiveness of free expression.

In contrast to some neighboring nations, the Dominican Republic's media environment has shown resilience, with journalists often covering a wide range of topics, including political corruption and social issues. Nevertheless, the ongoing need for protective measures for journalists and media workers is evident to ensure sustained progress in press freedom.

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea ranks 125th out of 178 countries in the 2024 Press Freedom Index, with a score of 46.49 points. This ranking indicates a challenging environment for media and press freedom, reflecting significant restrictions on journalistic activities and a lack of independent media outlets.

The low score can be attributed to a variety of factors, including strict government control over information, censorship, and the repression of dissenting voices. The government has been known to impose heavy penalties on journalists and media organizations that challenge the official narrative, contributing to a climate of fear and self-censorship among reporters.

Additionally, Equatorial Guinea's media landscape is characterized by a predominance of state-owned outlets, which limits the diversity of viewpoints presented to the public. This is compounded by a general lack of transparency and accountability within the government, further stifling the ability of the press to operate freely and effectively.

Guinea

In 2024, Guinea ranks 77th out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index, reflecting its ongoing challenges in media freedom and expression. The country has a score of 59.97 points, indicating a moderate level of press freedom, but still revealing significant issues that hinder the full realization of journalistic liberties.

This ranking is influenced by various factors, including government controls over media outlets, instances of harassment against journalists, and limited access to information. The political landscape in Guinea, marked by tensions and upheaval, often leads to restrictive measures aimed at curbing dissent and controlling narratives.

Historically, Guinea has experienced periods of both repression and reform in its media sector, with the current score suggesting a complex environment where progress towards a freer press is still necessary. In comparison, neighboring countries often exhibit varying degrees of press freedom, highlighting the regional disparities in media landscapes across West Africa.

Djibouti

In 2024, Djibouti ranks 159 out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index, reflecting a challenging environment for media and journalism. With a score of 30.14 points, the country continues to face significant restrictions on press freedom, indicating a climate where independent journalism is severely limited.

The low ranking can be attributed to several factors, including government control over media outlets, censorship, and the harassment of journalists. The Djiboutian government has historically employed tactics such as intimidation and legal repercussions to suppress dissenting voices and maintain a tight grip on information dissemination.

Additionally, Djibouti's strategic geopolitical position and reliance on foreign military partnerships may contribute to its media landscape, where national security concerns often overshadow the necessity for free expression. The situation reflects broader regional trends, as many neighboring countries also struggle with media freedom, underscoring the importance of ongoing advocacy for journalistic rights in the region.

Honduras

Honduras ranks 144th out of 178 countries in the 2024 Press Freedom Index, reflecting ongoing challenges in media independence and safety for journalists. The country received a score of 38.18 points, indicating a precarious environment for press freedoms.

This low ranking can be attributed to several factors, including a history of violence against journalists, governmental restrictions on media operations, and the influence of organized crime. Journalists in Honduras often face threats, harassment, and even murder, which significantly hampers their ability to report freely and accurately.

Moreover, the political landscape in Honduras has been marked by instability and corruption, further undermining press freedom. Reports indicate that the concentration of media ownership and limited diversity in viewpoints contribute to a restricted media environment, making it difficult for independent journalism to thrive.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso ranks 85th out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index for the year 2024, with a score of 58.24 points. This positioning highlights the challenges faced by the media in the country, where freedom of expression is often curtailed by various political and social factors.

The relatively moderate score reflects ongoing issues such as government censorship, threats to journalists, and constraints on media outlets. Factors contributing to these challenges include the political instability that has plagued Burkina Faso, particularly following a series of military coups and a rise in militant violence, which have led to increased restrictions on reporting and media activities.

Additionally, the situation is exacerbated by the security crisis in the Sahel region, where journalists often face risks while covering sensitive topics related to terrorism and conflict. Despite these challenges, Burkina Faso has a vibrant civil society and community radio stations that continue to operate, striving to provide independent news and information to the public.

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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