Press Freedom Index Score 2025

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	92.31 points
2	Estonia	89.46 points
3	Netherlands	88.64 points
4	Sweden	88.13 points
5	Finland	87.18 points
6	Denmark	86.93 points
7	Ireland	86.92 points
8	Portugal	84.26 points
9	Switzerland	83.98 points
10	Czech Republic	83.96 points
11	Germany	83.85 points
12	Liechtenstein	83.42 points
13	Luxembourg	83.04 points
14	Lithuania	82.27 points
15	Latvia	81.82 points
16	New Zealand	81.37 points
17	Iceland	81.36 points
18	Belgium	80.12 points
19	Trinidad and Tobago	79.71 points
20	United Kingdom	78.89 points
21	Canada	78.75 points
22	Austria	78.12 points
23	Spain	77.35 points
24	Taiwan	77.04 points
25	France	76.62 points
26	Jamaica	75.83 points
27	South Africa	75.71 points
28	Namibia	75.35 points
29	Australia	75.15 points
30	Cabo Verde	74.98 points
31	Poland	74.79 points
32	Suriname	74.49 points
33	Slovenia	74.06 points
34	Armenia	73.96 points
35	Republic of Moldova	73.36 points
36	Costa Rica	73.09 points
37	Montenegro	72.83 points
38	Slovakia	71.93 points
39	Timor-Leste	71.79 points
40	Fiji	71.2 points
41	Gabon	70.65 points
42	North Macedonia	70.44 points
43	Dominican Republic	69.87 points
44	Samoa	69.28 points
45	Seychelles	68.56 points
46	Tonga	68.39 points
47	Belize	68.32 points
48	Italy	68.01 points
49	Mauritania	67.52 points
50	Mauritius	67.31 points
51	Ghana	67.13 points
52	Panama	66.75 points
53	Liberia	66.61 points
54	Romania	66.42 points
55	Sierra Leone	66.36 points
56	United States	65.487 points
57	Gambia	65.486 points
58	Uruguay	65.18 points
59	Croatia	64.2 points
60	South Korea	64.06 points
61	Ukraine	63.93 points
62	Brazil	63.8 points
63	Côte d'Ivoire	63.69 points
64	Andorra	63.3 points
65	Japan	63.14 points
66	Malta	62.96 points
67	Hungary	62.82 points
68	Chile	62.25 points
69	Bulgaria	60.78 points
70	Congo	60.58 points
71	Central African Republic	60.15 points
72	Guyana	60.12 points
73	Senegal	59.43 points
74	Comoros	59.27 points
75	Malawi	59.2 points
76	Cyprus	59.04 points
77	Papua New Guinea	58.35 points
78	Qatar	58.25 points
79	Albania	58.18 points
80	Botswana	57.64 points
81	Zambia	57.33 points
82	Niger	57.05 points
83	Paraguay	56.84 points
84	Thailand	56.72 points
85	Bosnia and Herzegovina	56.33 points
86	Argentina	56.14 points
87	Malaysia	56.09 points
88	Greece	55.37 points
89	Nepal	55.2 points
90	Benin	54.6 points
91	Bolivia	54.09 points
92	Ecuador	53.76 points
93	Tanzania	53.68 points
94	Serbia	53.55 points
95	Brunei Darussalam	53.47 points
96	Eswatini	52.86 points
97	Kosovo	52.73 points
98	Angola	52.67 points
99	Mozambique	52.63 points
100	Mongolia	52.57 points
101	Guinea	52.53 points
102	Maldives	52.46 points
103	Burkina Faso	52.25 points
104	Zimbabwe	52.1 points
105	Lesotho	52.07 points
106	Chad	51.89 points
107	South Sudan	51.63 points
108	Guinea-Bissau	51.36 points
109	Haiti	51.061 points
110	Israel	51.055 points
111	Madagascar	50.8 points
112	Georgia	50.53 points
113	Colombia	49.8 points
114	Philippines	49.57 points
115	Kenya	49.41 points
116	Equatorial Guinea	48.68 points
117	Mali	48.23 points
118	Morocco	48.04 points
119	Togo	48.03 points
120	Nigeria	46.81 points
121	Singapore	45.78 points
122	Mexico	45.55 points
123	Burundi	45.44 points
124	Algeria	44.64 points
125	Indonesia	44.13 points
126	Kuwait	44.06 points
127	Tunisia	43.48 points
128	Peru	42.88 points
129	Cameroon	42.75 points
130	Lebanon	42.62 points
131	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	42.31 points
132	Oman	42.29 points
133	El Salvador	41.19 points
134	Somalia	40.49 points
135	Libya	40.42 points
136	Guatemala	40.32 points
137	Sri Lanka	39.93 points
138	China, Hong Kong SAR	39.86 points
139	Kazakhstan	39.34 points
140	Honduras	38.51 points
141	Uganda	37.61 points
142	Kyrgyzstan	37.46 points
143	Ethiopia	36.92 points
144	Rwanda	35.84 points
145	Jordan	35.25 points
146	Uzbekistan	35.24 points
147	Bangladesh	33.71 points
148	Laos	33.22 points
149	India	32.96 points
150	Bhutan	32.62 points
151	Tajikistan	32.21 points
152	Yemen	31.45 points
153	Iraq	30.69 points
154	Sudan	30.34 points
155	Bahrain	30.24 points
156	Pakistan	29.62 points
157	Turkey	29.4 points
158	Venezuela	29.21 points
159	Cambodia	28.18 points
160	Saudi Arabia	27.94 points
161	State of Palestine	27.41 points
162	United Arab Emirates	26.91 points
163	Cuba	26.03 points
164	Belarus	25.73 points
165	Azerbaijan	25.47 points
166	Djibouti	25.36 points
167	Myanmar	25.32 points
168	Egypt	24.74 points
169	Russia	24.57 points
170	Nicaragua	22.83 points
171	Vietnam	19.74 points
172	Turkmenistan	19.14 points
173	Afghanistan	17.88 points
174	Iran	16.22 points
175	Syrian Arab Republic	15.82 points
176	China	14.8 points
177	North Korea	12.64 points
178	Eritrea	11.32 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, a critical measure of media independence, evaluates the level of press freedom across countries globally. A higher score indicates stronger press independence, which is fundamental to democracy and transparency. In 2025, understanding these scores highlights the indispensable role of free expression in shaping societal discourse and governance.

Global Statistical Overview of Press Freedom in 2025

The 2025 Press Freedom Index Score encompasses data from 178 countries, revealing substantial variability in media independence worldwide. This year's scores range from a minimum of 11.32 to a maximum of 92.31, emphasizing the stark contrast in press environments. The average score stands at 54.65, with a median of 55.20, underscoring a marginal lean towards higher press freedom among the surveyed nations. Notably, Norway tops the chart with a score of 92.31, reflecting its robust media environment, while Eritrea sits at the bottom with 11.32, highlighting severe restrictions on media freedom.

Regional Leaders and Laggards in Press Freedom

In 2025, the Nordic countries have emerged as paragons of press freedom. Norway, Estonia (89.46), and the Netherlands (88.64) are at the forefront, showcasing their commitment to safeguarding journalistic independence and protecting freedom of expression. These nations' high scores are indicative of their unwavering dedication to democratic principles and transparent governance. Conversely, countries like Eritrea, North Korea (12.64), and China (14.8) reflect the challenges faced in regions where media are tightly controlled, often leading to a stifling of dissent and significant information suppression.

Political and Economic Influences on Press Freedom

The year 2025 has seen notable political and economic shifts influencing press freedom globally. The average change in scores was a slight decline of 1.18 points, approximately a 2.8% decrease, suggesting increased pressures on media freedom in many regions. South Sudan experienced the most significant positive shift, climbing by 9.06 points (21.3%), reflecting recent policy reforms and international support for media development. Conversely, Kyrgyzstan faced the steepest decline at -11.65 points (-23.7%), signifying potential political turmoil or regression in media policy. These shifts highlight the intricate relationship between socio-political climates and media freedom.

Impact of Technological Advancements on Press Freedom

Technological advances in digital media have played a dual role in shaping press freedom in 2025. On one hand, digital platforms have democratized content creation and dissemination, empowering independent voices in countries with limited traditional media freedom. This empowerment is evident in regions like the Philippines, which saw a 6.21 point increase (14.3%) in its Press Freedom Index Score, partly due to the vibrant online media landscape. On the other hand, technological surveillance tools in authoritarian regimes have enabled tighter control over information, contributing to score reductions in countries like China, which dropped by 8.56 points (-36.6%), reflecting the intensified digital censorship and surveillance efforts.

Future Prospects for Global Press Freedom

Looking ahead, the global landscape of press freedom in 2025 signals both challenges and opportunities. While some nations continue to foster environments conducive to free expression, others struggle under restrictive regimes. Efforts to fortify press freedom must consider the delicate balance between embracing technological innovation and mitigating the risks posed by digital surveillance. International collaboration and domestic advocacy will be crucial in promoting policies that uphold journalistic independence and counteract the threats of censorship. As the world continues to evolve, the Press Freedom Index Score serves as a barometer of the health of democracies and the vibrancy of global discourse.

Insights by country

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic ranks 10th out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index for the year 2025, reflecting a robust commitment to journalistic freedom and a vibrant media landscape. With a score of 83.96 points, the country demonstrates a strong legal framework and cultural respect for press rights, which has been crucial in fostering an environment where journalists can operate without undue interference.

This high ranking can be attributed to several factors, including a well-established democratic system, effective legal protections for media workers, and a diverse array of media outlets that contribute to a pluralistic information environment. Furthermore, the Czech Republic benefits from an active civil society that advocates for transparency and accountability in governance.

However, challenges remain, including occasional tensions between the government and the media, particularly regarding issues of political influence and the role of disinformation. Despite these challenges, the Czech Republic's media environment remains one of the freest in Central Europe, with a tradition of investigative journalism and public discourse that continues to thrive.

Djibouti

In 2025, Djibouti ranks 166 out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index, reflecting a significant concern regarding media freedom within the nation. The country received a score of 25.36 points, indicating a severely constrained environment for journalists and media outlets.

This low ranking can be attributed to several factors, including government control over the media, censorship, and the repression of dissenting voices. The Djiboutian government has been known to limit press freedoms through intimidation and legal repercussions, which suppresses independent journalism and inhibits free expression.

Furthermore, Djibouti's strategic geopolitical position, particularly as a host to foreign military bases, adds complexity to the media landscape. The interplay between national security concerns and media regulation often results in stringent controls over information dissemination, contributing to the country's unfavorable press freedom status.

Estonia

In 2025, Estonia achieved a remarkable Press Freedom Index Score of 89.46 points, ranking 2nd out of 178 countries. This high score reflects Estonia's commitment to upholding freedom of the press, ensuring that journalists can operate independently and without fear of censorship or retaliation.

Several factors contribute to Estonia's impressive ranking, including a robust legal framework that protects freedom of expression, a vibrant civil society, and a high level of digital literacy among its population. The country has invested significantly in media education and the promotion of diverse media outlets, which further enhances the quality of journalism.

Furthermore, Estonia's proactive stance on digital rights and internet freedom has positioned it as a leader in the region, promoting transparency and accountability in governance. Notably, Estonia has consistently ranked among the top countries in press freedom, showcasing its dedication to democratic values and human rights.

Andorra

In 2025, Andorra achieved a Press Freedom Index score of 63.3 points, ranking 64th out of 178 countries. This score indicates a moderate level of press freedom, suggesting that while the media operates with a degree of independence, there are still challenges that impact journalistic practices.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Andorra's stable democratic framework and the absence of significant government censorship. However, factors such as limited diversity in media ownership and the small size of the country can restrict the breadth of perspectives available in the media landscape.

Furthermore, the influence of a small, close-knit community may lead to self-censorship among journalists, potentially affecting the robustness of investigative reporting. As a microstate, Andorra's press freedom dynamics are also shaped by its international obligations and relationships with larger neighboring countries, which can influence local media narratives.

Albania

In 2025, Albania holds a Press Freedom Index Score of 58.18 points, ranking 79th out of 178 countries. This score reflects a moderate level of press freedom, indicating some challenges and restrictions faced by media outlets in the country.

Several factors contribute to Albania's press freedom landscape, including political pressure on journalists, a lack of financial stability for media organizations, and instances of intimidation against reporters. These challenges can hinder the ability of the press to operate independently and effectively.

Notably, Albania's ranking and score suggest an ongoing struggle for media independence, which is critical for promoting democratic values and transparency. The score positions Albania among nations where press freedom is improving but still facing significant hurdles, highlighting the need for continued reforms and protective measures for journalists.

Cyprus

In 2025, Cyprus achieved a Press Freedom Index Score of 59.04 points, ranking it 76th out of 178 countries. This score indicates a moderate level of press freedom, reflecting both the strengths and challenges faced by the media landscape in the country.

The moderate score can be attributed to several factors, including the presence of a diverse media environment, yet also highlights issues such as political influence and economic pressures that can affect journalistic independence. Additionally, the division of the island into the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus plays a significant role in the complexities surrounding media freedom.

Interestingly, while Cyprus maintains a relatively free press compared to many other countries in the region, ongoing tensions related to the Cyprus conflict and the influence of external actors continue to pose challenges for media practitioners. This situation underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and advocacy for press freedoms in the context of changing political landscapes.

Italy

In 2025, Italy ranks 48th out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index, reflecting a score of 68.01 points. This positioning indicates a moderate level of press freedom compared to global standards, highlighting both achievements and ongoing challenges within the nation's media landscape.

The relatively stable score can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a robust legal framework that supports freedom of expression, yet it is also marred by issues such as political pressure on journalists, threats from organized crime, and the impact of media concentration. These factors contribute to a complex environment where journalists operate under both protections and constraints.

Notably, Italy's challenges in press freedom have been underscored by incidents of violence against journalists and ongoing concerns regarding the influence of government and corporate interests on media independence. Despite these challenges, Italy continues to foster a vibrant media scene, with numerous outlets striving to maintain journalistic integrity in the face of adversity.

Turkey

In 2025, Turkey ranked 157th out of 178 countries on the Press Freedom Index, with a score of 29.4 points. This ranking reflects a significant concern regarding the state of media freedom in the country, indicating a repressive environment for journalists and media outlets.

The low score and ranking can be attributed to a range of factors, including stringent government control over media narratives, widespread censorship, and the persecution of journalists. Many media professionals face legal actions, intimidation, or imprisonment for expressing dissenting opinions or reporting on sensitive issues, particularly those related to politics, human rights, and corruption.

In comparison, Turkey's regional peers often exhibit similar challenges concerning press freedom, with many facing restrictions that hinder journalistic independence. The persistent issues surrounding freedom of expression in Turkey highlight the broader implications for democracy and civil liberties within the nation.

Guinea

In 2025, Guinea ranks 101st out of 178 countries on the Press Freedom Index, reflecting a modest score of 52.53 points. This score indicates a challenging environment for media freedom, highlighting issues such as government censorship, harassment of journalists, and restrictions on independent reporting.

Several factors contribute to Guinea's position on the index, including ongoing political instability, the legacy of authoritarian governance, and the influence of state security forces over press operations. Additionally, incidents of violence against journalists and the suppression of dissenting voices underscore the precarious state of press freedom in the country.

It is notable that despite the challenges faced, Guinea's score represents a gradual improvement in certain areas compared to previous years, illustrating a complex landscape where civil society continues to advocate for greater media independence and transparency.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 85th out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index for the year 2025, with a score of 56.33 points. This positioning indicates a moderate level of press freedom, reflecting ongoing challenges in the media landscape of the country.

The Press Freedom Index score is influenced by various factors, including political pressures, media ownership concentration, and incidents of harassment against journalists. The complex political structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina, characterized by ethnic divisions and a history of conflict, has contributed to a fragmented media environment where freedom of expression can be stifled.

Additionally, issues such as self-censorship and the influence of political parties on media outlets have been significant barriers to achieving higher press freedom. Despite these challenges, the country has seen some progress in media pluralism, with a range of outlets representing diverse perspectives.

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.

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

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