NOTES

Democracy Index

Data is from the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The EIU’s index of democracy, on a 0 to 10 scale, is based on the ratings for 60 indicators, grouped into five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; the functioning of government; political participation; and political culture.

Each category has a rating on a 0 to 10 scale, and the overall Index is the simple average of the five category indexes.

The index values are used to place countries within one of four types of regime:

1. Full democracies: scores greater than 8

2. Flawed democracies: scores greater than 6, and less than or equal to 8

3. Hybrid regimes: scores greater than 4, and less than or equal to 6

4. Authoritarian regimes: scores less than or equal to 4

Liberal Democracy Index

Data is from V-Dem.

Liberal democracy index (0 = lowest, 1 = highest) is based on the following factors: free and fair elections, civil liberties, judicial independence, executive constraints, gender equality, media freedom, and civil society.

Countries are classified as (i) liberal democracy, (ii) electoral democracy, (iii) electoral autocracy, or (iv) closed autocracy.

Political rights and Civil liberties ratings

Data is from Freedom House.

The Freedom in the World report is composed of numerical ratings and supporting descriptive texts for 195 countries and 15 territories. External analysts assess 210 countries and territories, using a combination of on-the-ground research, consultations with local contacts, and information from news articles, nongovernmental organizations, governments, and a variety of other sources. Expert advisers and regional specialists then vet the analysts’ conclusions. The final product represents the consensus of the analysts, advisers, and Freedom House staff.

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Last modified: 2025-05-04

democracy.qmd