Freedom in the World 2005

Freedom in the World 2005
Table of Independent Countries
Comparative Measures of Freedom

Since 1978, Freedom House has published Freedom in the World, an annual comparative assessment of the state of political rights and civil liberties in 192 countries and 14 related and disputed territories. Widely used by policy-makers, journalists, and scholars, the 600-page survey is the definitive report on freedom around the globe.

Freedom in the World is the Michelin Guide to democracy's development.

—The Wall Street Journal

While there are many sources of economic data, good political data is hard to find. Freedom House's survey is an exception. For anyone concerned with the state of freedom, or simply with the state of the world, Freedom in the World is an indispensible guide.

—Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek

Seychelles 3 3 Partly Free
Sierra Leon 4 3 Partly Free
Singapore 5 4 Partly Free
Slovakia 1 15 Free
Slovenia 1 1 Free
Solomon Islands 3 3 Partly Free
Somalia 6 7 Not Free
South Africa 1 2 Free
South Korea 15 2 Free

The complete pdf file is available here.

Freedom House does not maintain a culture-bound view of freedom. The methodology of the survey established basic standards that are derived in large measure from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These standards apply to all countries and territories, irrespective of geographical location, ethnic or religious composition, or level of economic development.

The survey includes both analytical reports and numerical ratings for 192 countries and 18 select territories. Each country and territory is assigned a numerical rating, which is calculated based on the methodology described below, on a scale of 1 to 7. A rating of 1 indicates the highest degree of freedom and 7 the least amount of freedom.

The survey findings are reached after a multi-layered process of analysis and evaluation by a team of regional experts and scholars. Although there is an element of subjectivity inherent in the survey findings, the ratings process emphasizes intellectual rigor and balanced and unbiased judgments.

The survey does not rate governments or government performance per se, but rather the real-world rights and freedoms enjoyed by individuals. Freedoms can be affected by state actions, as well as by non-state actors, including terrorists and other armed groups. Thus, the survey ratings generally reflect the interplay of a variety of actors, both governmental and nongovernmental.

Survey Methodology is available here.

Human Rights