Democracy is one of the most influential and enduring forms of governance in the modern era. Rooted in the principles of freedom, equality and participation, it empowers citizens to have a voice in shaping their governments and societies. Around the world, democracy takes many forms—from long-established systems in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and India, to emerging democracies striving to build transparent and inclusive institutions.
At its core, democracy is more than just elections; it is a framework that upholds human rights, ensures the rule of law, and promotes accountability among leaders. Yet, the global state of democracy today is mixed. While some nations continue to strengthen their democratic traditions, others face challenges such as political polarization, corruption, voter suppression and threats to freedom of expression.
In the 21st century, technology, globalization and shifting political ideologies are reshaping how democracy functions. Digital platforms have amplified civic participation but also opened new avenues for misinformation and division. As countries around the world navigate these complex realities, the future of democracy depends on citizens’ continued engagement, the protection of civil liberties, and the commitment of governments to uphold democratic values in both letter and spirit.
List of Democracy Index Rankings:
1. Norway 🇳🇴
2. New Zealand🇳🇿
3. Sweden 🇸🇪
4. Iceland 🇮🇸
5. Switzerland 🇨🇭
6. Finland 🇫🇮
7. Denmark 🇩🇰
8. Ireland 🇮🇪
9. Netherlands 🇳🇱
10. Luxembourg 🇱🇺
11. Australia 🇦🇺
12. Taiwan 🇹🇼
13. Germany 🇩🇪
14. Canada 🇨🇦
15. Uruguay🇺🇾
16. Japan 🇯🇵
17. UK 🇬🇧
18. Costa Rica🇨🇷
19. Austria🇦🇹
20. Mauritius🇲🇺
21. Estonia🇪🇪
21. Spain🇪🇸
23. Czechia🇨🇿
23. Portugal🇵🇹
25. Greece🇬🇷
26. France🇫🇷
27. Malta🇲🇹
28. USA 🇺🇸
29. Chile🇨🇱
30. Slovenia🇸🇮
31. Israel 🇮🇱
32. South Korea 🇰🇷
33. Latvia🇱🇻
34. Belgium🇧🇪
36. Lithuania🇱🇹
37. Italy 🇮🇹
39. Poland 🇵🇱
40. Cyprus🇨🇾
41. India 🇮🇳
42. Slovakia🇸🇰
43. South Africa 🇿🇦
44. Malaysia 🇲🇾
47. Panama🇵🇦
49. Jamaica🇯🇲
50. Montenegro🇲🇪
51. Phillipines 🇵🇭
52. Dominican Republic🇩🇴
53. Mongolia 🇲🇳
54. Argentina 🇦🇷
54. Hungary 🇭🇺
56. Croatia 🇭🇷
57. Brazil 🇧🇷
58. Namibia🇳🇦
59. Indonesia 🇮🇩
60. Colombia🇨🇴
61. Bulgaria🇧🇬
62. North Macedonia🇲🇰
63. Thailand 🇹🇭
64. Serbia 🇷🇸
66. Albania🇦🇱
68. Singapore 🇸🇬
71. Moldova🇲🇩
72. Romania🇷🇴
74. Senegal🇸🇳
75. Paraguay🇵🇾
77. Zambia🇿🇲
78. Peru🇵🇪
81. Fiji🇫🇯
82. Armenia🇦🇲
84. Mexico 🇲🇽
85. Ecuador🇪🇨
86. Tanzania 🇹🇿
87. Hong Kong🇭🇰
88. Bosnia and Herzegovina🇧🇦
89. Kenya🇰🇪
90. Honduras🇭🇳
91. Morocco🇲🇦
92. Ukraine🇺🇦
93. Tunisia🇹🇳
94. Georgia🇬🇪
95. El Salvador🇸🇻
96. Nepal 🇳🇵
97. Guatemala🇬🇹
98. Uganda🇺🇬
100. Bangladesh 🇧🇩
