Freedom in the World, the Freedom House flagship survey whose findings have been published annually since 1972, is the standard-setting comparative assessment of global political rights and civil liberties. The survey ratings and narrative reports on 195 countries and fifteen territories are used by policymakers, the media, international corporations, civic activists, and human rights defenders to monitor trends in democracy and track improvements and setbacks in freedom worldwide.

The Freedom in the World political rights and civil liberties ratings are determined through a multi-layered process of research and evaluation by a team of regional analysts and eminent scholars. The analysts used a broad range of sources of information, including foreign and domestic news reports, academic studies, nongovernmental organizations, think tanks, individual professional contacts, and visits to the region, in conducting their research. The methodology of the survey is derived in large measure from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and these standards are applied to all countries and territories, irrespective of geographical location, ethnic or religious composition, or level of economic development.

Freedom in the World has been published annually for the last forty-five years…. [The volume] provides a strong voice for freedom. Moreover, it gives us, at a glimpse, where and in what parts of the globe freedom is under attack, if not very nearly defeated. Again arranged alphabetically by country, each entry provides an annual status overview in key areas: elections, freedom of expression and belief, associational rights, rule of law, and individual rights. Tables, charts, and other graphs provide at-a-glance views of freedom worldwide. Contributor bios close out the volume. * American Reference Books Annual *

Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights.