The world’s 5 most democratic countries

Résumé détaillé

Global democracy scores recorded an increase in 2025 after eight consecutive years of decline, but the improvement has not been ...

Global democracy scores recorded an increase in 2025 after eight consecutive years of decline, but the improvement has not been shared equally across countries.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Democracy Index, which assesses the state of democracy in 167 countries and territories, examines five areas: electoral processes and pluralism, the functioning of government, political participation, political culture and civil liberties.

The index uses these measures to assess how citizens participate in political decisions, how governments exercise power and the extent to which individual rights are protected. Countries are also classified as full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes or authoritarian regimes.

The 2025 rankings place five Nordic and Pacific countries at the top, with Norway retaining first position. New Zealand, Denmark, Iceland and Finland complete the list, each recording a score above 9 out of 10.

Here are the world’s five most democratic countries, according to the 2025 EIU Democracy Index.

Norway ranks first in the 2025 Democracy Index, with a score of 9.81 out of 10. The country has retained the top position, reflecting its performance across the five areas measured by the EIU.

Its electoral system allows citizens to choose their representatives through regular elections, while political parties compete for public support. The country’s parliament, known as the Storting, is responsible for passing laws and holding the government accountable.

Norway also records high scores in political participation, political culture and the functioning of government. Its score of 10 in three of the five assessment areas reflects its performance in electoral processes, political participation and political culture.

The country’s position highlights the role of public participation and institutions in maintaining a democratic system. Its 9.81 score places it 0.19 points below the maximum.

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