Story perspectives

Norway Tops Democracy Rankings; Latin America Sees Gains

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Economist Intelligence Unit evaluates 167 countries and classifies them as full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, or authoritarian regimes.
Norway is the most democratic country for the 16th consecutive year, with New Zealand and other Nordic nations also highly placed.
Latin America and the Caribbean posted the largest improvements this year, as more than half of the region's countries raised scores due to higher political participation.

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Story summary

The Economist Intelligence Unit evaluates 167 countries and classifies them as full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, or authoritarian regimes.
Norway is the most democratic country for the 16th consecutive year, with New Zealand and other Nordic nations also highly placed.
Latin America and the Caribbean posted the largest improvements this year, as more than half of the region's countries raised scores due to higher political participation.