Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand has been ranked among the freest nations on earth in the 2025 Freedom in the World report, scoring 99 out of 100, the same as Norway and Sweden, and just one point behind Finland, which leads with a perfect score.
The rankings, published by the liberal-leaning Freedom House, assess countries based on two main categories: political rights (worth 40 points) and civil liberties (worth 60 points).
New Zealand achieved a perfect score for political rights and 59/60 for civil liberties, reflecting the perceived strength of its democratic institutions, rule of law, free press, and protection of individual freedoms.
According to Freedom House, countries classified as “Free” allow broad political participation, competitive elections, judicial independence, and freedom of expression. New Zealand is rated strongly across the board.
The report focuses on the country’s stable parliamentary democracy, transparent government, and high civic engagement. While noting some persistent inequalities for Māori, Freedom House finds no systemic barriers to rights or liberties.
Globally, freedom continues to deteriorate. 2024 marked the 19th consecutive year of decline, with 60 countries losing ground. The United States scored 84, continuing its downward slide. In contrast, New Zealand has held its position near the top of the global rankings.
Only two countries in the top 10 have medium to large populations (Canada and the Netherlands).
Most, like New Zealand, are small but stable democracies with deeply embedded liberal institutions.
