Democracy has always been a topic of great interest to people worldwide. In this sense, the Global Democracy Index is a valuable tool for measuring democracy in countries worldwide.
The index is based on categories like electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation, and political culture. Each country is then given a score of 10, which determines its ranking on the democracy index. Let’s look at these countries in more detail.
Democracy and Its Elements
Democracy is a form of government where people hold power, either directly or through their elected representatives. In a democratic system, citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process and have a say in how the country is run.
The key elements of democracy include:
- The rule of law
- Free and fair elections
- Civil liberties
- Separation of powers, and
- Majority rule with minority rights.
Accordingly, The Democracy Index published a list of the strongest democracies in the world and ranked each country. Let’s now review these countries.
Norway
According to the world democracy index, Norway ranks as the most democratic country with a score of 9.75. There are many reasons, including respect for citizens’ civil liberties and independent media.
Also, there are fair and free elections held in Norway. Opposite groups always have a place in the political arena. In addition, the country protects minority groups through specific laws, and these groups are well-represented.
New Zealand
New Zealand is listed second in the democracy ranking. For sure, this means available civil liberties and civil rights. Its democracy score is 9.37, and it holds free and fair elections. New Zealand’s political system allows citizens to be represented in the parliament. Its score for the electoral process and pluralism is 10/10, and political participation is 9.44.
Finland
Finland is the third democratic country according to EIU’s Democracy Index. You can see that freedom of speech is highly respected in the country, and there’s religious tolerance. Also, there are certain laws that protect minorities like women and LGBTIQ+ individuals.
Finland has a parliamentary system, and free and fair elections are held. In addition, the judiciary is independent under the constitution and in practice. According to the democracy index, Finland’s score for the electoral process and pluralism is 10/10. Also, the functioning of the government is 9.29. The civil liberties score is 9.41.
Sweden
Ranking fourth in the global democracy index, Sweden has a strong multi-party system. Also, its score for the electoral process and pluralism is 9.58. There are laws to protect citizens’ political rights and civil liberties in Sweden. The country’s score for political culture is 10/10, and the functioning of government is 9.29.
Iceland
Iceland is another country that ranks in the top five countries by the democracy index. In Iceland, there’s a parliamentary democracy that improves political rights and civil liberties. The country’s score for the electoral process and pluralism is 10/10. The score for civil liberties is 9.41, and for political culture, 9.38.
Denmark
Another European country that ranks high in the democracy index is Denmark. Free speech, civil liberties, and fair and free elections are highly respected here. Denmark’s score for the electoral process and pluralism is 10/10. Its score for political culture is 9.38, and for civil liberties, it is 8.82.
Ireland
Ireland is the country that ranks seventh in EIU’s democracy index ranking. Like the other countries in this list, it respects political rights and civil liberties. There may be some social discrimination and corruption, but democracy is overall stable in Ireland. A multi-party political system exists in Ireland as well. In addition, the judiciary is independent. The country’s score for the electoral process and pluralism is 10/10, and the score for civil liberties is 9.38.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s overall score in the index is 8.99, and it ranks as the eighth most democratic country. Civil liberties and political rights of citizens are highly protected in Taiwan. Regarding the electoral process and pluralism, the country’s score is 10/10. Its score for the functioning of government is 9.64, and for civil liberties, it’s 9.41.
In short, if you want to relocate to a new country, you may consider moving to the countries listed above!
