Existing comment:
Why in the World?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Sometimes, the press freedom ratings of countries on the map surprise people or cause disagreement. Here are some frequently asked questions about the map.
What does Freedom House say about the news media in the United States?
The rating for the United States is "free," thanks to the protections of the First Amendment. But journalists risk prosecution for protecting their sources. IN 2013, the government expanded attempts to control access to official information concerning national security.
Why are there so few countries in Africa with a "free" rating?
Press freedom trends are mixed in Africa, with improvements in the West but declines in the East, says Freedom House. Ghana is the only country in mainland Africa with a free press, but several African island nations are also rated "free."
Why is Italy's press only "partly free"?
Media ownership is one of the factors that determine press freedom. Italy's media outlets are concentrated in the hands of a few, including former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who controls a significant portion of private media, including several television stations and the largest magazine publishing and advertising firms.
Why can't I find Tibet on the map?
Tibet has been governed by China since 1951. Chinese officials tightly control the news media in Tibet, which is covered under China's "not free" rating. Many Tibetans resent Chinese rule. The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet more than 50 years ago after a failed uprising against the Chinese, remains its spiritual leader in exile.
How many countries are on the map?
The map shows 194 countries: the 193 member states of the United Nations plus Taiwan. Also identified on the map are Greenland (a self-governing dependency of Denmark) and French Guinea (a possession of France). The newest UN member state is South Sudan, which broke from Sudan and became an independent nation in 2011. South Sudan's press freedom is rated "not free." |