Gallup Press Freedom Poll: Two-Thirds Of World Believe National Media Is Free

Best And Worst Countries For Press Freedom

About two-thirds of the world believes that the press enjoys a lot of freedom in their countries, according to a new survey.

Gallup conducted a poll of 1,000 people in 133 countries in 2011. It found that countries in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and the former Soviet Union have the least perceived press freedom. Belarus ranked at the bottom, with just 23% of people reporting that their media has "a lot of freedom."

The organization also reported that fewer than 40% of adults in eleven countries -- including Gabon, Armenia, Palestinian Territories, and Iraq -- believe that their national media is free, "despite legal or constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of the press or speech in most of these countries."

Perceived press freedom was highest in developed countries in Asia, Europe, and North America. Finland ranked the highest, with 97% of respondents describing the media as being free.

Below, see the best and worst countries for perceived press freedom.

5th WORST country for perceived press freedom: Congo Brazzaville

press freedom index 2011(CLONED)

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