Top Countries with the Least Freedom of Expression

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10 Countries with the Tightest Grip on Freedom of Expression in 2025

In 2025, global researchers and watchdog organizations continue to track and measure the levels of freedom of expression across nations. This year’s index reveals stark realities about how some governments restrict access to information and silence dissent. Here are the countries with the least freedom of expression, based on their scores:

1. North Korea – The World’s Most Repressive Environment

Score: 0.012
North Korea remains the most restrictive nation, with a near-total blackout on independent journalism, social media, and foreign press. The government’s tight control over information relays propaganda that leaves citizens with almost no access to outside news. Dissent is met with severe punishment, making it nearly impossible for citizens to voice their opinions freely.

2. Eritrea and Nicaragua – Two Old Oppressors on the List

Eritrea Score: 0.021
Nicaragua Score: 0.026
Eritrea is often dubbed the “North Korea of Africa,” where dissenters are detained or exiled, and the press is tightly controlled. Nicaragua has seen a decline in freedoms due to crackdowns on opposition voices and independent media amid political unrest, with both countries scoring extremely low on freedom indices.

3. Belarus and Laos – Authoritarian Neighbors

Belarus Score: 0.029
Laos Score: 0.038
Belarus’ president maintains power through suppression of protests and media censorship. Laos, meanwhile, restricts internet access and controls the flow of information to prevent criticism of the government, leading to minimal press freedoms.

4. Turkmenistan and China – Surveillance and Censorship States

Turkmenistan Score: 0.044
China Score: 0.044
Both nations employ extensive surveillance and censorship measures. China’s “Great Firewall” blocks most foreign social media platforms, and the government tightly controls all forms of communication, including social media, print media, and online forums.

5. Myanmar and Qatar – From Military to Monarchical Control

Myanmar Score: 0.048
Qatar Score: 0.055
Myanmar experienced a military coup in 2021, leading to widespread repression of protests and independent reporting. Qatar remains cautious about free expression, especially concerning dissent about regional and international issues, limiting journalistic space.

6. U.A.E., Syria, and Russia – States with Authoritarian Strength

U.A.E. Score: 0.060
Syria Score: 0.069
Russia Score: 0.079
The United Arab Emirates enforces strict online and offline censorship, restricting public speech and online expressions. Syria’s ongoing conflict has devastated freedom of press, and Russia continues its crackdown on independent media and opposition voices, especially since the Ukraine conflict escalated.

7. Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan – The House of Silence

Saudi Arabia Score: 0.088
Afghanistan Score: 0.090
Both countries have seen recent tightening of information controls. Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on dissent, especially around human rights issues, continues to stifle free speech. Afghanistan’s political shift has resulted in increased restrictions on media workers and social activists.

8. Cuba, Tajikistan, and Eswatini – Limited Voice in the Heart of Africa & Asia

Cuba Score: 0.091
Tajikistan Score: 0.115
Eswatini Score: 0.117
Cuba’s communist government continues to restrict independent journalism, while Tajikistan and Eswatini impose harsh penalties on dissidents, limiting the spread of alternative viewpoints.

9. Azerbaijan and Bahrain – Middle Eastern Countries with Tight Controls

Azerbaijan Score: 0.129
Bahrain Score: 0.132
Both countries maintain control through legal and extralegal means — imprisoning journalists and activists who challenge authorities, while tightly controlling online spaces.

10. Vietnam – A One-Party State

Score: 0.138
Vietnam’s government exerts strict control over the internet and press, detaining bloggers and journalists who criticize political leaders. The country’s leadership has validated surveillance measures as necessary for national security, at the expense of free speech.

The scoring data demonstrates that, despite global advances, many nations still harbor highly restrictive environments for free expression. The consequences impact not only the citizens’ ability to share opinions but also the transparency and accountability of governments worldwide. Advocacy groups continue urging reforms and protections to foster open, democratic societies where voices can be heard freely.

Source: Freedom of Expression Index 2025