Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
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Democracy in Latin America and the
May 24, 2021July 11, 2022
Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Carla Y. Davis-Castro
This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the
Research Librarian Research Librarian
Caribbean, based on Caribbean, based onthe U.S. Department of State’s description of each country’s
political system and selected nongovernmental indices that measure democracy trends selected nongovernmental indices that measure democracy trends
worldwide. Using tables and graphs to worldwide. Using tables and graphs toil ustrateillustrate regional trends, this report provides a regional trends, this report provides a
snapshot of democracy indicators from the following sources: (1) the U.S. Department snapshot of democracy indicators from the following sources: (1) the U.S. Department
of State’s of State’s20202021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices; (2) Bertelsmann Stiftung’s ; (2) Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 20202022 Bertelsmann Bertelsmann
Transformation Index (BTI); (3) the Economist Transformation Index (BTI); (3) the Economist Intel igenceIntelligence Unit’s (EIU’s) Unit’s (EIU’s) Democracy Index 20202021; (4) Freedom ; (4) Freedom
House’s House’s Freedom in the World20212022; and (5) the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s (V-DEM’s) Liberal ; and (5) the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s (V-DEM’s) Liberal
Democracy Index in its Democracy Index in its Democracy Report 20212022. Additional. Additional resources appear at the end of the report. resources appear at the end of the report.
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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Democracy Indices and Source Notes ............................................................................................. 1
Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) ................................................................................. 1
EconomistIntel igenceIntelligence Unit (EIU)’s Democracy Index ........................................................... 3
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World ................................................................................... 4
Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem)’s Liberal Democracy Index ................................... 6
Compilation of Democracy Indicators ............................................................................................ 9
Figures
Figure 1. BTI's20202022 Political Transformation Global Ranking of Latin American and
Caribbean Countries ..................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2. EIU Democracy Index20202021 Global Ranking for Latin American and Caribbean
Countries ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 3. Freedom House, Freedom in the World20212022 Aggregate Scores for Latin
American and Caribbean Countries ............................................................................................. 6
Figure 4. V-Dem Democracy Report20212022's Liberal Democracy Index Rank for Latin
American and Caribbean Countries ............................................................................................. 8 8
Tables
Table 1. Caribbean:20202021 Democracy Rankings ........................................................................... 10
Table 2. Mexico and Central America:20202021 Democracy Rankings ............................................. 13
Table 3. South America:20202021 Democracy Rankings .................................................................... 14
Table 4. Selected Resources for Democracy Indicators ................................................................ 17
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 19 18
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Introduction
For decades, U.S. policy has broadly reflected the view that the spread of democracy around the For decades, U.S. policy has broadly reflected the view that the spread of democracy around the
world is favorable to U.S. interests. The current trajectory of democracy around the world is an world is favorable to U.S. interests. The current trajectory of democracy around the world is an
issue of interest for Congress, which has issue of interest for Congress, which hasgeneral ygenerally supported U.S. democracy promotion efforts. supported U.S. democracy promotion efforts.
This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the
Caribbean, based on the U.S. Department of State’s description of each country’s political system Caribbean, based on the U.S. Department of State’s description of each country’s political system
and selected nongovernmental (NGO) indices that measure democracy trends worldwide. and selected nongovernmental (NGO) indices that measure democracy trends worldwide.
For additional information on democracy in the global context, see CRS Report R45344, For additional information on democracy in the global context, see CRS Report R45344, Global
Trends in Democracy: Background, U.S. Policy, and Issues for Congress, by Michael A. Weber. , by Michael A. Weber.
For related information about democracy in Latin American and the Caribbean, see the following For related information about democracy in Latin American and the Caribbean, see the following
products: products:
CRS Report R46781, CRS Report R46781, Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key
Issues in the 117th Congress, coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan, coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan;
CRS In Focus IF10460, CRS In Focus IF10460, Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview, ,
by Mark P. Sullivan; by Mark P. Sullivan;
CRS Report CRS ReportR46514R47028, , U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the
Caribbean:FY2021FY2022 Appropriations, by Peter J. Meyer, by Peter J. Meyer
CRS In Focus IF12031, Anti-corruption Efforts in Latin America and the
Caribbean, by June S. Beittel and Rachel L. Martin and Rachel L. Martin;
CRS Report 98-684, CRS Report 98-684, Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders
and Elections, by Carla Y. Davis-Castro; and, by Carla Y. Davis-Castro; and
CRS Report R45733, Combating Corruption in Latin America: Congressional
Considerations, coordinated by June S. Beittel.
CRS also publishes reports on specific Latin American and Caribbean countries. CRS also publishes reports on specific Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Democracy Indices and Source Notes
This report compiles information from the U.S. State Department and data from four This report compiles information from the U.S. State Department and data from four
nongovernmental (NGO) indices, which are each discussed briefly below. CRS does not endorse nongovernmental (NGO) indices, which are each discussed briefly below. CRS does not endorse
the methodology or accuracy of any particular democracy index. (For a discussion about the methodology or accuracy of any particular democracy index. (For a discussion about
definitions of democracy and critiques of democracy indices, see CRS Report R45344, definitions of democracy and critiques of democracy indices, see CRS Report R45344, Global
Trends in Democracy: Background, U.S. Policy, and Issues for Congress, by Michael A. Weber.) , by Michael A. Weber.)
The following indices are discussed below: (1) Bertelsmann Stiftung’s The following indices are discussed below: (1) Bertelsmann Stiftung’s20202022 Bertelsmann Bertelsmann
Transformation Index (BTI); (2) the Economist Transformation Index (BTI); (2) the EconomistIntel igenceIntelligence Unit’s (EIU’s) Unit’s (EIU’s) Democracy Index
2020; (3) Freedom House’s ; (3) Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2021; and (4) the Varieties of Democracy ; and (4) the Varieties of Democracy
Institute’s (V-DEM’s) Liberal Democracy Index in its Institute’s (V-DEM’s) Liberal Democracy Index in its Democracy Report 2021. .
Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI)
Bertelsmann Stiftung, a private foundation based in Germany, has published the Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung, a private foundation based in Germany, has published the Bertelsmann
Transformation Index (BTI) Transformation Index (BTI)biannual ybiannually since 2006. since 2006. Key regional findings and BTI 2022 includes global, regional and country reports as well as three thematic reports that evaluate democracy, economy, and governancecountry reports are
available in English (BTI publishes the full regional report in German). BTI 2020 evaluates the
quality of democracy, a market economy, and political management in 137 developing and
in 137 developing and transition countries. For political transformation transition countries. For political transformation specifical y, specifically, BTI ranks countries using five BTI ranks countries using five
criteria: (1) stateness, (2) political participation, (3) rule of law, (4) criteria: (1) stateness, (2) political participation, (3) rule of law, (4)stability of democratic
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stability of democratic institutions, and (5) political and social integration.1 The politicalinstitutions, and (5) political and social integration.1 The political transformation transformation indicatorscriteria also also
determine country classification: determine country classification: democracy in consolidation, defective democracy, highly
defective democracy, moderate autocracy, ,andor hardline autocracy.2 BTI evaluates .2 BTI evaluates al all Central and Central and
South American nations. South American nations.With the exception ofAmong Caribbean nations, BTI only evaluates Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad
and Tobago, and Jamaicaand Tobago, and Jamaica, BTI does not evaluate Caribbean nations. In its global. In its 2022 regional report, BTI finds that “the political turmoil observed in the majority of Latin American countries is also reflected in the continuing decline in the quality of democracy.”3 The same publication reports that “no further authoritarian regression was recorded for this edition... however, there have been no transitions (back) to democracy during the BTI 2022 assessment period.”4 In its global report, BTI highlights Brazil’s “steady decline in its quality of democracy” over the past decade, Mexico’s “organized drug crime and the exceedingly brutal fight against gang activities have undermined the quality of democracy,” and Central America’s “long-term autocratization trends.”5 On the other hand, the report also highlights that some democracies “have been consistently classified as consolidating and stable over the past 20 year in addition to being able to maintain their high level of democracy despite myriad transformation challenges.” This group, according to the report, includes Chile, Costa Rica and Uruguay in Latin America, and Jamaica in the Caribbean.6
Figure 1 shows the global rank and classification of all report, BTI notes
that “in some Latin American countries, the degree to which autocratic alternatives are clearly
rejected has diminished significantly. Strong declines in the scores assessing approval of
democracy, though at different levels, can be seen in countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, the
Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Panama” but the report also highlights the opposite: “two Latin
American countries have shown that the path of backsliding is just as reversible as that of
progressive democratization,” in reference to Ecuador and Colombia.3
Figure 1 shows the global rank and classification of al Central and South American and Central and South American and
Caribbean countries according to the Political Transformation Rank, a component of the Caribbean countries according to the Political Transformation Rank, a component of the2020
2022 Bertelsmann Stiftung Transformation Index (BTI). Bertelsmann Stiftung Transformation Index (BTI).
1 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Methodology,” accessed May 1 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Methodology,” accessed May14, 202110, 2022, available at https://www.bti-, available at https://www.bti-
project.org/en/methodology.html. Also see https://www.bti-project.org/en/index/political-transformation.html. project.org/en/methodology.html. Also see https://www.bti-project.org/en/index/political-transformation.html.
2 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “2 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Political T ransformationMethodology,” accessed May ,” accessed May 14, 202110, 2022, at https://www.bti-, at https://www.bti-
project.org/en/project.org/en/index/political-transformation.html. BT Imethodology.html. BTI uses seven threshold values uses seven threshold values to mark minimum requirements for to mark minimum requirements for
a democracy: (1) free and fair elections, (2) effective power to govern, (3) association/assembly rights, (4) freedom of a democracy: (1) free and fair elections, (2) effective power to govern, (3) association/assembly rights, (4) freedom of
expression, (5) separation of powers, (6) civil rights, and (7) monopoly on the use of force and basicexpression, (5) separation of powers, (6) civil rights, and (7) monopoly on the use of force and basic administration. administration.
BT I classifies BTI classifies a country as an autocracy if any one of seven political transformation indicators falls short of the relevant a country as an autocracy if any one of seven political transformation indicators falls short of the relevant
threshold. threshold.BT IBTI considers failing states considers failing states autocracies.
3 Peter Thiery, Paradigms Lost. New opportunities for transformation? — BTI Regional Report Latin America and the Caribbean, Bertelsmann Stiftung 2022, p. 5.
4 Ibid. 5 Hauke Hartmann and Peter Thiery, Global findings BTI 2022, Bertelsmann Stiftung, pp. 5, 7-8. 6 Ibid., p. 7autocracies.
3 Sabine Donner, BTI 2020: Resistance to democratic regression and authoritarian rule is growing, Global Findings
Dem ocracy, Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2020, at https://www.bti-project.org/content/en/reports/global-report-d/
global_findings_democracy_2020_EN.pdf. .
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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Figure 1. BTI's20202022 Political Transformation Global Ranking of
Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Source: Created by CRS using BertelsmannCreated by CRS using Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Stiftung’s 20202022 Transformation Index. Transformation Index. According to BTI’s analysis,
no Latin American or Caribbean countries fel into the category of highly defective democracies.
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Democracy Index
The Economist The EconomistIntel igenceIntelligence Unit (EIU), based in London and New York, has produced a Unit (EIU), based in London and New York, has produced a
democracy index since 2006. The current report provides an annual snapshot of the state of democracy index since 2006. The current report provides an annual snapshot of the state of
democracy for 165 independent states and two territories.democracy for 165 independent states and two territories.47 The EIU classifies countries as The EIU classifies countries as full
democracies,, flawed democracies,, hybrid regimes, or , or authoritarian regimes based on an based on an
aggregate score of 60 indicators in five categories: (1) electoral process and pluralism, (2) aggregate score of 60 indicators in five categories: (1) electoral process and pluralism, (2)civil
liberties, (3) the functioning of government, (4) political participation, and (5) political culture. 5
EIU evaluates al the functioning of government, (3) political participation, (4) political culture, and (5) civil liberties.8 EIU evaluates all Central and South American nations. With Central and South American nations. With the exceptions ofrespect to the Caribbean, EIU looks at Cuba, the Cuba, the
Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and TobagoDominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, EIU does not
4 T he. According to the EIU’s Democracy Index 2021, the Latin America and Caribbean region’s overall
7 The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) did not produce a democracy index report covering 2007 or 2009. Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) did not produce a democracy index report covering 2007 or 2009.
5 8 EIU, EIU, Democracy Index 2020: In sickness and in health? 20202021: The China Challenge, 2022, at https://www., at https://www.eiu.com/n/campaignseconomistgroup.com/group-news/economist-intelligence/democracy-/democracy-
index-index-2020/, p. 56-572021-less-than-half-the-world-lives-in-a-democracy, pp. 67-68. EIU defines terms as: . EIU defines terms as: full dem ocraciesdemocracies are countries where the “ are countries where the “ functioning of government is functioning of government is
satisfactory. Media are independent and diverse.... effective checks and balancessatisfactory. Media are independent and diverse.... effective checks and balances. ... judiciary... judiciary is is independent and independent and
judicial judicial decisions are enforceddecisions are enforced. ... only limited problems.” ... only limited problems.” Flawed democracies have “free and fair elections ... basic have “free and fair elections ... basic
civil liberties are respected. However, there are significant weaknessescivil liberties are respected. However, there are significant weaknesses in other aspects of democracy, including in other aspects of democracy, including
problems in governance, an problems in governance, anunderdeveloped underdeveloped political culture and low levels of political participation.” political culture and low levels of political participation.” Hybrid regimes
have “substantial election have “substantial electionirregularities.irregularities ... government pressure on opposition parties and candidates... government pressure on opposition parties and candidates. ... corruption tends ... corruption tends
to be widespreadto be widespread and the rule of lawand the rule of law is is weak. Civil society is weakweak. Civil society is weak. ... and the judiciary is... and the judiciary is not independent.” In not independent.” In
authoritarianregim es, “ regimes, “state political pluralism is absent or heavily circumscribedstate political pluralism is absent or heavily circumscribed.... ... some formal institutions of some formal institutions of
democracy may exist, but these have little substancedemocracy may exist, but these have little substance ....... elections ... are not free and fair.... disregard elections ... are not free and fair.... disregard for abusesfor abuses and and
infringements of civil libertiesinfringements of civil liberties. ... repression of criticism of the government and pervasive censorship. ... repression of criticism of the government and pervasive censorship. T here There is no is no
independent judiciary.” independent judiciary.”
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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
evaluate Caribbean nations. According to the EIU’s Democracy Index 2020, the Latin America
and Caribbean region’s overal score went down for the fifth year in a row from 6.13 in 2019 to
6.09 in 2020 (on a 0 to 10 scale).6 The three countries in the region classified in 2020
score declined from 6.09 in 2020 to 5.83 in 2021(on a 0 to 10 scale), a downturn EIU described as “the biggest year-on-year decline experienced by any region since the start of the Democracy Index in 2006.”9 The report notes five downgrades: Chile now a “flawed democracy,” Ecuador, Mexico and Paraguay now “hybrid regimes,” and Haiti now an “authoritarian regime.”10 The two countries in the region classified in 2021 as full as full
democracies are democracies areChile, Costa RicaCosta Rica, and Uruguay. EIU’s Democracy Index 2020 identified three
and Uruguay, while four countries in the regioncountries in the region were identified as authoritarian regimes: Cuba, as authoritarian regimes: Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.Nicaragua, and Venezuela.711
Figure 2 shows the global rank and classification of Central and South American and Caribbean shows the global rank and classification of Central and South American and Caribbean
countries according to the EIU’s countries according to the EIU’s Democracy Index 20202021.
Figure 2. EIU Democracy Index20202021 Global Ranking for
Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Source: Created by CRS using EIU’s Created by CRS using EIU’s Democracy Index 20202021.
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World
Freedom House is a U.S.-based NGO that conducts research on democracy, political freedom, Freedom House is a U.S.-based NGO that conducts research on democracy, political freedom,
and human rights worldwide. It has published a global report on political rights and civil liberties, and human rights worldwide. It has published a global report on political rights and civil liberties,
now nowcal edcalled Freedom in the World, annual yannually since 1972. since 1972.812 The The 20202021 report covers 195 countries report covers 195 countries
and 15 territories. Freedom House assigns each country 0 to 4 points on 25 different indicators—and 15 territories. Freedom House assigns each country 0 to 4 points on 25 different indicators—
10 indicators for political rights and 15 indicators for civil liberties—for a total of up to 100
points. The calculation equal y weights a country’s aggregate political rights and civil liberties
6 9 EIU, EIU, Democracy Index 2020: In sickness and in health? 20202021: The China Challenge, 2021, at https://www., at https://www.eiu.com/n/campaignseconomistgroup.com/group-news/economist-intelligence/democracy-/democracy-
index-2020/, p. 36.
7 Ibid.
8index-2021-less-than-half-the-world-lives-in-a-democracy, p. 47 and 9.
10 Ibid., p. 48. 11 Ibid. 12 Until 1978, the annual report was titled Until 1978, the annual report was titled The Comparative Study of Freedom.
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10 indicators for political rights and 15 indicators for civil liberties—for a total of up to 100 points. The calculation equally weights a country’s aggregate political rights and civil liberties scores then determines whether it has an scores then determines whether it has an overal overall status of status of free, partly free, or , or not free.913 Freedom Freedom
House evaluates House evaluatesal all Central and South American and Caribbean nations. Freedom House’s report Central and South American and Caribbean nations. Freedom House’s report
covering covering20202021 found that the top countries with one-year democratic declines included El found that the top countries with one-year democratic declines included El
SalvadorSalvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua and the top countries with largest democratic declines over the last decade included and the top countries with largest democratic declines over the last decade included
Venezuela, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.10 Peru’s status went from “free” to “partly free” due to
“due to extended political clashes between the presidency and Congress since 2017 that have
heavily disrupted governance and anticorruption efforts, strained the country’s constitutional
order, and resulted in an irregular succession of four presidents within three years.”11 The
countries with the largest one-year democratic gains included Bolivia and Chile.El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.14 Honduras was among the top countries with a one-year democratic gain and both Ecuador and Peru earned a status change from “partly free” to “free.”15 Meanwhile, Haiti’s status was downgraded from “partly free” to “not free.”16 The report’s The report’s
analysis is based on data that are detailed in full on the Freedom House’s report web page.analysis is based on data that are detailed in full on the Freedom House’s report web page.12
17 Freedom House’s webpage “Countries,” lists the current freedom scores of Freedom House’s webpage “Countries,” lists the current freedom scores of al countries.13
all countries with a detailed profile for each.18 Figure 3 shows the aggregate scores of shows the aggregate scores ofal all Central and South American and Caribbean countries Central and South American and Caribbean countries
according to the relevant Freedom House country web pages for according to the relevant Freedom House country web pages for Freedom in the World2021.
Countries receive 0 to 4 points on 25 indicators (10 political rights indicators and 15 civil liberties
indicators) for a total of up to 100 points.
9 T he2022.
13 The methodology is derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “ methodology is derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “T heThe political rights questions are political rights questions are
groupedgrouped into three subcategories: Electoral Process (3 questions), Political Pluralisminto three subcategories: Electoral Process (3 questions), Political Pluralism and Participation (4), and and Participation (4), and
Functioning of Government (3). Functioning of Government (3).T heThe civil liberties questions civil liberties questions are groupedare grouped into four subcategories:into four subcategories: Freedom of Freedom of
Expression and Belief (4 questions), Associational and Organizational Rights (3), RuleExpression and Belief (4 questions), Associational and Organizational Rights (3), Rule of Lawof Law (4), and Personal (4), and Personal
Autonomy and IndividualAutonomy and Individual Rights (4).” Rights (4).” T heThe methodology questions and table for calculating country status are listed methodology questions and table for calculating country status are listed
online at Freedom House, “online at Freedom House, “ Freedom in the World Research Methodology,” accessed May Freedom in the World Research Methodology,” accessed May 13, 202112, 2022, at , at
https://freedomhouse.org/reports/freedom-world/freedom-world-research-methodology. https://freedomhouse.org/reports/freedom-world/freedom-world-research-methodology.
10
14 Sarah Repucci Sarah Repucci and Amy Slipowitz,and Amy Slipowitz, Freedom in the World 2021: Democracy Under Siege, Freedom House, 20210, at
2022: The Global Expansion of Authoritarian Rule, Freedom House, 2022, at https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/FIW2021_World_02252021_FINAL-web-upload.pdf, p. 6 and p.
13.
11 Ibid., p.26.
122022-02/FIW_2022_PDF_Booklet_Digital_Final_Web.pdf, pp. 15-16.
15 Ibid., p. 15 and 26. 16 Ibid., p. 26. 17 Freedom House, “Freedom in the World: About the report,” accessed May Freedom House, “Freedom in the World: About the report,” accessed May 13, 202112, 2022, at , at
https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world. https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world.
13
18 Freedom House, “Countries and Freedom House, “Countries and T erritoriesTerritories,” accessed ,” accessed April 19, 2021May 12, 2022, at , at
https://freedomhouse.org/countries/freedom-world/scores. https://freedomhouse.org/countries/freedom-world/scores.
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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Figure 3. Freedom House, Freedom in the World20212022 Aggregate Scores for
Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Source: Created by CRS using FreedomCreated by CRS using Freedom House’sHouse’s Freedom in the World 2021 2022.
Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem)’s Liberal Democracy
Index
The Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem), headquartered at the University of Gothenburg in The Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem), headquartered at the University of Gothenburg in
Sweden, collects democracy data through its research team in collaboration with country experts. Sweden, collects democracy data through its research team in collaboration with country experts.
In 2017, V-Dem published its first global report measuring the status of democracy. V-Dem’s In 2017, V-Dem published its first global report measuring the status of democracy. V-Dem’s
Democracy Report20212022’s Liberal Democracy Index is based on 71 indicators that capture liberal Liberal Democracy Index is based on 71 indicators that capture liberal
and electoral aspects of democracy.19 V-Dem evaluates all Central and South American nations. 19 Vanessa A. Boese, Nazifa Alizada, Martin Lundstedt, Kelly Morrison, Natalia Natsika, Yuko Sato, Hugo Tai, and Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
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link to page 11 link to page 11 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
and electoral aspects of democracy.14 V-Dem evaluates al Central and South American nations.
V-Dem evaluates a subset of Caribbean nations, namely Barbados, Cuba, the Dominican V-Dem evaluates a subset of Caribbean nations, namely Barbados, Cuba, the Dominican
Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.Based on the “Regimes of
the World” measure, theThe V-Dem 2021 report grouped 179 countries into four categories: V-Dem 2021 report grouped 179 countries into four categories: liberal
democracy,, electoral democracy,, electoral autocracy, and , and closed autocracy..1520 The report notes The report notes
that “a few governments in democracies do seem to be using the pandemic to erode democratic
institutions. This risk of pandemic backsliding is high in El Salvador…and to a lesser extent
in…Paraguay.”16 A few countries have advanced according to the index, such as Ecuador, while
V-Dem found that other countries in the region have become more autocratic, including Brazil
and Bolivia.17
Figure 4 shows the liberal democracy index rank and classification of al that in Latin America and the Caribbean, “democratizing countries made the greatest strides in improving judicial constraints. In Dominican Republic and Ecuador, for instance, there was significant and substantial improvement in government compliance with the high court over the last ten years.”21 However, with respect to democratization, “major regressions have struck twice as many countries: Brazil, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.”22 In the Western Hemisphere, Bolivia was upgraded to an “electoral democracy” while Trinidad and Tobago was downgraded to an “electoral democracy” and El Salvador to an “electoral autocracy.”23
Figure 4 shows the liberal democracy index rank and classification of all Central and South Central and South
American and Caribbean countries according to the American and Caribbean countries according to the Varieties of Democracy Institute's Democracy
Report 2021.
14 Nazifa Alizada, Rowan Cole, Lisa Gastaldi, Sandra Grahn, Sebastian Hellmeier, Palina Kolvani, Jean Lachapelle,
Anna Lührmann, Seraphine F. Maerz, Shreeya Pillai, and Staffan I. Lindberg, Dem ocracy Report 2021: Autocratization
Turns Viral, University of Gothenburg Varieties of Democracy Institute, at https://www.v-
dem.net/media/filer_public/74/8c/748c68ad-f224-4cd7-87f9-8794add5c60f/dr_2021_updated.pdf, p. 422022.
Staffan I. Lindberg, Autocratization Changing Nature? Democracy Report 2022, March 2022, Varieties of Democracy Institute, p. 50. Hereinafter, . Hereinafter,
V-Dem, V-Dem,Dem ocracyDemocracy Report 20212022. .
1520 Using Using its data, V-Demits data, V-Dem sorts countries into regime types basedsorts countries into regime types based on Anna Lührmann, Marcus on Anna Lührmann, Marcus T annenbergTannenberg, and Staffan , and Staffan
I. Lindberg,I. Lindberg, “ “Regimes of the World (RoW): Opening NewRegimes of the World (RoW): Opening New Avenues Avenues for the Comparative Study of Political Regimes,” for the Comparative Study of Political Regimes,”
Politics & Governance, vol. 6, no. 1 (2018), pp. 60-77. , vol. 6, no. 1 (2018), pp. 60-77.T hisThis article states “ article states “ that Dahl’s theory of polyarchy (1971, 1998) that Dahl’s theory of polyarchy (1971, 1998)
provides the most comprehensive and most widely accepted theory of what distinguishesprovides the most comprehensive and most widely accepted theory of what distinguishes a democracy baseda democracy based on six … on
six…institutional guarantees (elected officials, free and fair elections, freedom of expression, alternative sources of institutional guarantees (elected officials, free and fair elections, freedom of expression, alternative sources of
information, associational autonomy, and inclusive citizenship).” information, associational autonomy, and inclusive citizenship).”T heThe article defines democracies as article defines democracies as having “having “ de-facto
multiparty, free and fair elections, and Dahl’s institutional prerequisites minimallymultiparty, free and fair elections, and Dahl’s institutional prerequisites minimally fulfilled.”fulfilled.” An electoral democracy is An electoral democracy is
one in which “the rule of lawone in which “the rule of law or liberalor liberal principles [are] not satisfied” andprinciples [are] not satisfied” and a liberala liberal democracy is one in which “the rule democracy is one in which “the rule
of lawof law and liberaland liberal principles [are] satisfied.” Autocracies have “no principles [are] satisfied.” Autocracies have “no de facto multiparty, or free and fair elections, or multiparty, or free and fair elections, or
Dahl’s institutional prerequisites not minimally fulfilled.” An electoral autocracy has “Dahl’s institutional prerequisites not minimally fulfilled.” An electoral autocracy has “ de jure multiparty elections for multiparty elections for
the chief executive and the legislature” and a closed autocracy has “no multiparty elections for the chief executive or the chief executive and the legislature” and a closed autocracy has “no multiparty elections for the chief executive or
the legislature.” the legislature.”
1621 V-Dem, V-Dem, Democracy Report 20212022, p. , p. 10.
1720. 22 V-Dem, V-Dem, Democracy Report 2021, p. 23 and p. 192022, p. 19. 23 Ibid., pp. 14-15. .
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
7 7
Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Figure 4. V-Dem Democracy Report20212022's Liberal Democracy Index Rank
for Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Source: Created by CRS using the VarietiesCreated by CRS using the Varieties of Democracyof Democracy Institute’sInstitute’s Democracy Report 20212022.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
8 8
link to page 13 link to page 16 link to page 17 link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page 8 link to page 10 link to page 13 link to page 16 link to page 17 link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page 8 link to page 10 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Compilation of Democracy Indicators
In the tables below, the country name is followed by parentheses with the nature of the country’s In the tables below, the country name is followed by parentheses with the nature of the country’s
political system, as described in the U.S. State Department’s political system, as described in the U.S. State Department’s20202021 Country Reports on Human
Rights Practices..1824 This U.S. government information is included here for comparison with This U.S. government information is included here for comparison with
findings from the democracy indicators published by NGOs. findings from the democracy indicators published by NGOs.
Table 1 looks at Caribbean countries’ global democracy rankings according to Bertelsmann looks at Caribbean countries’ global democracy rankings according to Bertelsmann
Stiftung’s Stiftung’s20202022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Transformation Index, EIU’s Democracy Index 20202021, Freedom House’s , Freedom House’s Freedom
in the World20212022, and V-Dem’s , and V-Dem’s Democracy Report 20212022. Table 2 compares the same reports for compares the same reports for
Mexico and Central America, as Mexico and Central America, as doesdoes Table 3 for South America.for South America.
Each index is based on a unique methodology and the rankings are not necessarily comparable. Each index is based on a unique methodology and the rankings are not necessarily comparable.
For more details on the methodologies, see For more details on the methodologies, see “Democracy Indices and Source Notes” ” above. For above. For
term definitions of each index, see term definitions of each index, see footnotefootnote 2 for BTI, footnotfor BTI, footnote 5 8 for EIU, for EIU, footnote 9 footnote 13 for Freedom for Freedom
House, and House, andfootnote 15footnote 20 for V-Dem or consult the full reports. Each report evaluates a different for V-Dem or consult the full reports. Each report evaluates a different
number of countries, so there are missing rankings for some countries. Countries are number of countries, so there are missing rankings for some countries. Countries are listed alphabeticallylisted
alphabetical y in each table. in each table.
18 U.S.
24 U.S. Department of State, Department of State, 20202021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, , March 30, 2021April 12, 2022, at , at
https://www.state.gov/reports/https://www.state.gov/reports/20202021-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/. -country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
9 9
link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15
Table 1. Caribbean:20202021 Democracy Rankings
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report
2020
20202022
2021
Freedom in the World 2021
2021 2022
2022
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
RankaRanka
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
Typeb
Antigua &
Barbuda
((parliamentarymultiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
85 85
33 33
52 52
Free Free
— —
— —
multipartyparliamentary
democracy)democracy)
Bahamas
(constitutional (constitutional
— —
— —
— —
— —
91 91
38 38
53 53
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary parliamentary
democracy)democracy)
Barbados
((parliamentarymultiparty
(-) Liberal
— —
— —
— —
— —
95 95
38 38
57 57
Free Free
38
(-) Liberal35
parliamentary
democracy democracy)
democracy democracy)
Belize
(constitutional(constitutional
parliamentary
— —
— —
— —
— —
87 87
34 34
53 53
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary democracy) democracy)
Cuba
HardlineHard-line
Closed Closed
(authoritarian (authoritarian
110
autocracy
140111
142
Authoritarian Authoritarian
1312
1 1
1211
Not free Not free
162159
autocracy autocracy
autocracy state) state)
Dominica
((parliamentary
multiparty multiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
93 93
37 37
56 56
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary democracy) democracy)
CRS-10 CRS-10
link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report
2020
20202022
2021
Freedom in the World 2021
2021 2022
2022
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
RankaRanka
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
Typeb
Dominican
Republic
(representative
41
Defective
63
Flawed
67
26
Defective
Flawed
Electoral
(representative
35
60
68
27
41 41
Partly free Partly free
95
Electoral
constitutional68
democracy
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
democracy
constitutional democracy) democracy)
Grenada
(parliamentary (parliamentary
— —
— —
— —
— —
89 89
37 37
52 52
Free Free
— —
— —
democracy) democracy)
Guyana
(-) (-)
(multiparty
FlawedFlawed
(multiparty
— —
— —
75
Electoral
democracy)
democracy
73
30
43
Free
8465
73
30
43
Free
90
Electoral
democracy
democracy)
democracy democracy
Haiti
((constitutional
Moderate
Hybrid
Electoral
multiparty
92
autocracy
106
regime
37
15
22
Partly free
120multiparty
Hard-line
Electoral
96
119=
Authoritarian
33
11
22
Not free
121
constitutional
autocracy
autocracy autocracy
republic) republic)
Jamaica
(constitutional (constitutional
15
Democracy in
42=
FlawedDemocracy in
Flawed
Electoral
16
42
80 80
34 34
46 46
Free Free
35
Electoral33
parliamentary parliamentary
consolidation consolidation
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
democracy) democracy)
St. Kitts and
Nevis
((parliamentary
multiparty multiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
89 89
35 35
54 54
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary democracy and democracy and
federation) federation)
CRS-11 CRS-11
link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report
2020
20202022
2021
Freedom in the World 2021
2021 2022
2022
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
RankaRanka
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
Typeb
St. Lucia
((parliamentary
multiparty multiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
91
3792
38
54 54
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary democracy) democracy)
St. Vincent
and the
Grenadines
— —
— —
— —
— —
91 91
36 36
55 55
Free Free
— —
— —
( (parliamentary
multipartymultiparty parliamentary
democracy)democracy)
Suriname
(constitutional
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
—
—
51
democracy)
democracy(constitutional
—
—
49
79 79
34 34
45 45
Free Free
4943
democracy democracy
Trinidad &
Tobago
Democracy in
Flawed
(+)
(parliamentary
13
consolidation
41
democracydemocracy
democracy)
Trinidad &
(+)
Tobago
Democracy in
Flawed
13
41
82 82
33 33
49 49
Free Free
4339
Electoral Electoral
democracy)
democracy(parliamentary
consolidation
democracy
democracy
democracy)
Source: CompiledCompiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’sby CRS using the U.S. State Department’s 2020 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Stiftung’s 20202022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Transformation Index, EIU’s
Democracy Index 20202021, FreedomFreedom House’s House’s Freedom in the World 2021 2022, and the Varietiesand the Varieties of Democracyof Democracy Institute’s Institute’s Democracy Report 20212022.
Notes: Although BelizeAlthough Belize is located in Central Americais located in Central America and Guyana and Suriname are located in South America,and Guyana and Suriname are located in South America, al all three are membersthree are members of the Caribbean of the Caribbean Commu nityCommunity
(CARICOM). (CARICOM).
a. EIU’s symbola. EIU’s symbol “=” indicates a tying score“=” indicates a tying score or equal rank with another country. or equal rank with another country.
b. V-Dem’sb. V-Dem’s symbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lowersymbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lower category while (+) signifiescategory while (+) signifies that that th ethe country could belong country could belong
to the higher category. to the higher category.
CRS-12 CRS-12
link to page 17 link to page 17 link to page 17 link to page 17
Table 2. Mexico and Central America:20202021 Democracy Rankings
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Transformation Index 2020
2020 2022
2021
Freedom in the World 2021 2022
Report20212022
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index
system system
Global Rank
RankaRanka
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Global Rank
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
(of 179)
Type
Costa Rica
(constitutional (constitutional
8
Democracy in
18=
Ful
Democracy in Full Liberal 7 20= 91 91
38 38
53 53
Free Free
4 4
Liberal
republic) republic)
consolidation consolidation
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
El Salvador
(constitutional
(+)
(multiparty
Defective Defective
Hybrid Hybrid
Electoral
multiparty
30
democracy
77
regime
63
30
33
Partly Free
87
democracy
republic)
Guatemala
(constitutional
93
Moderate
97
Hybrid
52
21
31
Partly free
83
Electoral
multiparty40
79=
59
26
33
Partly Free
119
constitutional
democracy
regime
Electoral
republic)
autocracy
Guatemala
(-)
(multiparty
Moderate
Hybrid
91
99
51
21
30
Partly free
98
Electoral
constitutional
autocracy autocracy
regime regime
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Honduras
((constitutionalmultiparty
Moderate Moderate
Hybrid Hybrid
Electoral Electoral
multiparty
83
autocracy
88
regime
44
19
25
Partly free
12282
92=
47
21
26
Partly free
116
constitutional
autocracy
regime
autocracy autocracy
republic) republic)
Mexico
((federal
Defective
Flawedmultiparty
Highly defective
Hybrid
Electoral Electoral
multiparty
59
democracy
72
democracy
61
27
34
Partly free
8257
86=
60
27
33
Partly free
87
federal
democracy
regime
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Nicaraguab
(constitutional
94
Moderate
120
(-)
(authoritarian
Hard-line
political
105
140
Authoritarian Authoritarian
30
10
2023
5
18
Not free Not free
168167
Electoral Electoral
multiparty
autocracy
autocracy system) autocracy autocracy
republic)
CRS-13 CRS-13
link to page 17 link to page 13 link to page 19 link to page 17 link to page 13 link to page 19
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Transformation Index 2020
2020 2022
2021
Freedom in the World 2021 2022
Report20212022
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index
system system
Global Rank
RankaRanka
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Global Rank
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
(of 179)
Type
Panama
((constitutionalmultiparty
Defective Defective
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
multiparty
35
democracy
40
democracy
83
35
48
Free
5336
48
83
35
48
Free
53
constitutional
democracy
democracy
democracy democracy
democracy) democracy)
Sources: CompiledCompiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’sby CRS using the U.S. State Department’s 2020 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Stiftung’s 20202022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Transformation Index, EIU’s
Democracy Index 20202021, FreedomFreedom House’s House’s Freedom in the World 2021 2022, and the Varietiesand the Varieties of Democracyof Democracy Institute’s (V-Dem) Institute’s (V-Dem) Democracy Report 20212022.
Notes: Although BelizeAlthough Belize is located in Central America,is located in Central America, it is a memberit is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and is listed of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and is listed inin Table 1.
a. EIU’s symbola. EIU’s symbol “=” indicates a tying score“=” indicates a tying score or equal rank with another country. or equal rank with another country.
b. “Constitutional multiparty republic” is the political systemb. “Constitutional multiparty republic” is the political system description from the U.S. State Department’sdescription from the U.S. State Department’s 2018 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nicaragua,
while the while the20202021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nicaragua Nicaragua states: “Nicaragua has a highly centralized, authoritarian political systemstates: “Nicaragua has a highly centralized, authoritarian political system dominated by President dominated by President
Daniel Ortega Saavedra and his wife, Vice President Rosario Daniel Ortega Saavedra and his wife, Vice President RosarioMuril o Murillo Zambrana. Ortega’s Sandinista National Liberation Front (Zambrana. Ortega’s Sandinista National Liberation Front ( FSLN) party exercisesFSLN) party exercises total control total control
over the executive, legislative,over the executive, legislative, judicial, and electoraljudicial, and electoral functions.” functions.”
Table 3. South America:20202021 Democracy Rankings
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report
Transformation Index 2020
2020 2022
2021
Freedom in the World 2021
2021 2022
2022
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index Global
system system
Global Rank
Status
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Rank (of
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Index
167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
179)
Typea
Argentina
(federal (federal
Democracy Democracy in in
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
constitutional
16
consolidation
48
democracy
84
35
49
Free
3919
50
84
35
49
Free
38
constitutional
consolidation
democracy
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
CRS-14 CRS-14
link to page 19 link to page 19
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report
Transformation Index 2020
2020 2022
2021
Freedom in the World 2021
2021 2022
2022
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index Global
system system
Global Rank
Status
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Rank (of
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Index
167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
179)
Typea
Bolivia
(constitutional
(-)
(multiparty
Defective Defective
Hybrid Hybrid
Electoral
multiparty
41
democracy
94
regime
66
27
39
Partly free
121
autocracy29
98
66
27
39
Partly free
89
Electoral
constitutional
democracy
regime
democracy
republic) republic)
Brazil
((constitutional
26
Defective
49
Flawed
74
31
43
Free
56
Electoral
multipartymultiparty
Defective
Flawed
Electoral
29
47
73
31
42
Free
59
constitutional
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Chile
((constitutionalmultiparty
Democracy Democracy in in
Ful
(+)
multiparty
6
consolidation
17
democracy
93
38
55
Free
25
Electoral
democracy)
democracy
Colombia
(constitutionalFlawed
(-) Liberal
6
25
94
38
56
Free
21
constitutional
consolidation
democracy
democracy
democracy)
Colombia (multiparty
Defective Defective
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
multiparty
44
democracy
46
democracy
65
29
36
Partly free
7447
59
64
29
35
Partly free
69
constitutional
democracy
democracy
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Ecuador
((constitutional
30
Defective
69
Flawed
67
27
40
Partly free
64
Electoral
multiparty
democracy
democracymultiparty
Defective
Hybrid
Electoral
32
81=
71
31
40
Free
70
constitutional
democracy
regime
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Paraguay
(constitutional
(-)
(multiparty
Defective Defective
Flawed
Electoral
multiparty
46
democracy
67
democracy
65
28
37
Partly free
80Hybrid
42
77
65
28
37
Partly free
77
Electoral
constitutional
democracy
regime
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Peru
((constitutionalmultiparty
Defective Defective
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
multiparty
49
democracy
57
democracy
71
29
42
Partly free
3645
71
72
30
42
Free
40
constitutional
democracy
democracy
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
CRS-15 CRS-15
link to page 19 link to page 19 link to page 13 link to page 19 link to page 19 link to page 13
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report
Transformation Index 2020
2020 2022
2021
Freedom in the World 2021
2021 2022
2022
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index Global
system system
Global Rank
Status
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Rank (of
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Index
167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
179)
Typea
Uruguay
Democracy Democracy in in
Ful
Full (-) Liberal (-) Liberal
(constitutional (constitutional
1 1
consolidation
15
democracy
98
40
58
Free
1613
97
40
57
Free
23
consolidation
democracy
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Venezuelab
(constitutional
120
Hardline
143Venezuelab (multiparty
Hard-line
Electoral
119
151
Authoritarian Authoritarian
14 14
1 1
13 13
Not free Not free
164
Electoral
multiparty161
constitutional
autocracy autocracy
autocracy autocracy
republic) republic)
Source: CompiledCompiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’sby CRS using the U.S. State Department’s 2020 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Stiftung’s 20202022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Transformation Index, EIU’s
Democracy Index 20202021, FreedomFreedom House’s House’s Freedom in the World 2021 2022, and the Varietiesand the Varieties of Democracyof Democracy Institute’s Institute’s Democracy Report 20212022.
Notes: Although Guyana and Suriname are located in South America,Although Guyana and Suriname are located in South America, both are membersboth are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and are of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and are listed inlisted in Table 1.
a. V-Dem’sa. V-Dem’s symbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lowersymbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lower category while (+) signifiescategory while (+) signifies that that th ethe country could belong country could belong
to the higher category. to the higher category.
b. From b. From U.S. State Department’sU.S. State Department’s 2020 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Venezuela:: “While Venezuela is “While Venezuela is legal y legally a multiparty, constitutional republic, the a multiparty, constitutional republic, the
il egitimate illegitimate authoritarian regimeauthoritarian regime led by Nicolas Maduro usurped control over led by Nicolas Maduro usurped control over the executive, judicial, citizens’ power (which includesall branches of government: executive, judicial, legislative, the offices of the prosecutor general and the prosecutor general and
ombudsman), and electoral branches of government, and stood up a paral el, il egitimate legislative body alongside the existing elected oneombudsman, and the electoral institutions. In December 2020 the Maduro regime organized parliamentary elections that were rigged in favor of the regime, and approximately 60 countries and international bodies publicly declared the elections were neither free nor fair.” .”
CRS-16 CRS-16
link to page 20 link to page 20 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Table 4 provides resources for further information about democracy indicators in Central and provides resources for further information about democracy indicators in Central and
South America and the Caribbean, although many cover other geographic areas as South America and the Caribbean, although many cover other geographic areas aswel well. The . The
sources are organized sources are organized alphabetical yalphabetically by title. This is not an exhaustive list. by title. This is not an exhaustive list.
Table 4. Selected Resources for Democracy Indicators
Title
(year published) Organization
Resource Type
URL
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung's Stiftung's
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung Stiftung
Political Transformation Political Transformation
https://www.bti- https://www.bti-
20202022 Transformation Transformation
Index ranks 137 countries project.org/en/index/ Index ranks 137 countries project.org/en/index/
Index Index
political- political-
transformation.html transformation.html
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung Stiftung
Governance Index ranks Governance Index ranks
https://www.bti- https://www.bti-
137 countries 137 countries
project.org/en/index/ project.org/en/index/
governance.html governance.html
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung Stiftung
Regional report on 22 Regional report on 22
https://www.bti- https://www.bti-
Latin American Latin American and the and the
project.org/content/en/ project.org/content/en/
Caribbean countries Caribbean countries
reports/regional-reports/ reports/regional-reports/
regional_report_LAC_20regional_report_LAC_20
20_EN.pdf 20_EN.pdf
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung Stiftung
Global report covers 137 Global report covers 137
https://www.bti- https://www.bti-
countries countries
project.org/content/en/ project.org/content/en/
reports/global-report-d/reports/global-report-d/
global_findings_democracglobal_findings_democrac
y_2020_EN.pdf y_2020_EN.pdf
Democracy Index 2020
Economist Intel igenceCountry Reports on Human
U.S. State Department
Global report covers all
https://www.state.gov/rep
Rights Practices 2021
countries receiving U.S.
orts/2021-country-
assistance and all United
reports-on-human-rights-
Nations member states
practices/
Democracy Index 2020
Economist Intelligence
Global report covers 167 Global report covers 167
https://www.eiu.com/n/ca https://www.eiu.com/n/ca
Unit Unit
countries and territories countries and territories
mpaigns/democracy- mpaigns/democracy-
index-2020/ index-2020/
Democracy Report 2021 Report 2022
Varieties Varieties of Democracy of Democracy
Global report covers 179 Global report covers 179
https://www.v-
(V-Dem) (V-Dem)
countries countries
dem.net/media/filer_publi
c/74/8c/748c68ad-f224-
4cd7-87f9-
8794add5c60f/dr_2021_u
pdated.pdf
Electoral Integrity
Electoral Integrity Project, Electoral Integrity Project,
Report and data from Report and data from
https://www.electoralinteg https://www.electoralinteg
Worldwide 2019
an independent academic an independent academic
cumulative study covering cumulative study covering
rityproject.com/the-year- rityproject.com/the-year-
project based at Harvard project based at Harvard
national presidential and national presidential and
in-elections-2019 in-elections-2019
University and the University and the
parliamentary elections parliamentary elections
University of Sydney University of Sydney
from July 1, 2012 to from July 1, 2012 to
DecemberDecember 31, 2018 31, 2018
Freedom in the World 2021 FreedomFreedom House House
Global report covers 210 Global report covers 210
https://freedomhouse.org/ https://freedomhouse.org/
countries and territories countries and territories
sites/default/files/2021- sites/default/files/2021-
02/FIW2021_World_02202/FIW2021_World_022
52021_FINAL-web-52021_FINAL-web-
upload.pdf upload.pdf
Freedom Freedom House House
Map Map
https://freedomhouse.org/ https://freedomhouse.org/
explore-the-explore-the-
map?type=fiw&year=2021 map?type=fiw&year=2021
Freedom Freedom House House
Country ranking list Country ranking list
https://freedomhouse.org/ https://freedomhouse.org/
countries/freedom-world/countries/freedom-world/
scores scores
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
17 17
Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Title
(year published) Organization
Resource Type
URL
Global State of Global State of
International Institute for International Institute for
Interactive map looks at Interactive map looks at
https://www.idea.int/gsod-
Democracy Democracy Indices 2019 Indices 2019
Democracy Democracy and Electoral and Electoral
116 indicators for 116 indicators for162
indices/#/indices/world-
165 website Assistance’s Assistance’s (International (International
countries from 1975- countries from 1975-2019 map
2020 IDEA) Global State of IDEA) Global State of
DemocracyDemocracy Initiative Initiative
Global State of Democracy
International Institute for International Institute for
Report looks at global
https://www.idea.int/sites/
2019
Democracy Global report looks at
2021 report
Democracy and Electoral and Electoral
trends in democracy from trends in democracy from
default/files/publications/
Assistance Assistance
1975- 1975-20152020 across 165 countries
The State of Democracy in
International Institute for
Regional report that
the Americas 2021 report
Democracy and Electoral
includes all Latin
Assistance
American countries and some Caribbean countries across 158
the-global-state-of-
countries
democracy-2019.pdf
Rule of Law Index20202021
World World Justice Project Justice Project
Report measures Report measures how the https://worldjusticeproject
how the report rule of law is experienced rule of law is experienced
.org/sites/default/files/
and perceivedand perceived in 128
documents/WJP-ROLI-
countries and jurisdictions
2020-Online_0.pdf
World in 139 countries and jurisdictions
Rule of Law Index 2021
World Justice Project Justice Project
Interactive map and data Interactive map and data
https://www.worldjusticep
tables cover 128
roject.org/rule-of-law-
countries and jurisdictions
index/
Mexico States Rule of Law
World Justice Project
Country report on the
https://worldjusticeproject
Index 2019-2020
adherence to the rule of
.org/sites/default/files/
law in Mexico's 32 states
documents/MSI-eng-2.pdf
(also available in Spanish)
Worldwide Governance
World Bank
Data on 6 aggregate
https://info.worldbank.org
Indicators
indicators of governance
/governance/wgi/
for 214 countries from
1996-2019; in particular,
see Voice and
Accountability indicator
Source: Compiled by CRS.
Author Information
Carla Y. Davis-Castro
Research Librarian
Congressional Research Service
18
Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
interactive website
tables cover 139 countries and jurisdictions
The Rule of Law in Belize
World Justice Project
Country report based on
(2022)
key findings from the General Population Poll 2021
The Rule of Law in El
World Justice Project
Country report based on
Salvador (2022)
key findings from the General Population Poll 2021
The Rule of Law in
World Justice Project
Country report based on
Guatemala (2022)
key findings from the General Population Poll 2021
The Rule of Law in
World Justice Project
Country report based on
Honduras (2022)
key findings from the General Population Poll 2021
Mexico States Rule of Law
World Justice Project
Country report on the
Index 2020-2021
adherence to the rule of law in Mexico's 32 states (also available in Spanish)
The Rule of Law in Panama
World Justice Project
Country report based on
(2022)
key findings from the General Population Poll 2021
Worldwide Governance
World Bank
Data on 6 aggregate
Indicators
indicators of governance for 214 countries from 1996-2020; in particular, see Voice and Accountability indicator
Source: Compiled by CRS.
Congressional Research Service
18
Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Author Information
Carla Y. Davis-Castro
Research Librarian
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report shouldn otnot be relied upon for purposes other be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
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Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
R46016 R46016 · VERSION67 · UPDATED
19 19
Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Carla Y. Davis-Castro
This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the
Caribbean, based on Caribbean, based on
worldwide. Using tables and graphs to worldwide. Using tables and graphs to
of State’s of State’s
House’s House’s Freedom in the World
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 6 link to page 7 link to page 9 link to page 12 link to page 6 link to page 6 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 13 link to page 16 link to page 17 link to page 20 link to page link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 6 link to page 7 link to page 9 link to page 12 link to page 6 link to page 6 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 13 link to page 16 link to page 17 link to page 20 link to page
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Democracy Indices and Source Notes ............................................................................................. 1
Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) ................................................................................. 1
Economist
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World ................................................................................... 4
Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem)’s Liberal Democracy Index ................................... 6
Compilation of Democracy Indicators ............................................................................................ 9
Figures
Figure 1. BTI's
Caribbean Countries ..................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2. EIU Democracy Index
Countries ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 3. Freedom House, Freedom in the World
American and Caribbean Countries ............................................................................................. 6
Figure 4. V-Dem Democracy Report
American and Caribbean Countries ............................................................................................. 8
Tables
Table 1. Caribbean:
Table 2. Mexico and Central America:
Table 3. South America:
Table 4. Selected Resources for Democracy Indicators ................................................................ 17
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 19
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
Democracy in Latin America and
Introduction
For decades, U.S. policy has broadly reflected the view that the spread of democracy around the For decades, U.S. policy has broadly reflected the view that the spread of democracy around the
world is favorable to U.S. interests. The current trajectory of democracy around the world is an world is favorable to U.S. interests. The current trajectory of democracy around the world is an
issue of interest for Congress, which has issue of interest for Congress, which has
This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climate in Latin America and the
Caribbean, based on the U.S. Department of State’s description of each country’s political system Caribbean, based on the U.S. Department of State’s description of each country’s political system
For additional information on democracy in the global context, see CRS Report R45344, For additional information on democracy in the global context, see CRS Report R45344, Global
For related information about democracy in Latin American and the Caribbean, see the following For related information about democracy in Latin American and the Caribbean, see the following
CRS Report R46781, CRS Report R46781, Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key
Issues in the 117th Congress, coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan, coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan;
CRS In Focus IF10460, CRS In Focus IF10460, Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview, ,
by Mark P. Sullivan; by Mark P. Sullivan;
CRS Report CRS Report
Caribbean:
CRS Report 98-684, CRS Report 98-684, Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders
and Elections, by Carla Y. Davis-Castro; and, by Carla Y. Davis-Castro; and
CRS also publishes reports on specific Latin American and Caribbean countries. CRS also publishes reports on specific Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Democracy Indices and Source Notes
This report compiles information from the U.S. State Department and data from four This report compiles information from the U.S. State Department and data from four
nongovernmental (NGO) indices, which are each discussed briefly below. CRS does not endorse nongovernmental (NGO) indices, which are each discussed briefly below. CRS does not endorse
the methodology or accuracy of any particular democracy index. (For a discussion about the methodology or accuracy of any particular democracy index. (For a discussion about
definitions of democracy and critiques of democracy indices, see CRS Report R45344, definitions of democracy and critiques of democracy indices, see CRS Report R45344, Global
The following indices are discussed below: (1) Bertelsmann Stiftung’s The following indices are discussed below: (1) Bertelsmann Stiftung’s
Transformation Index (BTI); (2) the Economist Transformation Index (BTI); (2) the Economist
Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI)
Bertelsmann Stiftung, a private foundation based in Germany, has published the Bertelsmann Bertelsmann Stiftung, a private foundation based in Germany, has published the Bertelsmann
Transformation Index (BTI) Transformation Index (BTI)
criteria: (1) stateness, (2) political participation, (3) rule of law, (4) criteria: (1) stateness, (2) political participation, (3) rule of law, (4)
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
1 1
link to page 6 link to page 6 Democracy in Latin America and
determine country classification: determine country classification: democracy in consolidation, defective democracy, highly
defective democracy, moderate autocracy, ,
South American nations. South American nations.
and Tobago, and Jamaicaand Tobago, and Jamaica
Caribbean countries according to the Political Transformation Rank, a component of the Caribbean countries according to the Political Transformation Rank, a component of the
1 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Methodology,” accessed May 1 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Methodology,” accessed May
project.org/en/methodology.html. Also see https://www.bti-project.org/en/index/political-transformation.html. project.org/en/methodology.html. Also see https://www.bti-project.org/en/index/political-transformation.html.
2 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “2 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “
project.org/en/project.org/en/
a democracy: (1) free and fair elections, (2) effective power to govern, (3) association/assembly rights, (4) freedom of a democracy: (1) free and fair elections, (2) effective power to govern, (3) association/assembly rights, (4) freedom of
expression, (5) separation of powers, (6) civil rights, and (7) monopoly on the use of force and basicexpression, (5) separation of powers, (6) civil rights, and (7) monopoly on the use of force and basic
threshold. threshold.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
2 2
Democracy in Latin America and
Figure 1. BTI's
Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Source: Created by CRS using BertelsmannCreated by CRS using Bertelsmann
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Democracy Index
The Economist The Economist
democracy index since 2006. The current report provides an annual snapshot of the state of democracy index since 2006. The current report provides an annual snapshot of the state of
democracy for 165 independent states and two territories.democracy for 165 independent states and two territories.
democracies,, flawed democracies,, hybrid regimes, or , or authoritarian regimes based on an based on an
aggregate score of 60 indicators in five categories: (1) electoral process and pluralism, (2) aggregate score of 60 indicators in five categories: (1) electoral process and pluralism, (2)
Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and TobagoDominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago
index-index-
satisfactory. Media are independent and diverse.... effective checks and balancessatisfactory. Media are independent and diverse.... effective checks and balances
civil liberties are respected. However, there are significant weaknessescivil liberties are respected. However, there are significant weaknesses
problems in governance, an problems in governance, an
have “substantial election have “substantial election
to be widespreadto be widespread
authoritarian
democracy may exist, but these have little substancedemocracy may exist, but these have little substance ......
infringements of civil libertiesinfringements of civil liberties
independent judiciary.” independent judiciary.”
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
3 3
link to page 7 link to page 7
Democracy in Latin America and
democracies are democracies are
Figure 2 shows the global rank and classification of Central and South American and Caribbean shows the global rank and classification of Central and South American and Caribbean
Figure 2. EIU Democracy Index
Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Source: Created by CRS using EIU’s Created by CRS using EIU’s Democracy
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World
Freedom House is a U.S.-based NGO that conducts research on democracy, political freedom, Freedom House is a U.S.-based NGO that conducts research on democracy, political freedom,
and human rights worldwide. It has published a global report on political rights and civil liberties, and human rights worldwide. It has published a global report on political rights and civil liberties,
now now
and 15 territories. Freedom House assigns each country 0 to 4 points on 25 different indicators—and 15 territories. Freedom House assigns each country 0 to 4 points on 25 different indicators—
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
4 4
link to page 9 link to page 9 Democracy in Latin America and
House evaluates House evaluates
covering covering
SalvadorSalvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua and the top countries with largest democratic declines over the last decade included and the top countries with largest democratic declines over the last decade included
analysis is based on data that are detailed in full on the Freedom House’s report web page.analysis is based on data that are detailed in full on the Freedom House’s report web page.
all countries with a detailed profile for each.18 Figure 3 shows the aggregate scores of shows the aggregate scores of
according to the relevant Freedom House country web pages for according to the relevant Freedom House country web pages for Freedom in the World
groupedgrouped
Functioning of Government (3). Functioning of Government (3).
Expression and Belief (4 questions), Associational and Organizational Rights (3), RuleExpression and Belief (4 questions), Associational and Organizational Rights (3), Rule
Autonomy and IndividualAutonomy and Individual
online at Freedom House, “online at Freedom House, “
https://freedomhouse.org/reports/freedom-world/freedom-world-research-methodology. https://freedomhouse.org/reports/freedom-world/freedom-world-research-methodology.
2022: The Global Expansion of Authoritarian Rule, Freedom House, 2022, at https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/
https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world. https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world.
https://freedomhouse.org/countries/freedom-world/scores. https://freedomhouse.org/countries/freedom-world/scores.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
5 5
Democracy in Latin America and
Figure 3. Freedom House, Freedom in the World
Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Source: Created by CRS using FreedomCreated by CRS using Freedom
Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem)’s Liberal Democracy
Index
The Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem), headquartered at the University of Gothenburg in The Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem), headquartered at the University of Gothenburg in
Sweden, collects democracy data through its research team in collaboration with country experts. Sweden, collects democracy data through its research team in collaboration with country experts.
In 2017, V-Dem published its first global report measuring the status of democracy. V-Dem’s In 2017, V-Dem published its first global report measuring the status of democracy. V-Dem’s
Democracy Report
and electoral aspects of democracy.19 V-Dem evaluates all Central and South American nations. 19 Vanessa A. Boese, Nazifa Alizada, Martin Lundstedt, Kelly Morrison, Natalia Natsika, Yuko Sato, Hugo Tai, and Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
6 6
link to page 11 link to page 11 Democracy in Latin America and
V-Dem evaluates a subset of Caribbean nations, namely Barbados, Cuba, the Dominican V-Dem evaluates a subset of Caribbean nations, namely Barbados, Cuba, the Dominican
Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
democracy,, electoral democracy,, electoral autocracy, and , and closed autocracy..
American and Caribbean countries according to the American and Caribbean countries according to the Varieties of Democracy Institute's Democracy
V-Dem, V-Dem,
I. Lindberg,I. Lindberg,
Politics & Governance, vol. 6, no. 1 (2018), pp. 60-77. , vol. 6, no. 1 (2018), pp. 60-77.
provides the most comprehensive and most widely accepted theory of what distinguishesprovides the most comprehensive and most widely accepted theory of what distinguishes
information, associational autonomy, and inclusive citizenship).” information, associational autonomy, and inclusive citizenship).”
multiparty, free and fair elections, and Dahl’s institutional prerequisites minimallymultiparty, free and fair elections, and Dahl’s institutional prerequisites minimally
one in which “the rule of lawone in which “the rule of law
of lawof law
Dahl’s institutional prerequisites not minimally fulfilled.” An electoral autocracy has “Dahl’s institutional prerequisites not minimally fulfilled.” An electoral autocracy has “
the chief executive and the legislature” and a closed autocracy has “no multiparty elections for the chief executive or the chief executive and the legislature” and a closed autocracy has “no multiparty elections for the chief executive or
the legislature.” the legislature.”
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
7 7
Democracy in Latin America and
Figure 4. V-Dem Democracy Report
for Latin American and Caribbean Countries
Source: Created by CRS using the VarietiesCreated by CRS using the Varieties
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
8 8
link to page 13 link to page 16 link to page 17 link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page 8 link to page 10 link to page 13 link to page 16 link to page 17 link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page 8 link to page 10 Democracy in Latin America and
Compilation of Democracy Indicators
In the tables below, the country name is followed by parentheses with the nature of the country’s In the tables below, the country name is followed by parentheses with the nature of the country’s
political system, as described in the U.S. State Department’s political system, as described in the U.S. State Department’s
Rights Practices..
Table 1 looks at Caribbean countries’ global democracy rankings according to Bertelsmann looks at Caribbean countries’ global democracy rankings according to Bertelsmann
Stiftung’s Stiftung’s
in the World
Each index is based on a unique methodology and the rankings are not necessarily comparable. Each index is based on a unique methodology and the rankings are not necessarily comparable.
For more details on the methodologies, see For more details on the methodologies, see “Democracy Indices and Source Notes
House, and House, and
number of countries, so there are missing rankings for some countries. Countries are number of countries, so there are missing rankings for some countries. Countries are listed alphabetically
https://www.state.gov/reports/https://www.state.gov/reports/
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
9 9
link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15
Table 1. Caribbean:
Bertelsmann
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Freedom in the World
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
Typeb
Antigua
Barbuda
((
— —
— —
— —
— —
85 85
33 33
52 52
Free Free
— —
— —
democracy)democracy)
Bahamas
(constitutional (constitutional
— —
— —
— —
— —
91 91
38 38
53 53
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary parliamentary
democracy)democracy)
Barbados
((
— —
— —
— —
— —
95 95
38 38
57 57
Free Free
democracy democracy
democracy democracy)
Belize
(constitutional(constitutional
— —
— —
— —
— —
87 87
34 34
53 53
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary democracy) democracy)
Cuba
Closed Closed
(authoritarian (authoritarian
Authoritarian Authoritarian
1 1
Not free Not free
autocracy autocracy
autocracy state) state)
Dominica
((
multiparty multiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
93 93
37 37
56 56
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary democracy) democracy)
CRS-10 CRS-10
link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15
Bertelsmann
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Freedom in the World
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
Typeb
Dominican
Republic
41 41
Partly free Partly free
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
Grenada
(parliamentary (parliamentary
— —
— —
— —
— —
89 89
37 37
52 52
Free Free
— —
— —
democracy) democracy)
Guyana
(-) (-)
— —
— —
democracy democracy
Haiti
((
autocracy autocracy
republic) republic)
Jamaica
(constitutional (constitutional
80 80
34 34
46 46
Free Free
parliamentary parliamentary
consolidation consolidation
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
democracy) democracy)
St. Kitts and
Nevis
(
multiparty multiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
89 89
35 35
54 54
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary democracy and democracy and
federation) federation)
CRS-11 CRS-11
link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15
Bertelsmann
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Freedom in the World
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
Typeb
St. Lucia
(
multiparty multiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
54 54
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary democracy) democracy)
St. Vincent
and the
Grenadines
— —
— —
— —
— —
91 91
36 36
55 55
Free Free
— —
— —
( (
democracy)democracy)
Suriname
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
79 79
34 34
45 45
Free Free
democracy democracy
82 82
33 33
49 49
Free Free
Electoral Electoral
Source: CompiledCompiled
Democracy
Notes: Although BelizeAlthough Belize
(CARICOM). (CARICOM).
a. EIU’s symbola. EIU’s symbol
b. V-Dem’sb. V-Dem’s
to the higher category. to the higher category.
CRS-12 CRS-12
link to page 17 link to page 17 link to page 17 link to page 17
Table 2. Mexico and Central America:
Bertelsmann
EIU Democracy
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Transformation Index
Freedom in the World
Report
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index
system system
Global Rank
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Global Rank
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
(of 179)
Type
Costa Rica
(constitutional (constitutional
Democracy in Full Liberal 7 20= 91 91
38 38
53 53
Free Free
4 4
consolidation consolidation
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
El Salvador
Defective Defective
Hybrid Hybrid
autocracy autocracy
regime regime
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Honduras
((
Moderate Moderate
Hybrid Hybrid
Electoral Electoral
autocracy autocracy
republic) republic)
Mexico
((
Electoral Electoral
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Nicaraguab
Authoritarian Authoritarian
Not free Not free
Electoral Electoral
autocracy system) autocracy autocracy
link to page 17 link to page 13 link to page 19 link to page 17 link to page 13 link to page 19
Bertelsmann
EIU Democracy
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Transformation Index
Freedom in the World
Report
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index
system system
Global Rank
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Global Rank
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
(of 179)
Type
Panama
((
Defective Defective
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
democracy democracy
democracy) democracy)
Sources: CompiledCompiled
Democracy
Notes: Although BelizeAlthough Belize
a. EIU’s symbola. EIU’s symbol
b. “Constitutional multiparty republic” is the political systemb. “Constitutional multiparty republic” is the political system
while the while the
Daniel Ortega Saavedra and his wife, Vice President Rosario Daniel Ortega Saavedra and his wife, Vice President Rosario
over the executive, legislative,over the executive, legislative,
Table 3. South America:
Bertelsmann
EIU Democracy
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Transformation Index
Freedom in the World
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index Global
system system
Global Rank
Status
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Rank (of
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Index
167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
179)
Typea
Argentina
(federal (federal
Democracy Democracy
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
CRS-14 CRS-14
link to page 19 link to page 19
Bertelsmann
EIU Democracy
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Transformation Index
Freedom in the World
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index Global
system system
Global Rank
Status
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Rank (of
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Index
167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
179)
Typea
Bolivia
Defective Defective
Hybrid Hybrid
republic) republic)
Brazil
((
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Chile
((
Democracy Democracy
Defective Defective
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Ecuador
((
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Paraguay
Defective Defective
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Peru
((
Defective Defective
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
CRS-15 CRS-15
link to page 19 link to page 19 link to page 13 link to page 19 link to page 19 link to page 13
Bertelsmann
EIU Democracy
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy
Transformation Index
Freedom in the World
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index Global
system system
Global Rank
Status
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Rank (of
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Index
167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
179)
Typea
Uruguay
Democracy Democracy
Full (-) Liberal (-) Liberal
(constitutional (constitutional
1 1
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Authoritarian Authoritarian
14 14
1 1
13 13
Not free Not free
autocracy autocracy
autocracy autocracy
republic) republic)
Source: CompiledCompiled
Democracy
Notes: Although Guyana and Suriname are located in South America,Although Guyana and Suriname are located in South America,
a. V-Dem’sa. V-Dem’s
to the higher category. to the higher category.
b. From b. From
CRS-16 CRS-16
link to page 20 link to page 20 Democracy in Latin America and
Table 4 provides resources for further information about democracy indicators in Central and provides resources for further information about democracy indicators in Central and
South America and the Caribbean, although many cover other geographic areas as South America and the Caribbean, although many cover other geographic areas as
Table 4. Selected Resources for Democracy Indicators
Title
(year published) Organization
Resource Type
URL
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann
Political Transformation Political Transformation
https://www.bti- https://www.bti-
Index ranks 137 countries project.org/en/index/ Index ranks 137 countries project.org/en/index/
Index Index
political- political-
transformation.html transformation.html
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann
Governance Index ranks Governance Index ranks
https://www.bti- https://www.bti-
137 countries 137 countries
project.org/en/index/ project.org/en/index/
governance.html governance.html
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann
Regional report on 22 Regional report on 22
https://www.bti- https://www.bti-
Latin American Latin American
project.org/content/en/ project.org/content/en/
Caribbean countries Caribbean countries
reports/regional-reports/ reports/regional-reports/
regional_report_LAC_20regional_report_LAC_20
20_EN.pdf 20_EN.pdf
Bertelsmann Bertelsmann
Global report covers 137 Global report covers 137
https://www.bti- https://www.bti-
countries countries
project.org/content/en/ project.org/content/en/
reports/global-report-d/reports/global-report-d/
global_findings_democracglobal_findings_democrac
y_2020_EN.pdf y_2020_EN.pdf
Global report covers 167 Global report covers 167
https://www.eiu.com/n/ca https://www.eiu.com/n/ca
Unit Unit
countries and territories countries and territories
mpaigns/democracy- mpaigns/democracy-
index-2020/ index-2020/
Democracy
Varieties Varieties
Global report covers 179 Global report covers 179
(V-Dem) (V-Dem)
countries countries
Electoral Integrity Project, Electoral Integrity Project,
https://www.electoralinteg https://www.electoralinteg
Worldwide
an independent academic an independent academic
cumulative study covering cumulative study covering
rityproject.com/the-year- rityproject.com/the-year-
project based at Harvard project based at Harvard
national presidential and national presidential and
in-elections-2019 in-elections-2019
University and the University and the
parliamentary elections parliamentary elections
University of Sydney University of Sydney
from July 1, 2012 to from July 1, 2012 to
DecemberDecember
Freedom in the World 2021 FreedomFreedom
Global report covers 210 Global report covers 210
https://freedomhouse.org/ https://freedomhouse.org/
countries and territories countries and territories
sites/default/files/2021- sites/default/files/2021-
02/FIW2021_World_02202/FIW2021_World_022
52021_FINAL-web-52021_FINAL-web-
upload.pdf upload.pdf
Freedom Freedom
Map Map
https://freedomhouse.org/ https://freedomhouse.org/
explore-the-explore-the-
map?type=fiw&year=2021 map?type=fiw&year=2021
Freedom Freedom
Country ranking list Country ranking list
https://freedomhouse.org/ https://freedomhouse.org/
countries/freedom-world/countries/freedom-world/
scores scores
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
17 17
Democracy in Latin America and
Title
(year published) Organization
Resource Type
URL
Global State of Global State of
International Institute for International Institute for
Interactive map looks at Interactive map looks at
Democracy Democracy
Democracy Democracy
116 indicators for 116 indicators for
165 website Assistance’s Assistance’s
countries from 1975- countries from 1975-
2020 IDEA) Global State of IDEA) Global State of
DemocracyDemocracy
Global State of Democracy
International Institute for International Institute for
trends in democracy from trends in democracy from
1975- 1975-
Rule of Law Index
World World
Report measures Report measures
how the report rule of law is experienced rule of law is experienced
Interactive map and data Interactive map and data
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