Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices

Democracy in Latin America and the
July 11, 2022September 27, 2023
Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices
Carla Y. Davis-Castro
This report provides a regional snapshot of the This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climatestate of democracy in Latin America and the in Latin America and the
Senior Research Librarian Research Librarian
Caribbean, based on selected nongovernmental indices that measure democracy Caribbean, based on selected nongovernmental indices that measure democracy trends

worldwide. worldwide. Using tables and graphs to illustrate regional trends, this report provides a Using tables and graphs to illustrate regional trends, this report provides a
snapshot of democracy indicators from the following sources: (1) snapshot of democracy indicators from the following sources: (1) the U.S. Department

of State’s 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices; (2) Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Bertelsmann Stiftung’s
2022 Bertelsmann 2022 Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI); (Transformation Index (BTI); (32) the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU’s) ) the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU’s) Democracy Index
20212022; (; (43) Freedom House’s ) Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 20222023; and (; and (54) the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s (V-) the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s (V-
DEMDem’s) Liberal Democracy Index in its ’s) Liberal Democracy Index in its Democracy Report 20222023. Additional resources appear at the end of the . Additional resources appear at the end of the
report. report.
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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Democracy Indices and Source Notes ............................................................................................. 1
Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) ................................................................................. 12
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Democracy Index ............................................................ 4 3
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World ................................................................................... 46
Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem)’s Liberal Democracy Index ................................... 68
Compilation of Democracy Indicators .......................................................................................... 10 Selected Resources ........................................................................................................................ 18.. 9

Figures
Figure 1. BTI's 2022 Political Transformation Global Ranking of Latin American and
Caribbean Countries ..................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2. EIU’s Democracy Index 20212022 Global Ranking for Latin American and Caribbean
Countries ................. Caribbean Countries ..................................................................................................................... 45
Figure 3. Freedom House,’s Freedom in the World 20222023 Aggregate Scores for Latin
American and Caribbean Countries ............................................................................................. 67
Figure 4. V-Dem’s Democracy Report 20222023's Liberal Democracy Index Rank for Latin
American and Caribbean Countries ............................................................................................. 89

Tables
Table 1. Caribbean: 20212022 Democracy Rankings ........................................................................... 10. 11
Table 2. Mexico and Central America: 20212022 Democracy Rankings .............................................. 1314
Table 3. South America: 20212022 Democracy Rankings .................................................................... 1416
Table 4. Selected Resources for Democracy Indicators ................................................................ 1718

Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 19
Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................... 19
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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 generally supported U.S. democracy promotion efforts. issue of interest for Congress, which has generally supported U.S. democracy promotion efforts.
This report provides a regional snapshot of the This report provides a regional snapshot of the political climatestate of democracy in Latin America and the in Latin America and the
CaribbeanCaribbean, based on the U.S. Department of State’s description of each country’s political system
and based on selected nongovernmental (NGO) indices that measure democracy selected nongovernmental (NGO) indices that measure democracy trends worldwide. 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, Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview,
by Mark P. Sullivan;
• CRS Report CRS Report R47028R47331, , U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the
Caribbean: FY2022FY2023 Appropriations, by Peter J. Meyer , by Peter J. Meyer
• CRS In Focus IF12031, CRS In Focus IF12031, Anti-corruption Efforts in Latin America and the
Caribbean, by June S. Beittel and Rachel L. Martin , by June S. Beittel 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, 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. This report compiles information from the U.S. State DepartmentDepartment of State and data from four 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 2022 Bertelsmann The following indices are discussed below: (1) Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Bertelsmann
Transformation Index (BTI); (2) the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU’s) Transformation Index (BTI); (2) the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU’s) Democracy Index
20202022; (3) Freedom House’s ; (3) Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 20212023; 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.
2023. Congressional Research Service 1 link to page 6 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices 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) biannually since 2006. BTI 2022Transformation Index (BTI) biannually since 2006. BTI 2022, which reviews the period of February 1, 2019, to January 31, 2021, includes global, regional and includes global, regional and
country reports as well as three thematic reports that evaluate country reports as well as three thematic reports that evaluate the state of democracy, democracy, the economy, and economy, and
governance in 137 developing and transition countries. For political transformation specifically, governance in 137 developing and transition countries. For political transformation specifically,
BTI ranks countries using five criteria: (1) stateness, (2) political participation, (3) rule of law, (4) BTI ranks countries using five criteria: (1) stateness, (2) political participation, (3) rule of law, (4)
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stability of democratic institutions, and (5) political and social integration.1 The political stability of democratic institutions, and (5) political and social integration.1 The political
transformation criteria also determine transformation criteria also determine countryeach country’s classification: classification: democracy in consolidation,
defective democracy, highly defective democracy, moderate autocracy, or , or hardline autocracy.2 .2
BTI evaluates all Central and South American nations. Among Caribbean nations, BTI BTI evaluates all Central and South American nations. Among Caribbean nations, BTI only
evaluates evaluates Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. In its 2022 In its 2022
regional report, BTI finds that “the regional report, BTI finds that “the BTI’s Regional Report Latin America political turmoil observed in the majority of political turmoil observed in the majority of and the Caribbean 2022 Latin American 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 countries is also reflected in “Brought into intense focus by the magnifying glass of the continuing decline in the quality of the coronavirus pandemic, Latin America’s oft-cited democracy.”4 In its global report, BTI economic structural weaknesses – extreme inequality, highlights Brazil’s “steady decline in its weak economic productivity and fractured social quality of democracy” quality of democracy”
over the past decade, over the past decade, systems – have once again been exposed.”3 Mexico’s “organized drug crime and the exceedingly brutal fight against 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 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 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 “have been consistently classified as consolidating and stable over the past 20 yearyears in addition to in addition to
being able to maintain their high level of democracy despite myriad transformation challenges.” being able to maintain their high level of democracy despite myriad transformation challenges.”
This group, according to the report, includes Chile, Costa This group, according to the report, includes Chile, Costa RicaRica, and Uruguay in Latin America, and Uruguay in Latin America,
and Jamaica in the Caribbean.6 and Jamaica in the Caribbean.6
Figure 1 shows the global rank and classification of all Central and South American and shows the global rank and classification of all Central and South American and
Caribbean countries according to the Political Transformation Rank, a component of the 2022 Caribbean countries according to the Political Transformation Rank, a component of the 2022
Bertelsmann Stiftung Transformation Index (BTI). Bertelsmann Stiftung Transformation Index (BTI).

1 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Methodology,” accessed 1 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Methodology,” accessed May 10, 2022, available August 1, 2023, at https://www.bti-at https://www.bti-
project.org/en/methodology.html. project.org/en/methodology.html. Also see https://www.bti-project.org/en/index/political-transformation.html.
2 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Methodology,” accessed May 10For political transformation criteria, (1) stateness examines the monopoly on the use of force, state identity, interference of religious dogmas, and basic administration; (2) political participation examines free and fair elections, effective power to govern, association and assembly rights, and freedom of expression; (3) rule of law examines separation of powers, independent judiciary, prosecution of office abuse, and civil rights; (4) stability of democratic institutions examines performance of democratic institutions and commitment of democratic institutions; and (5) political and social integration examines the party system, interest groups, approval of democracy, and social capital. 2 Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Methodology,” accessed August 1, 2022, at https://www.bti-project.org/en/methodology.html. , 2022, at https://www.bti-project.org/en/methodology.html.
BTI uses seven threshold values to mark minimum requirements for a democracy: (1) free and fair elections, (2) BTI uses seven threshold values to mark minimum requirements for 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 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 basic administration. BTI classifies a country as an autocracy if any rights, and (7) monopoly on the use of force and basic administration. BTI classifies a country as an autocracy if any
one of seven political transformation indicators falls short of the relevant threshold. BTI considers failing states one of seven political transformation indicators falls short of the relevant threshold. BTI considers failing states
autocracies. autocracies.
3 Peter Thiery, 3 Peter Thiery, Paradigms Lost. New opportunities for transformation? — —BTI Regional Report Latin America and the
Caribbean, Bertelsmann Stiftung, Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2022, p. 2022, p. 54. .
4 Ibid. 4 Ibid.
5 Hauke Hartmann and Peter Thiery, 5 Hauke Hartmann and Peter Thiery, Global findings BTI 2022, Bertelsmann Stiftung, pp. 5, 7-8. , Bertelsmann Stiftung, pp. 5, 7-8.
6 Ibid., p. 7. 6 Ibid., p. 7.
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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices

Figure 1. BTI's 2022 Political Transformation Global Ranking of
of Latin American and Caribbean Countries

Source: Created by CRS using Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index. Created by CRS using Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index.
Congressional Research Service 3 link to page 8 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Democracy Index
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), based in London and New York, has produced a The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), based in London and New York, has produced a
democracy index since 2006.democracy index since 2006.7 The The currentmost recent report provides an annual snapshot of the state of 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.78 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) the
functioning of government, (3) political participationcivil liberties, (3) the functioning of government, (4) political , (4) political culture, and (5) civil liberties.8participation, and (5) political culture.9
EIU evaluates all Central and South American nations. With respect to the Caribbean, EIU looks EIU evaluates all Central and South American nations. With respect to the Caribbean, EIU looks
at Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. at Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
According to the EIU’s According to the EIU’s Democracy Index 2021, the Latin America and Caribbean region’s overall

EIU’s Democracy Index 2022 2022, the Latin America and Caribbean “Weak state capacity is a major cause of the region’s region’s overall score declined from 5.83 in low scores,” as it is home to “some of the world’s 2021 to 5.79 in 2022 (on a 0 to 10 scale). most unequal and corrupt countries” along with the According to EIU, “a broad-based increase in “growth of transnational criminal organizations.”10 scores related to the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions that had affected civil liberties ... are offset by a sharp deterioration in scores in a handful of countries.”11 The report identifies three countries whose declining scores are driving the overall region’s score down: Haiti, El Salvador, and Mexico.12 In 2022, three countries in the region were classified as full democracies (Chile, Costa Rica, and Uruguay), while four countries in the region were identified as authoritarian regimes (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela).13 Following a downgrade in the 2021 report, Chile regained its status as a “full democracy” and Peru was downgraded from a “flawed democracy” to a “hybrid regime.”14 Figure 2 shows the global rank and classification of Central and South American and Caribbean countries according to the EIU’s Democracy Index 2022. 7 The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) did not produce a democracy index report covering 2007 or 2009. 7 The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) did not produce a democracy index report covering 2007 or 2009.
8 EIU, 8 EIU, Democracy Index 2021: The China Challenge, 2022, at https://www.economistgroup.com/group-
news/economist-intelligence/democracy-index-2021-less-than-half-the-world-lives-in-a-democracy, pp. 672022: Frontline Democracy and the battle for Ukraine, 2023, p. 3. 9 EIU, Democracy Index 2022: Frontline Democracy and the battle for Ukraine, 2023, pp. 66-68. EIU -68. EIU
defines terms as: defines terms as: full democracies are countries where the “functioning of government is satisfactory. Media are are countries where the “functioning of government is satisfactory. Media are
independent and diverse.... effective checks and balances ... judiciary is independent and judicial decisions are enforced independent and diverse.... effective checks and balances ... judiciary is independent and judicial decisions are enforced
... only limited problems.” ... only limited problems.” Flawed democracies have “free and fair elections ... basic civil liberties are respected. have “free and fair elections ... basic civil liberties are respected.
However, there are significant weaknesses in other aspects of democracy, including problems in governance, an However, there are significant weaknesses in other aspects of democracy, including problems in governance, an
underdeveloped political culture and low levels of political participation.” underdeveloped political culture and low levels of political participation.” Hybrid regimes have “substantial election have “substantial election
irregularities ... government pressure on opposition parties and candidates ... corruption tends to be widespread and the irregularities ... government pressure on opposition parties and candidates ... corruption tends to be widespread and the
rule of law is weak. Civil society is weak ... and the judiciary is not independent.” In rule of law is weak. Civil society is weak ... and the judiciary is not independent.” In authoritarian regimes, “state , “state
political pluralism is absent or heavily circumscribed ... some formal institutions of democracy may exist, but these political pluralism is absent or heavily circumscribed ... some formal institutions of democracy may exist, but these
have little substance ... elections ... are not free and fair.... disregard for abuses and infringements of civil liberties ... have little substance ... elections ... are not free and fair.... disregard for abuses and infringements of civil liberties ...
repression of criticism of the repression of criticism of the government and pervasive censorship. There is no independent judiciary.” 10 EIU, Democracy Index 2022: Frontline Democracy and the battle for Ukraine, 2023, pp. 43. 11 Ibid., pp. 41. 12 Ibid. 13 Ibid, p. 41. 14 Ibid. Congressional Research Service 4 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices Figure 2. EIU’s Democracy Index 2022 Global Ranking for Latin American and Caribbean Countries Source: Created by CRS using EIU’s Democracy Index 2022. Congressional Research Service 5 link to page 10 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices government and pervasive censorship. There is no independent judiciary.”
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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices

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 democracies are Costa Rica and Uruguay, while
four countries in the region were identified as authoritarian regimes: Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and
Venezuela.11
Figure 2 shows the global rank and classification of Central and South American and Caribbean
countries according to the EIU’s Democracy Index 2021.
Figure 2. EIU Democracy Index 2021 Global Ranking for
Latin American and Caribbean Countries

Source: Created by CRS using EIU’s Democracy Index 2021.
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 called now called Freedom in the World, annually since 1972.annually since 1972.1215 The The 20212023 report report covers, which covers calendar year 2022, measures 195 countries 195 countries
and 15 territories.and 15 territories.16 Freedom House assigns each country 0 to Freedom House assigns each country 0 to 4 points on 25 different indicators—4 points on 25 different indicators—

9 EIU, Democracy Index 2021: The China Challenge, 2021, at https://www.economistgroup.com/group-
news/economist-intelligence/democracy-index-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 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 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 points. The calculation equally weights a country’s aggregate political rights and civil liberties
scores then determines whether itscores to determine whether the country has an overall status of has an overall status of free, partly free, or , or not free.13 17 The report’s analysis is based on data that are detailed in full on the Freedom House’s report web page.18 Freedom House’s webpage “Countries,” lists the current freedom scores of all countries with a detailed profile for each.19 Freedom Freedom
House evaluates all Central and South American and Caribbean nations.House evaluates all Central and South American and Caribbean nations. Freedom House’s report
covering 2021 found that the top countries with one-year democratic declines included El
Salvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua and the top countries with largest democratic declines over the last
decade included El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.14 Honduras Freedom House found that the top countries Freedom House’s Freedom in the with one-year democratic declines in 2022 World 2023 included Nicaragua and El Salvador.21 Over “The countries of the region continue to grapple with the last decade, the top countries with largest serious threats to political stability and fundamental democratic declines include Nicaragua, El rights… Perennial weaknesses in the rule of law Salvador, Venezuela, and Haiti.22 Colombia remained a challenge for many countries in the was among the top was among the top
countries with a one-year countries with a one-year democratic gain and both Ecuador and Peru earned region.”20 democratic gain, earning a six-point increase in its aggregate score and a status change a status change
from “partly free” to “free.”from “partly free” to “free.”1523 Meanwhile, Meanwhile, HaitiPeru’s status was downgraded ’s status was downgraded fromto “partly free” after only a “one year stint in the Free category.”24 Figure 3 shows the aggregate scores of all Central and South American and Caribbean countries according to the relevant Freedom House country web pages for Freedom in the World 2023. 15 Until 1978, the annual report was titled The Comparative Study of Freedom. 16 Yana Gorokhovskaia, Adrian Shabaz, and Amy Slipowitz, Freedom in the World 2023: Marking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy, Freedom House, 2023, p. 21. 17 “partly free” to
“not free.”16 The report’s analysis is based on data that are detailed in full on the Freedom
House’s report web page.17 Freedom House’s webpage “Countries,” lists the current freedom
scores of all countries with a detailed profile for each.18
Figure 3 shows the aggregate scores of all Central and South American and Caribbean countries
according to the relevant Freedom House country web pages for Freedom in the World 2022.

13 The methodology is derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “The political rights questions are The methodology is derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “The political rights questions are
grouped into three subcategories: Electoral Process (3 questions), Political Pluralism and Participation (4), and grouped into three subcategories: Electoral Process (3 questions), Political Pluralism and Participation (4), and
Functioning of Government (3). The civil liberties questions are grouped into four subcategories: Freedom of Functioning of Government (3). The civil liberties questions are grouped into four subcategories: Freedom of
Expression and Belief (4 questions), Associational and Organizational Rights (3), Rule of Law (4), and Personal Expression and Belief (4 questions), Associational and Organizational Rights (3), Rule of Law (4), and Personal
Autonomy and Individual Rights (4).” The methodology questions and table for calculating country status are listed Autonomy and Individual Rights (4).” The methodology questions and table for calculating country status are listed
online at Freedom House, “Freedom in the World Research Methodology,” accessed online at Freedom House, “Freedom in the World Research Methodology,” accessed May 12, 2022July 31, 2023, at , at
https://freedomhouse.org/reports/freedom-world/freedom-world-research-methodology. https://freedomhouse.org/reports/freedom-world/freedom-world-research-methodology.
14 Sarah Repucci and Amy Slipowitz, 18 Freedom House, “Freedom in the World: About the report,” accessed July 31, 2023, at https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world 19 Freedom House, “Countries and Territories,” accessed July 31, 2023, at https://freedomhouse.org/countries/freedom-world/scores 20 Yana Gorokhovskaia, Adrian Shabaz, and Amy Slipowitz, Freedom in the World 2023: Marking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy, Freedom House, 2023, p. 25. 21 Ibid., p. 9. 22 Ibid., p. 12. 23 Ibid., pp. 8-9. 24 Ibid., p. 17. Congressional Research Service 6Freedom in the World 2022: The Global Expansion of Authoritarian Rule,
Freedom House, 2022, at https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/2022-
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 12, 2022, at
https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world.
18 Freedom House, “Countries and Territories,” accessed May 12, 2022, at 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,’s Freedom in the World 20222023 Aggregate Scores for
for Latin American and Caribbean Countries

Source: Created by CRS using Freedom House’s Created by CRS using Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2022.
2023. Congressional Research Service 7 link to page 12 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices 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 2022’s2023 includes the Liberal Democracy Index Liberal Democracy Index (LDI), which is based on 71 indicators that capture liberal is based on 71 indicators that capture liberal
and electoral aspects of democracy.and electoral aspects of democracy.1925 V-Dem evaluates all Central V-Dem evaluates all Central and South American nations. V-Dem evaluates a subset of Caribbean nations:and South American nations.

19 Vanessa A. Boese, Nazifa Alizada, Martin Lundstedt, Kelly Morrison, Natalia Natsika, Yuko Sato, Hugo Tai, and
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V-Dem evaluates a subset of Caribbean nations, namely Barbados, Cuba, the Dominican Barbados, Cuba, the Dominican
Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The V-Dem The V-Dem 20212023 report, covering calendar V-Dem’s Democracy Report 2023 year 2022, grouped 179 countries into four “The 2022 regional average for Latin America and the categories: liberal democracy, electoral Caribbean is lower than at any point in time since report
grouped 179 countries into four categories: liberal democracy, electoral democracy,, electoral
autocracy, and , and closed 1989.”26 autocracy..2027 The report The report notes 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
states that the “vast majority of Latin Americans (83%) live in electoral democracies” and “autocracies in the region are comparatively small countries … making up 12% of the region’s inhabitants.”28 Declining LDI scores, what is referred to in the report as “autocratizing,” were recorded for Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Uruguay, and Venezuela.”29 The report finds that “declines in academic freedom are linked to autocratization” in several countries around the world including Brazil, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Uruguay.30 Since last year, Haiti was downgraded to a “closed autocracy.”31 The report also notes that in the region, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Honduras have seen improved LDI scores over the past decade; the 2023 report upgraded Honduras to an “electoral democracy.”32 Figure 4 shows the liberal democracy index rank and classification of all Central and South shows the liberal democracy index rank and classification of all Central and South
American and Caribbean countries according to the American and Caribbean countries according to the Varieties of Democracy Institute's Democracy
Report 2022.

Staffan I. Lindberg, Autocratization Changing Nature? Democracy Report 2022, March 2022, 2023. 25 Evie Papada et al., Democracy Report 2023: Defiance in the Face of Autocratization, Varieties of Democracy Varieties of Democracy
Institute, p. 50.Institute, p. 50. Hereinafter, V-Dem, Democracy Report 2022.
20 26 Ibid., p. 10. 27 Using its data, V-Dem sorts countries into regime types based on Anna Lührmann, Marcus Tannenberg, and Staffan Using its data, V-Dem sorts countries into regime types based on Anna Lührmann, Marcus Tannenberg, and Staffan
I. Lindberg, “Regimes of the World (RoW): Opening New Avenues for the Comparative Study of Political Regimes,” I. Lindberg, “Regimes of the World (RoW): Opening New Avenues for the Comparative Study of Political Regimes,”
Politics & Governance, vol. 6, no. 1 (2018), pp. 60-77. This article states “that Dahl’s theory of polyarchy (1971, 1998) , vol. 6, no. 1 (2018), pp. 60-77. This article states “that Dahl’s theory of polyarchy (1971, 1998)
provides the most comprehensive and most widely accepted theory of what distinguishes a democracy based on six … provides the most comprehensive and most widely accepted theory of what distinguishes a democracy based 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).” The article defines democracies as having “information, associational autonomy, and inclusive citizenship).” The article defines democracies as having “de-facto
multiparty, free and fair elections, and Dahl’s institutional prerequisites minimally fulfilled.” An electoral democracy is multiparty, free and fair elections, and Dahl’s institutional prerequisites minimally fulfilled.” An electoral democracy is
one in which “the rule of law or liberal principles [are] not satisfied” and a liberal democracy is one in which “the rule one in which “the rule of law or liberal principles [are] not satisfied” and a liberal democracy is one in which “the rule
of law and liberal principles [are] satisfied.” Autocracies have “no of law and liberal 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.”
21 V-Dem, Democracy Report 2022, p. 20.
22 V-Dem, Democracy Report 2022, p. 19.
23 Ibid., pp. 14-1528 Evie Papada et al., Democracy Report 2023: Defiance in the Face of Autocratization, Varieties of Democracy Institute, p. 14. 29 Ibid., p. 21 and 27. 30 Ibid., p. 37. 31 Ibid., p. 40. 32 Ibid., p. 21. .
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

78

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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices

Figure 4. V-Dem’s Democracy Report 20222023's Liberal Democracy Index Rank
for Latin American and Caribbean Countries

Source: Created by CRS using the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s Created by CRS using the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s Democracy Report 20222023.


Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

89

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link to page link to page 1314 link to page link to page 1617 link to page link to page 1719 link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 67 link to page link to page 89 link to page link to page 1011 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
political system, as described in the U.S. State Department’s 2021 Country Reports on Human
Rights Practices.24 This U.S. government information is included here for comparison with
findings from the democracy indicators published by NGOs.
Table 1 Table 1 below looks at Caribbean countries’ global democracy rankings according to Bertelsmann looks at Caribbean countries’ global democracy rankings according to Bertelsmann
Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Democracy Index 20212022, Freedom House’s , Freedom House’s Freedom
in the World 20222023, and V-Dem’s , and V-Dem’s Democracy Report 20222023. 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.
In each table, 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 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.33 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” aboveabove. For . For
term definitions of each index, see term definitions of each index, see footnotefootnote 2 for BTI, footnotfor BTI, footnote 89 for EIU, footnotefor EIU, footnote 1317 for for
Freedom House, and Freedom House, and footnote 20footnote 27 for V-Demfor V-Dem, or consult the full reports. Each report evaluates a or consult the full reports. Each report evaluates a
different number of countries, so there are missing rankings for some countries. Countries are different number of countries, so there are missing rankings for some countries. Countries are
listed alphabetically in each table. listed alphabetically in each table.


24 33 U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, 20212022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, , April 12, 2022, at
https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/March 20, 2023. .
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

910

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link to page link to page 15 link to page 1516
Table 1. Caribbean: 20212022 Democracy Rankings
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report

2022
20212022
Freedom in the World 20222023
20222023
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
RankaRank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
TypebTypea
Antigua &
Barbuda
(multiparty (multiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
85 85
33 33
52 52
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary parliamentary
democracy)democracy)
The Bahamas
(constitutional (constitutional
parliamentary — —
— —
— —
— —
91 91
38 38
53 53
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary
democracy)democracy)
Barbados
(multiparty
(-) Liberal (-) (parliamentary
— —
— —
— —
— —
95
3894 37
57 57
Free Free
35
parliamentary37 Liberal
democracy democracy)
democracy democracy)
Belize
(constitutional (constitutional
— —
— —
— —
parliamentary — —
87 87
34 34
53 53
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary
democracy) democracy)
Cuba
Hard-line Hard-line
Closed Closed
(authoritarian (authoritarian
111 111
142autocracy 139
Authoritarian Authoritarian
12 12
1 1
11 11
Not free Not free
159164
autocracy autocracy
autocracy
state) state)
Dominica
(multiparty (multiparty
— —
— —
— —
— —
93 93
37 37
56 56
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary parliamentary
democracy) democracy)
CRS- CRS-1011

---

link to page link to page 15 link to page 1516
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report

2022
20212022
Freedom in the World 20222023
20222023
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
RankaRank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
TypebTypea
Dominican
Republic
Defective Defective
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
(representative (representative
35 35
60democracy 65 democracy
68 68
27 27
41 41
Partly free Partly free
68 68
democracy
democracy
democracy democracy
constitutional constitutional
democracy) democracy)
Grenada
(parliamentary (parliamentary
— —
— —
— —
— —
89 89
37 37
52 52
Free Free
— —
— —
democracy) democracy)
Guyana
(-)
FlawedFlawed (-)
(multiparty (multiparty
— —
— —
6567 democracy
73 73
30 30
43 43
Free Free
9089
Electoral Electoral
democracy democracy)
democracy democracy)
democracy
Haiti
Haiti (+) (multiparty (multiparty
Hard-line Hard-line
Electoralconstitutional
96 96
119=autocracy 135
Authoritarian Authoritarian
3331
11 11
2220
Not free Not free
121
constitutional
autocracy130 Closed republic)
autocracy autocracy
republic)
Jamaica
(constitutional (constitutional
Democracy in Democracy in
Flawed Flawed
Electoral
16
42
80
34
46
Free
33
parliamentary
consolidation
democracy
democracy
democracy)(+) parliamentary 16 consolidation 42 democracy 80 34 46 Free 34 Electoral democracy) democracy
St. Kitts and
Nevis
(multiparty (multiparty
parliamentary — —
— —
— —
— —
89 89
35 35
54 54
Free Free
— —
— —
parliamentary
democracy and democracy and
federation) federation)
CRS- CRS-1112

---

link to page link to page 15 link to page 1516
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Transformation Index
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report

2022
20212022
Freedom in the World 20222023
20222023
Political
Country
Transfor-
(U.S. State (U.S. State
mation
Liberal
Dept. political Dept. political
Global
Global
Political
Civil
Democracy
system system
Rank (of
RankaRank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Index Global
Regime
description) description)
137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
Rank (of 179)
TypebTypea
St. Lucia
(multiparty(constitutional monarchy with
— —
— —
— —
— —
92 92
38 38
54 54
Free Free
— —
— —
a multiparty parliamentary parliamentary
democracysystem) )
St. Vincent
and the
Grenadines
— —
— —
— —
— —
91 91
36 36
55 55
Free Free
— —
— —
(multiparty (multiparty
parliamentary parliamentary
democracy)democracy)
Suriname
Flawed
Electoral
(constitutional (constitutional
— —
— —
4948 Flawed
79 79
34 34
45 45
Free Free
4340 Electoral
democracy democracy)
democracy democracy
democracy democracy)
Trinidad &
(+)
Tobago
Democracy in Democracy in
Flawed Flawed
13
41
82
33
49
Free
39
Electoral
(parliamentary
consolidation
democracy
democracy
democracy)
(+) (parliamentary 13 consolidation 41 democracy 82 33 49 Free 36 Electoral democracy) democracy Source: Compiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’s Compiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’s 20212022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index, EIU’s
Democracy Index 20212022, Freedom House’s Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 20222023, and the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s and the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s Democracy Report 20222023.
Notes: Although Belize is located in Central America and Guyana and Suriname are located in South America, all three are members of the Caribbean Community Although Belize is located in Central America and Guyana and Suriname are located in South America, all three are members of the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM). (CARICOM).
a. a. EIU’s symbol “=” indicates a tying score or equal rank with another country.
b. V-Dem’s symbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lower category while (+) signifies that the country could belong V-Dem’s symbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lower category while (+) signifies that the country could belong
to the higher category. to the higher category.
CRS- CRS-1213

---

link to page link to page 1718 link to page link to page 1718
Table 2. Mexico and Central America: 20212022 Democracy Rankings
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy

Transformation Index 2022
20212022
Freedom in the World 20222023
Report 20222023
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index
system system
Global Rank
RankaRank
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Global Rank
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
(of 179)
TypeTypea
Costa Rica
(constitutional (constitutional
Democracy in
Full
Liberal
7
20=
7 Democracy in 17 Ful 91 91
38 38
53 53
Free Free
49 Liberal
republic) republic)
consolidation consolidation
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
El Salvador
(+)
(multiparty(constitutional
Defective Defective
Hybrid Hybrid
40
79=
59
26
33
Partly Free
119
constitutional
democracy
regime
Electoral
republic)
autocracy
Guatemala
(-)
Electoral multiparty 40 democracy 93 regime 56 25 31 Partly Free 132 autocracy republic) Guatemala (multiparty (multiparty
Moderate Moderate
Hybrid Hybrid
91
99
51
21
30
Partly free
98
Electoral
constitutional
autocracy
regime
democracy Electoral constitutional 91 autocracy 98 regime 49 20 29 Partly free 105 autocracy
republic) republic)
Honduras
(multiparty
Moderate
Hybrid
Electoral
82
92=
47
21 (-) (constitutional 82 Moderate 91 Hybrid 48 22
26 26
Partly free Partly free
116
constitutional84 multiparty
autocracy autocracy
regime regime
autocracyElectoral
republic) republic)
democracy Mexico
(multiparty (multiparty
Highly defective
Hybrid
Electoral
57
86=57 Highly defective 89 Hybrid
60 60
27 27
33 33
Partly free Partly free
8793 Electoral
federal federal
democracy democracy
regime regime
democracy democracy
republic) republic)
Nicaraguab
(-) (-)
((authoritarian authoritarian
105 Hard-line Hard-line
political
105
140
Authoritarian
23
5
18
Not free
167
Electoral143 Authoritarian 19 5 14 Not free 174 Electoral political autocracy
autocracy autocracy
system) system)
autocracy
CRS-13CRS-14

---

link to page link to page 17 link to page 1318 link to page link to page 1914
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy

Transformation Index 2022
20212022
Freedom in the World 20222023
Report 20222023
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State (U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index
system system
Global Rank
RankaRank
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Global Rank
Regime
description) description)
(of 137)
Status
(of 167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
(of 179)
TypeTypea
Panama
(multiparty (multiparty
Defective
Flawed
Electoral
36
4836 Defective 49 Flawed
83 83
35 35
48 48
Free Free
5352 Electoral
constitutional constitutional
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
democracy democracy
democracy) democracy)
Sources: Compiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’s Compiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’s 20212022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index, EIU’s
Democracy Index 20212022, Freedom House’s Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 20222023, and the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s (V-Dem) and the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s (V-Dem) Democracy Report 20222023.
Notes: Although Belize is located in Central America, it is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and is listed inAlthough Belize is located in Central America, it is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and is listed in Table 1.
a. a. EIU’s symbol “=” indicates a tying score or equal rank with another country.
b. V-Dem’s symbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lower category while (+) signifies that the country could belong to the higher category. b. “Constitutional multiparty republic” “Constitutional multiparty republic” iswas the political system description from the U.S. State Department’s the political system description from the U.S. State Department’s 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nicaragua,
while the while the 20212022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nicaragua states: “Nicaragua has a highly centralized, authoritarian political system dominated by President states: “Nicaragua has a highly centralized, authoritarian political system dominated by President
Daniel Ortega Saavedra and his wife, Vice President Rosario Daniel Ortega Saavedra and his wife, Vice President Rosario MurilloMuril o Zambrana. Ortega’s Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) party exercises total control Zambrana. Ortega’s Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) party exercises total control
over the executive, legislative, judicial, and electoral functions.” over the executive, legislative, judicial, and electoral functions.”
CRS-15 link to page 20 Table 3. South America: 20212022 Democracy Rankings
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report

Transformation Index 2022
20212022
Freedom in the World 20222023
20222023
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)
TypeaTypea
Argentina
(federal (federal
Democracy in Democracy in
Flawed Flawed
Electoral Electoral
19
50
84
35
49
Free
38
constitutional
consolidation
democracyconstitutional 19 consolidation 50 democracy 85 35 50 Free 46 democracy republic) Bolivia (constitutional Defective Hybrid Electoral multiparty 29 democracy 100 regime 66 27 39 Partly free 92 democracy republic) Brazil (constitutional Defective Flawed Electoral multiparty 29 democracy 51 democracy 72 30 42 Free 58 democracy republic) Chile (-) (constitutional 6 Democracy in 19 Ful 94 38 56 Free 21 multiparty consolidation democracy Liberal
democracy
republic)
CRS-14

---

link to page 19
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report

Transformation Index 2022
2021
Freedom in the World 2022
2022
Country
Political
Liberal
(U.S. State
Transfor-
Democracy
Dept. political
mation
Global
Political
Civil
Index Global
system
Global Rank
Status
Rank (of
Regime
Aggregate
Rights
Liberties
Freedom
Rank (of
Regime
description)
(of 137)
Index
167)
Type
Score
Score
Score
Status
179)
Typea
Bolivia
(-)
(multiparty
Defective
Hybrid
29
98
66
27
39
Partly free
89
Electoral
constitutional
democracy
regime
democracy
republic)
Brazil
(multiparty
Defective
Flawed
Electoral
29
47
73
31
42
Free
59
constitutional
democracy
democracy
democracy
republic)
Chile
(multiparty
Democracy in
Flawed
(-) Liberal
6
25
94
38
56
Free
21
constitutional
consolidation
democracy
democracy
democracy)
Colombia
(multiparty
Defective
Flawed
Electoral
47
59
64
29
35
Partly free
69
constitutional
democracy
democracy
democracy
republic)
Ecuador
(multiparty
Defective
Hybrid
Electoral
32
81=
71
31
40
Free
70
constitutional
democracy
regime
democracy
republic)
Paraguay
(-)
(multiparty
Defective
Hybrid
42
77
65
28
37
Partly free
77
Electoral
constitutional
democracy
regime
democracy
republic)
Peru
(multiparty
Defective
Flawed
Electoral
45
71
72
30
42
Free
40
constitutional
democracy
democracy
democracy
republic)
CRS-15

---

link to page 19 link to page 19 link to page 13 democracy) democracy Colombia (constitutional 47 Defective 53 Flawed 70 31 39 Free 54 Electoral multiparty democracy democracy democracy republic) Ecuador (constitutional 32 Defective 81 Hybrid 70 30 40 Free 63 Electoral multiparty democracy regime democracy republic) CRS-16 link to page 20 link to page 20 link to page 14
Bertelsmann Stiftung
EIU Democracy Index
Freedom House
V-Dem Democracy Report

Transformation Index 2022
20212022
Freedom in the World 20222023
20222023
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 in
Full
(-) Liberal
(constitutional
1
13
97
40
57
Free
23
consolidation
democracy
democracy
republic)
Venezuelab
(multiparty
Hard-line
Electoral
119
151
Authoritarian
14
1
13
Not free
161
constitutionalTypea Paraguay (multiparty 42 Defective 77 Hybrid 65 28 37 Partly free 75 Electoral constitutional democracy regime democracy republic) Peru (constitutional 45 Defective 75 Hybrid 70 29 41 Partly free 47 Electoral multiparty democracy regime democracy republic) Uruguay (-) (constitutional 1 Democracy in 11 Ful 96 40 56 Free 31 Liberal republic) consolidation democracy democracy Venezuelab (multiparty constitutional 119 Hard-line 147 Authoritarian 15 1 14 Not free 161 Electoral
autocracy autocracy
autocracy autocracy
republic) republic)
Source: Compiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’s Compiled by CRS using the U.S. State Department’s 20212022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index, EIU’s Bertelsmann Stiftung’s 2022 Transformation Index, EIU’s
Democracy Index 20212022, Freedom House’s Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 20222023, and the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s and the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s Democracy Report 20222023.
Notes: Although Guyana and Suriname are located in South America, both are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and are Although Guyana and Suriname are located in South America, both are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and are listed inlisted in Table 1.
a. V-Dem’s symbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lower category while (+) signifies that the country could belong a. V-Dem’s symbol (-) indicates that, taking uncertainty into account, the country could belong to the lower category while (+) signifies that the country could belong
to the higher category. to the higher category.
b. From b. From the U.S. State Department’s U.S. State Department’s 20212022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Venezuela: “While Venezuela is legally a multiparty, constitutional republic, the : “While Venezuela is legally a multiparty, constitutional republic, the
illegitimate authoritarian regime led byregime of Nicolas Maduro Nicolas Maduro usurped control over all branches of government: executive, judicial, legislative, the offices of the prosecutor
general and ombudsman, 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

---

link to page 20claims control over all public institutions. In November 2021, the Maduro regime organized regional and municipal elections largely perceived as skewed in their favor. Election observers and media reported arbitrary arrests, criminalization of opposition parties’ activities, bans on candidates, and media censorship during the elections. The European Union was al owed to act as election observer for the first time in 15 years, but the Maduro regime asked its observers to leave the country before they could present their final report. In the final report, the European Union noted significant structural deficiencies to the electoral system and provided the regime with 23 recommendations to improve electoral conditions.” CRS-17 link to page 21 Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices

Selected Resources Table 4 provides provides selected resources for further information about democracy indicators in Central and resources for further information about democracy indicators in Central and
South America and the Caribbean, although many cover other geographic areas as well. The South America and the Caribbean, although many cover other geographic areas as well. The
sources are organized alphabetically by title. This is not an exhaustive list. sources are organized alphabetically by title. This is not an exhaustive list.
Table 4. Selected Resources for Democracy Indicators
Title (year published)and Year Published Organization Resource Type and Notes BTI 2022 Political Transformation Bertelsmann Stiftung Index ranks 137 countries Index composed of scores for stateness, political participation, rule of law, stability of democratic institutions, and political and social integration BTI 2022 Governance Index Bertelsmann Stiftung
Organization
Resource Type
URL
Bertelsmann Stiftung's
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Political Transformation
https://www.bti-
2022 Transformation
Index ranks 137 countries project.org/en/index/
Index
political-
transformation.html

Bertelsmann Stiftung
Governance Index ranks
https://www.bti-
137 countries
project.org/en/index/
governance.html

Index ranks 137 countries composed of scores for level of difficulty, steering capability, resource efficiency, consensus-building, and international cooperation BTI’s Regional Report Latin Peter Thiery, Bertelsmann Stiftung Bertelsmann Stiftung
Regional report Regional report oncovers 22 countries America and the Caribbean 2022 and analyzes the results of BTI’s 2022 Transformation Index from February 1, 2019, to January 31, 2021 BTI’s 2022 Global Findings Hauke Hartmann and Peter Thiery, Regional report covers 137 Bertelsmann Stiftung countries and analyzes the results of BTI’s 2022 Transformation Index from February 1, 2019, to January 31, 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights U.S. State Department Global report covers all countries Practices 2022 22
https://www.bti-
Latin American and the
project.org/content/en/
Caribbean countries
reports/regional-reports/
regional_report_LAC_20
20_EN.pdf

Bertelsmann Stiftung
Global report covers 137
https://www.bti-
countries
project.org/content/en/
reports/global-report-d/
global_findings_democrac
y_2020_EN.pdf
Country 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-
receiving U.S. assistance and all assistance and all United United
reports-on-human-rights-
Nations member states Nations member states
practices/
Democracy Index 20202022
Economist Intelligence Economist Intelligence
Unit Global report covers 167 Global report covers 167
https://www.eiu.com/n/ca
Unit
countries and territories
mpaigns/democracy-
index-2020/
countries and territories Democracy Report 20222023
Varieties of Democracy Varieties of Democracy
(V-Dem) Global report covers 179 Global report covers 179

(V-Dem)
countries countries
Electoral Integrity
Worldwide 2019 Electoral Integrity Project, Electoral Integrity Project, an Report and data from Report and data from
https://www.electoralinteg
Worldwide 2019
an cumulative independent academic project study covering national presidential based at Harvard University and the and parliamentary elections from University of Sydney independent academic
cumulative study covering
rityproject.com/the-year-
project based at Harvard
national presidential and
in-elections-2019
University and the
parliamentary elections
University of Sydney
from July 1, 2012 to July 1, 2012 to
December 31, 2018 December 31, 2018
Freedom in the World 2021 2023 Freedom House Freedom House
Global report covers 210 Global report covers 210
https://freedomhouse.org/
countries countries and territories About the Report 1973-2023 Freedom House Provides links to downloadable, raw data-sets utilized for Freedom in the World 2023 report and earlier years Global Freedom Status Map 2023 Freedom House Map shows global freedom, internet freedom, and democracy states for 210 countries and territories Congressional Research Service 18and territories
sites/default/files/2021-
02/FIW2021_World_022
52021_FINAL-web-
upload.pdf

Freedom House
Map
https://freedomhouse.org/
explore-the-
map?type=fiw&year=2021

Freedom House
Country ranking list
https://freedomhouse.org/
countries/freedom-world/
scores
Congressional Research Service

17

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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices

Title (year published)and Year Published
Organization
Resource Type
URL
Global State of
and Notes Countries and Territories Rankings Freedom House Global ranking list covering global 2023 freedom, internet freedom, and democracy scores for 210 countries and territories Global State of Democracy Indices International Institute for International Institute for
Interactive map looks at Interactive map looks at

Democracy Indices 2019157 (2022)
Democracy and Electoral Democracy and Electoral
116 indicators for indicators for 165
website174 countries from
Assistance’s (International Assistance’s (International
countries from 1975-2020
IDEA) IDEA) 1975-2022 Global State of Global State of
Democracy Initiative Democracy Initiative
Global State of Democracy
Report International Institute for International Institute for
Global report looks at Global report looks at

2021 reporttrends in 2022
Democracy and Electoral Democracy and Electoral
trends in democracy from
Assistance
1975-2020 across 165
democracy from 1975-2022 across Assistance 173 countries countries
The State of Democracy in
the International Institute for International Institute for
Regional report Regional report that

the includes all Latin Americas 2021 report
Democracy and Electoral Democracy and Electoral
includes all LatinAmerican countries and some
Assistance Assistance
AmericanCaribbean countries and countries and
some Caribbean countries
is also available in Spanish Rule of Law Index 20212022
World Justice Project World Justice Project
ReportGlobal report measures how the measures how the
report
rule of law is experienced rule of law is experienced
and perceived in and perceived in 139
140 countries and jurisdictions countries and jurisdictions
Rule of Law Index 2021
2022 World Justice Project World Justice Project
Interactive map and data

interactive website
tables cover 139Website with interactive map and data tables cover over 100
countries and jurisdictions countries and jurisdictions
from 2015-2022 The Rule of Law in BelizeCountry Reports World Justice Project Country reports cover 26 countries (2023) from Latin America and the Caribbean based on
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 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

18General Population Pol 2022 Worldwide Governance Indicators World Bank Data on 6 aggregate indicators of (2022) governance for 208 countries from 1996-2021; in particular, see Voice and Accountability indicator Source: Compiled by CRS. Author Information Carla Y. Davis-Castro Senior Research Librarian Acknowledgments Research Librarian Clayton Levy assisted with the update of this report. Congressional Research Service 19

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Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Compilation of Selected Indices


Author Information

Carla Y. Davis-Castro

Research Librarian




Disclaimer
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Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
R46016 R46016 · VERSION 79 · UPDATED
1920

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