July 3, 2012
More than 1.6 billion people -- 23 percent of the world's population -- have no say in how they are governed and face severe consequences if they try to exercise their most basic rights. These include expressing their views, assembling peacefully, and organizing independently of the state. Sadly, the majority of these autocratic regimes are entrenched, enduring on average for 37 and a half years without any transfer of power between competing political parties or forces. Freedom House highlights these regimes in its annual Worst of the Worst report. This July 4th, here's a look at the countries with few freedoms to celebrate.
Freedom House is an independent democracy watchdog organization based in Washington, D.C.
See the report
