Taiwan was listed as a free country in the latest Freedom in the World report released March 4 by U.S.-based nongovernmental organization Freedom House, marking the 22nd consecutive year it has received the designation.
Of the 195 countries and 15 territories around the world included in the survey, 43 percent—including Taiwan—were rated free, 32 percent as partly free and 25 percent not free.
A country’s aggregate score is calculated from its performance in 25 indicators including electoral process, freedom of expression and belief as well as personal autonomy and individual rights. Taiwan scored 37 and 56 respectively in political rights and civil liberties, the annual report’s two main categories.
Taiwan’s total score of 93 placed second in Asia behind only Japan, 96. Regional neighbor Hong Kong was classified as partly free at 55, while China was designated not free with a score of 10.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country’s high ranking was recognition from the international community for government efforts safeguarding freedom and democracy. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, it added.
Founded in 1941, Freedom House conducts research on democracy, political freedom and human rights around the world. The first edition of the Freedom in the World report was published in 1973. (TYT-E)
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