Overview

• The 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index shows global press freedom at its lowest point, with over half the world's population living in countries rated 'very serious.'
• Italy drops three places to 49th, its worst position in Western Europe, due to threats from mafia groups, extremist violence, and proposed gag laws.
• The United States falls from 55th to 57th, marking its first significant and sustained decline in press freedom, exacerbated by Donald Trump's return to power.
• Norway retains the top spot in the rankings, followed by Estonia and the Netherlands, while China, North Korea, and Eritrea occupy the bottom positions.
• Europe remains the leading region for press freedom, but only seven countries achieve a 'good' rating, as economic and authoritarian pressures grow.