ℕ𝕖𝕨 ℤ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℝ𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤 𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕 𝔽𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕤𝕥, 𝕆𝕦𝕥𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤 𝕄𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕎𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟 𝔻𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕔𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕤

ℕ𝕖𝕨 ℤ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤 𝕤𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕘𝕝𝕠𝕓𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪, 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕕𝕒, 𝔸𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕒, 𝕌𝕂, 𝕌𝕊 𝕚𝕟 𝕕𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕔𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕝𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕤.

𝗔

otearoa New Zealand ranks second in the 2025 Freedom in the World report by Freedom House, scoring 99/100, just behind Finland’s perfect 100. 

This stellar ranking reflects its robust democratic institutions, strong civil liberties, and adherence to the rule of law, positioning it ahead of most Western nations like Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. 

Let’s explore how New Zealand compares to these peers and why it excels.

New Zealand’s 40/40 in political rights highlights its free, fair elections and vibrant political pluralism, with opposition parties operating freely. 

Its 59/60 in civil liberties underscores strong protections for free speech, assembly, and religion, bolstered by an independent judiciary and minimal corruption. 

Efforts to address Māori rights, though ongoing, further enhance its reputation for equitable governance. 

These factors give New Zealand an edge over many Western counterparts.Canada, ranked third with 98/100, scores 39/40 in political rights and 59/60 in civil liberties. 

It mirrors New Zealand’s democratic strengths but faces minor critiques over government transparency and judicial delays, areas where New Zealand’s smaller, less polarized system shines. 

Australia, fifth at 97/100, scores 38/40 in political rights due to stricter protest laws and media concentration, contrasting with New Zealand’s more open environment. 

Both nations, however, share economic freedom constraints, per the Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Index, with New Zealand’s foreign property restrictions slightly denting its score (79.1/100) compared to Australia (81.2/100).

The United States, ranked 22nd at 83/100, lags significantly with 33/40 in political rights due to polarization, gerrymandering, and voter access issues, and 50/60 in civil liberties due to surveillance and protest restrictions. 

New Zealand’s cohesive politics and minimal surveillance state starkly contrast here. 

The United Kingdom, 10th at 94/100, scores 37/40 in political rights and 57/60 in civil liberties, with Brexit tensions and anti-terrorism laws curbing free speech, areas where New Zealand faces fewer challenges.

While New Zealand excels, minor issues persist, like addressing Māori socioeconomic disparities. 

Its small population (5.2 million) and isolation ease governance compared to larger nations like the U.S. or UK. 

Still, its high freedom score, driven by judicial independence and political stability, makes New Zealand a standout among Western democracies, offering a model of balanced governance despite economic freedom critiques.

𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: 𝔅𝔯𝔲𝔠𝔢 𝔄𝔩𝔭𝔦𝔫𝔢

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