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Puerto Rico 2023 Press Freedom Profile

Puerto Rico is not rated by the RSF index; Freedom House classifies it as Free with a total score of 90/100.

RSF Score——
Freedom StatusFreeFH total 90/100
GDP—World Bank data
Population—National total

2023 Press Freedom Scorecard

Overall score and global position

Puerto Rico is not currently scored by the RSF World Press Freedom Index or by the V-Dem Freedom of Expression project; the profile relies on Freedom House and World Bank indicators below. Of the 25 Freedom House indicators, Puerto Rico earns 16 at the maximum 4/4 and 0 at 0/4; its strongest category is Electoral Process (12/12) and its weakest is Rule of Law (12/16).

Composite index comparison

Political Rights (Freedom House)37 / 40

Elections, political pluralism, government functioning.

Civil Liberties (Freedom House)53 / 60

Freedom of expression, association, rule of law, personal autonomy.

Democratic Rights & Civil Liberties

Freedom status explained

Freedom House classifies Puerto Rico as Free with a 2024 aggregate score of 90/100 — meaning national institutions reliably protect political rights and civil liberties.

Political Rights vs Civil Liberties

Political Rights

37/ 40

Rating 1 of 7 (1 = best)

Civil Liberties

53/ 60

Rating 1 of 7 (1 = best)

Political rights and civil liberties are rated in similar territory, a sign that formal political channels and everyday personal freedoms move together in this country.

Twelve-year Freedom House trend

02550751002013: 892014: 892015: 892016: 902013201420152016

Between 2013 and 2016, Freedom House moved Puerto Rico from Free (Free, 89/100) to Free (Free, 90/100).

Latest A–G indicator scorecard

A.

Electoral Process

PR

Subtotal12 / 12
  • A1Free and fair head-of-government elections

    4/4

  • A2Free and fair legislative elections

    4/4

  • A3Electoral laws and framework

    4/4

B.

Political Pluralism & Participation

PR

Subtotal15 / 16
  • B1Right to organise in political parties

    4/4

  • B2Opposition can realistically gain power

    4/4

  • B3Free political choice without domination

    3/4

  • B4Political rights of minorities

    4/4

C.

Functioning of Government

PR

Subtotal10 / 12
  • C1Elected officials determine government policy

    3/4

  • C2Safeguards against corruption

    3/4

  • C3Transparency of government

    4/4

D.

Freedom of Expression & Belief

CL

Subtotal16 / 16
  • D1Free and independent media

    4/4

  • D2Freedom of religious expression

    4/4

  • D3Academic freedom

    4/4

  • D4Free private discussion

    4/4

E.

Associational & Organisational Rights

CL

Subtotal11 / 12
  • E1Freedom of assembly

    4/4

  • E2Freedom for NGOs

    4/4

  • E3Free trade unions

    3/4

F.

Rule of Law

CL

Subtotal12 / 16
  • F1Independent judiciary

    3/4

  • F2Due process in civil and criminal matters

    4/4

  • F3Protection from illegitimate force

    2/4

  • F4Equal treatment under the law

    3/4

G.

Personal Autonomy & Individual Rights

CL

Subtotal14 / 16
  • G1Freedom of movement

    4/4

  • G2Property rights

    4/4

  • G3Personal social freedoms

    3/4

  • G4Equality of opportunity

    3/4

Each indicator is scored 0–4 by Freedom House analysts; category subtotals combine into the Political Rights (A + B + C = 0–40) and Civil Liberties (D + E + F + G = 0–60) aggregates shown above. 2016 edition.