Somaliland is not rated by the RSF index; Freedom House classifies it as Partly Free with a total score of 43/100.
2023 Press Freedom Scorecard
Overall score and global position
Somaliland is not currently rated by Reporters Without Borders. The closest available press-freedom indicator is the V-Dem Freedom of Expression index, which scores Somaliland at 0.65 out of 1.0 for 2025 — a comparative signal drawn from the Varieties of Democracy academic dataset. Of the 25 Freedom House indicators, Somaliland earns 0 at the maximum 4/4 and 1 at 0/4; its strongest category is Political Pluralism (10/16) and its weakest is Electoral Process (3/12).
Composite index comparison
Elections, political pluralism, government functioning.
Freedom of expression, association, rule of law, personal autonomy.
Academic press-freedom index from the Varieties of Democracy project (0–1 rescaled to 0–100).
Democratic Rights & Civil Liberties
Freedom status explained
Freedom House classifies Somaliland as Partly Free with a 2024 aggregate score of 43/100 — political rights and civil liberties are respected in part but undercut by specific institutional or legal weaknesses.
Within Freedom House's Africa region (56 countries), Somaliland ranks #24 on the latest aggregate score — the 58th percentile. The region leaders are Cape Verde, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe.
Political Rights vs Civil Liberties
Rating 5 of 7 (1 = best)
Rating 4 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
Between 2013 and 2024, Freedom House moved Somaliland from Partly Free (Partly Free, 46/100) to Partly Free (Partly Free, 43/100).
Indicator trajectory (A–G over 12 years)
Of the 25 Freedom House indicators tracked for Somaliland, 9 moved at least one point across the available Freedom House history. The eight with the largest absolute change appear below.
| Code | Indicator | Earliest | Latest | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Free and fair head-of-government elections | 3/4 (2013) | 0/4 (2024) | ▼ -3 |
| A2 | Free and fair legislative elections | 0/4 (2013) | 1/4 (2024) | ▲ +1 |
| C1 | Elected officials govern | 2/4 (2013) | 1/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| C2 | Anti-corruption safeguards | 2/4 (2013) | 1/4 (2024) | ▼ -1 |
| D1 | Free media | 1/4 (2013) | 2/4 (2024) | ▲ +1 |
| B1 | Right to organise in political parties | 3/4 (2013) | 3/4 (2024) | • 0 |
| B2 | Opposition can gain power | 3/4 (2013) | 3/4 (2024) | • 0 |
| D4 | Private discussion | 2/4 (2013) | 2/4 (2024) | • 0 |
Latest A–G indicator scorecard
Electoral Process
PR
-
A1Free and fair head-of-government elections
0/4
-
A2Free and fair legislative elections
1/4
-
A3Electoral laws and framework
2/4
Political Pluralism & Participation
PR
-
B1Right to organise in political parties
3/4
-
B2Opposition can realistically gain power
3/4
-
B3Free political choice without domination
2/4
-
B4Political rights of minorities
2/4
Functioning of Government
PR
-
C1Elected officials determine government policy
1/4
-
C2Safeguards against corruption
1/4
-
C3Transparency of government
2/4
Freedom of Expression & Belief
CL
-
D1Free and independent media
2/4
-
D2Freedom of religious expression
2/4
-
D3Academic freedom
2/4
-
D4Free private discussion
2/4
Associational & Organisational Rights
CL
-
E1Freedom of assembly
1/4
-
E2Freedom for NGOs
2/4
-
E3Free trade unions
2/4
Rule of Law
CL
-
F1Independent judiciary
2/4
-
F2Due process in civil and criminal matters
2/4
-
F3Protection from illegitimate force
1/4
-
F4Equal treatment under the law
2/4
Personal Autonomy & Individual Rights
CL
-
G1Freedom of movement
2/4
-
G2Property rights
2/4
-
G3Personal social freedoms
1/4
-
G4Equality of opportunity
1/4
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. 2024 edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Freedom House indicator moved most in Somaliland?
Indicator A1 (Free and fair head-of-government elections) changed by -3 points, moving from 3/4 to 0/4 across the available history — the biggest indicator-level movement of the 25 Freedom House sub-scores for Somaliland.
How does Somaliland rank within its Freedom House region?
Somaliland holds position #24 of 56 in the Africa region on the latest Freedom House aggregate score. The region's top country is Cape Verde (92/100).