Press Freedom Index in Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo: Press Freedom Index was 48.59 in 2021. ▲ Rising
Press Freedom Index in Democratic Republic of Congo, 2013–2021
Source: Reporters sans Frontieres (2022) – processed by Our World in Data.
Analysis
The most recent figure for press freedom index in Democratic Republic of Congo is 48.59, measured in 2021.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 1.0% on the previous year and up 16.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, press freedom index in Democratic Republic of Congo peaked at 52.67 in 2017 and was at its lowest, 41.66, in 2013.
Democratic Republic of Congo ranks 32nd of 177 countries on this measure, in the top quarter.
Press Freedom Index in Democratic Republic of Congo, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 41.66 | — |
| 2014 | 44.64 | +7.2% |
| 2015 | 44.31 | -0.7% |
| 2016 | 50.97 | +15.0% |
| 2017 | 52.67 | +3.3% |
| 2018 | 51.6 | -2.0% |
| 2019 | 51.71 | +0.2% |
| 2020 | 49.09 | -5.1% |
| 2021 | 48.59 | -1.0% |
Democratic Republic of Congo compared with similar countries
- Democratic Republic of Congo's 48.59 is above the median for low income countries, which is 40.2, 1.2× the median. (25 countries reporting)
- Democratic Republic of Congo's 48.59 is above the median for Sub-Saharan Africa, which is 33.65, 1.4× the median. (47 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 48.22 | 41.66 | 52.67 | 7 |
| 2020s | 48.84 | 48.59 | 49.09 | 2 |
Countries ranked near Democratic Republic of Congo
More social development data for Democratic Republic of Congo
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 503,732 (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 1.18 million (2025)
- Political Rights Rating 7 (2025)
- Electoral democracy 0 (2025)
- Political rights rating fh, annual growth rate 0 % change on previous year (2025)
- Political rights rating fh, gaps filled 7 (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0.0104 units per person (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 1.18 million (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0.0045 units per person (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is press freedom index in Democratic Republic of Congo?
- Press freedom index in Democratic Republic of Congo was 48.59 in 2021, according to Reporters sans Frontieres (2022) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest press freedom index recorded in Democratic Republic of Congo?
- The highest recorded value was 52.67 in 2017.
- What is the lowest press freedom index recorded in Democratic Republic of Congo?
- The lowest recorded value was 41.66 in 2013.
- How does Democratic Republic of Congo rank for press freedom index?
- Democratic Republic of Congo ranks 32nd out of 177 countries with data for 2021.
- Is press freedom index rising or falling in Democratic Republic of Congo?
- Over the last ten years it is up 16.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this Democratic Republic of Congo data come from?
- The figures come from Reporters sans Frontieres (2022) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Press Freedom Index. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
The index combines expert estimates with data on violence against journalists. It ranges from 0-100 (no freedom).