Which countries are democracies?

Hello, I'm an expert in international relations and political systems. I'm here to provide you with a comprehensive answer to your question about democracies around the world. Step 1: English Answer Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through elected representatives. It encompasses a variety of political systems, from direct democracies, where citizens vote on policy issues, to representative democracies, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. The concept of democracy is complex and can vary significantly from one country to another. According to the 2015 Democracy Index, which is an annual assessment of democratic performance conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the following countries are considered to be among the most democratic: 1. Norway 2. Iceland 3. Sweden 4. New Zealand 5. Denmark 6. Switzerland 7. Canada 8. Finland These rankings are based on several factors, including the functioning of the government, political participation, political culture, civil liberties, and the rule of law. However, it's important to note that the state of democracy can change over time, and the rankings are subject to revision with each new report. In addition to these top-ranked countries, there are many other nations that are considered to be democracies. Some of these include: - United States - Germany - United Kingdom - France - Australia - Japan - South Korea - Spain - Italy - India It's worth mentioning that even within these democratic countries, there can be issues and challenges. For example, concerns about the influence of money in politics, the polarization of public opinion, and the erosion of trust in institutions are common in many democracies. Moreover, there are countries that are transitioning towards democracy or have elements of democracy but may not be fully democratic. These are often referred to as hybrid regimes. They may have regular elections but lack some of the other key features of a democratic system. It's also crucial to understand that democracy is not a static concept. It is a dynamic process that requires ongoing commitment and effort from all segments of society to maintain and improve. The health of a democracy is often measured by the level of civic engagement, the protection of minority rights, and the strength of its institutions. In conclusion, while the list provided by the Democracy Index offers a snapshot of some of the most democratic countries, the reality is that the practice of democracy is diverse and multifaceted. It is a system that is continually evolving and being shaped by the people and leaders within each nation. **

The most democratic countries of the world according to the 2015 Democracy Index:Norway.Iceland.Sweden.New Zealand.Denmark.Switzerland.Canada.Finland.More items...