Which countries are a democracy?

As an expert in political science, I can provide an overview of the concept of democracy and which countries are often recognized as democratic. Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through freely elected representatives. It encompasses a range of principles and practices that include freedom of speech, rule of law, free and fair elections, and a pluralistic system of beliefs and behaviors. The classification of countries as democratic is not absolute and can vary based on the criteria used. One common reference is the "Democracy Index" published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which ranks countries based on various factors such as electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, the functioning of the government, political participation, and political culture. According to the 2015 Democracy Index, the following countries were considered among the most democratic: 1. Norway 2. Iceland 3. Sweden 4. New Zealand 5. Denmark 6. Switzerland 7. Canada 8. Finland These countries typically score high on measures of political participation, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. However, it's important to note that the state of democracy can change over time due to various factors, including political developments, economic conditions, and social changes. Democracy is not a static concept, and countries must continually work to uphold democratic principles and institutions. Additionally, there are many other countries that have democratic systems but may not rank as highly as those listed above. The nature of democracy can also vary significantly from one country to another, reflecting different historical, cultural, and social contexts. It's also worth mentioning that there are different types of democracies, such as presidential democracies, parliamentary democracies, and hybrid systems. Each system has its own set of advantages and challenges. In conclusion, while the list provided gives a snapshot of some of the most democratic countries according to the 2015 Democracy Index, it's essential to approach the topic with nuance and recognize the complexities involved in defining and measuring democracy.

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