The most conservative countries in the world take conservatism to a whole new level. Or shall we say an old level, given many of their antiquated views?
1: Eritrea
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.01
Eritrea is the most conservative country in the world due to strict governmental control over its citizens. Eritreans have limited freedom of expression and religion, and traditional and societal norms make it challenging for residents to make a change.
2: North Korea
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.02
North Korea is the second most conservative country in the world. Its authoritarian regime, run by Kim Jong Un, severely limits individual and political freedoms.
3: Afghanistan
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.02
The Taliban re-gained control of Afghanistan in 2021, reverting to the more conservative trends that Afghanistans endured under their harsh rule. Women have few to no rights, malnutrition is widespread, and the local economy is floundering.
4: Yemen
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.03
Yemen is a tribal-based society that has held closely to traditional values and social structures. The majority of Yemenis practice Islam, with a conservative interpretation of the Quran.
5: Belarus
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.04
Belarus makes the top five most conservative countries in the world in great part because President Alexander Lukashenko has had authoritarian control since 1994. Lukashenko frowns upon progressive social values and maintains tight control over the media.
6: Syria
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.04
Centuries of Islamic and Arab cultural traditions, coupled with the Assad family’s authoritarian rule, make Syria one of the most conservative countries on earth. Syrians are expected to conform to traditional norms, with more liberal and progressive voices being suppressed.
7: Turkmenistan
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.04
Political repression, censorship, and the suppression of people who try to change their country’s ultra-conservative ways make Turkmenistan one of the world’s most conservative countries. Residents live under a tight automatic government rule that revolves around conservative nationalism.
8: People’s Republic of China
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.04
The People’s Republic of China is composed of a one-party Communist rule, making Chinese life ultra-restrictive. Residents have little access to views from the outside world due to censorship and control over the media, including the internet.
9: Saudi Arabia
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.04
Saudi Arabia is based on absolute monarchy rule. Conservative Sunni Islam religious practices are placed on a pedestal, with the separation of genders and strict dress codes being mandatory.
10: Tajikistan
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.05
Tajikistan citizens have few democratic freedoms, in great part because of extreme Sunni Islam teachings. Both religion and the ways of traditional Tajik culture are praised, as is social conservatism.
11: Bahrain
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.05
Like so many countries on this list, Bahrain has a long history of sticking with traditional values and repressing the creation of different political parties. The Sunni monarchy errs strongly on the side of conservative social and religious policies to maintain its power.
12: Equatorial Guinea
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.05
Equatorial Guinea is among the most conservative countries in the world due to an authoritarian government that has had a grip on its citizens for decades. Strict Catholic and cultural traditions are at the core of the country’s ultra-conservative ways, which include government control over the media and restriction of political pluralism.
13: Nicaragua
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.06
Nicaragua joins Equatorial Guinea in being one of the most conservative countries on earth because of strict Catholic traditions. Strict traditional gender roles, coupled with authoritarian rule, prevent Nicaraguans from having progressive social reforms.
14: South Sudan
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.06
Conservative ideology reigns in South Sudan due in great part to ethnic and tribal traditions that are still in practice. Such beliefs keep people’s mindset around gender roles, family structures, and social norms stuck in an ultra-conservative frame of mind.
15: Cambodia
Liberal Democracy Index: 0.07
Cambodians’ experience with the Khmer Rouge regime and adherence to Theravada Buddhism makes them among the most conservative countries in the world. Traditional Khmer culture centers around hierarchical family structures and modesty.
Most Liberal Country
Sweden is the most liberal country in the world, with a liberal democracy index of 0.88. An emphasis on social democracy and progressive policies, including social benefits like healthcare, make it liberal. Furthermore, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental sustainability are a part of Sweden’s policies and cultural norms.
Where the US Falls
The United States is the 146th least conservative country in the world and the 29th most liberal state in the world.
Geography Woes
Africa and Asia have the greatest quantity of conservative countries, while the Americas and Europe have the most liberal countries.
Source: Wise Voter.
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