Countries Considered More Free Than the United States in 2025

The concept of “freedom” is multifaceted, encompassing personal liberties, economic opportunities, political rights, and societal equality. The United States has long been viewed as a beacon of freedom, but various global indices suggest that other nations may surpass it in specific aspects of freedom. Based on data from reputable sources like the Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Index of Economic Freedom, the Cato Institute’s Human Freedom Index 2024, and Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2025 report, this article explores countries that rank higher than the U.S. in terms of freedom, focusing on economic, personal, and political dimensions. The U.S. ranks highly but is outpaced by a select group of nations due to factors like regulatory efficiency, government transparency, and social policies.

1. Switzerland

Switzerland consistently ranks at the top of global freedom indices, scoring 83.1 in the 2025 Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom, compared to the U.S.’s 70.6. Its decentralized government, low corruption levels, and robust property rights foster economic freedom. The Cato Institute’s Human Freedom Index 2024 places Switzerland first, citing its strong rule of law, minimal government interference, and high personal freedoms, including freedom of expression and association. Switzerland’s direct democracy allows citizens to vote on policies, enhancing political freedom. Additionally, its low crime rates and progressive social policies, such as gender equality and privacy protections, contribute to a high quality of life.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand ranks second in the Human Freedom Index 2024 and scores 83.0 in economic freedom, just behind Switzerland. Its transparent government, efficient regulatory framework, and open-market policies create a business-friendly environment. Freedom House’s 2025 report gives New Zealand a near-perfect score of 99/100 for political rights and civil liberties, compared to the U.S.’s 83/100, citing its robust democratic institutions and press freedom. New Zealand’s progressive stance on issues like indigenous rights and environmental protections further enhances personal freedoms, while its low corruption levels bolster public trust.

3. Denmark

Denmark excels in both economic and personal freedoms, scoring 77.8 in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom and ranking high in the Human Freedom Index. Its welfare state, balanced with a free-market economy, ensures economic opportunity while providing strong social safety nets. Denmark’s high scores in judicial effectiveness and government integrity surpass the U.S., where bureaucratic inefficiencies and political polarization have slightly lowered rankings. Freedom House notes Denmark’s strong protections for free speech and assembly, with a score of 97/100, reflecting its inclusive and transparent governance.

4. Ireland

Ireland’s economic freedom score of 82.0 in 2025 reflects its open economy, low corporate taxes, and efficient regulatory environment, outpacing the U.S. in business freedom. The Human Freedom Index ranks Ireland highly for personal liberties, including freedom of movement and religion. Its political stability and strong legal framework ensure robust civil liberties, with Freedom House scoring it 97/100. Ireland’s progressive social policies, such as marriage equality and strong labor protections, contribute to a society where individual freedoms are well-guarded.

5. Singapore

Singapore leads the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom with a score of 84.7, driven by its unparalleled regulatory efficiency and open-market policies. While it excels in economic freedom, its personal and political freedoms are more limited, with a Human Freedom Index ranking lower than the U.S. due to restrictions on free speech and assembly. However, Singapore’s low corruption, strong property rights, and efficient judiciary create a stable environment for economic and personal security, appealing to those prioritizing financial freedom over political expression.

6. Iceland

Iceland ranks highly in the Human Freedom Index 2024, particularly for personal freedoms like gender equality and freedom of expression. Its small, homogeneous population and transparent government contribute to a Freedom House score of 94/100, surpassing the U.S. in civil liberties. Iceland’s economic freedom score of 73.4 is slightly higher than the U.S., driven by strong property rights and low corruption. Its progressive policies, including robust environmental protections and social equality, make it a standout for individual liberties.

7. Luxembourg

Luxembourg scores 78.4 in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom, excelling in fiscal health and business freedom. The Human Freedom Index ranks it highly for personal freedoms, including privacy and judicial independence. Freedom House’s 2025 report gives Luxembourg a 98/100 score, citing its strong democratic institutions and press freedom. Its small size and wealth enable efficient governance, low corruption, and high living standards, making it a haven for both economic and personal freedoms.

8. Norway

Norway combines a strong welfare state with economic freedom, scoring 76.9 in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom. Its high rankings in the Human Freedom Index reflect robust personal liberties, including freedom of speech and gender equality. Freedom House scores Norway at 98/100, noting its transparent governance and strong civil liberties. Norway’s high taxes fund extensive social programs, ensuring equality without stifling economic opportunity, making it a model of balanced freedoms.

Methodology and Notes

The rankings draw from the Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Index of Economic Freedom, which evaluates 12 factors like property rights and regulatory efficiency; the Cato Institute’s Human Freedom Index 2024, which measures personal, civil, and economic freedoms; and Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2025, which assesses political rights and civil liberties. The U.S. ranks 25th in economic freedom (70.6) and 17th in human freedom, reflecting challenges like regulatory complexity and political polarization. Countries listed here outperform the U.S. in at least one major freedom metric, though each has unique strengths and limitations. Data from X posts and web searches align with these indices, emphasizing Switzerland, New Zealand, and Denmark as consistent leaders.