This report is released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Norway led the list in 2025, as it did last year, followed by Estonia, Netherlands, Sweden and Finland.
Eritrea (180) is at the bottom-most this year, followed by North Korea, China, Syria and Iran.
India ranked 151st with a total score of 32.96 in 2025, moving up 8 places from 159th last year.
Out of 180 countries assessed, 160 face significant challenges regarding the financial stability of media outlets.
All the South Asian countries were classified as "very serious" press freedom situations, except Nepal classified as "problematic" and the Maldives as "difficult".
Among other major economies, Germany places at 11, United Kingdom at 20, France at 25, Brazil at 63 and Japan at 66.