Uzbekistan ranks 148th in Press Freedom Index

The ranking is published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on the eve of World Press Freedom Day. For the first time, the global state of media freedom is classified as "very serious" — a downgrade from the previous designation of "problematic."

National press freedom is assessed based on five key indicators: political, economic, legal, social and cultural context, as well as security conditions in each country.

In 2025, the average global score across all 180 countries was 54.7 out of 100. The international average for economic indicators fell to 44.1 — the lowest ever recorded — down from 46.4 last year.

Press freedom in Central Asia

• Kazakhstan — 141st (previously 142nd)
• Kyrgyzstan — 144th (previously 120th)
• Uzbekistan — 148th (unchanged)
• Tajikistan — 153rd (previously 155th)
• Turkmenistan — 174th (previously 175th)

RSF noted increasing fragmentation in press freedom across Europe. Meanwhile, Eastern Europe and Central Asia are experiencing the most dramatic decline globally.

While the European Union and the Balkans continue to hold the highest rankings overall, 28 out of the 40 countries in this group reported a deterioration in their economic conditions compared to the previous year.

Out of the 180 countries surveyed worldwide, 112 experienced a decline in their press freedom score. The United States dropped two places to 57th. Israel fell 11 spots to 112th. Russia slid nine places to 171st. Ukraine dropped one place to 61st, while China declined by six positions to rank 178th.