The World Bank’s Prosperity Data published the Freedom of Opinion and Expression Index, based on 11 years of research by the World Justice Project, which assesses the rule of law in 142 countries.

According to the Index, Georgia ranked among the top 41 countries where the freedom of opinion and expression is “effectively” guaranteed.

The country earned 66% on a 100% assessment system. This places Georgia 37th, alongside South Korea, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Malta.

The Index showed that Georgia had surpassed the 9 EU and NATO member states, as well as all EU candidate countries, including Croatia, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Cyprus, Albania, Turkey, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.