As an expert in political science, I can provide an analysis of the concept of democracy and how it is reflected in different countries. Democracy is a complex and nuanced concept that encompasses a variety of political systems and practices. It is often characterized by free and fair elections, the rule of law, the protection of individual rights and freedoms, and the participation of citizens in the decision-making process. One of the ways to measure the level of democracy in a country is through the Democracy Index, which is an annual ranking of countries based on their democratic performance. The index considers factors such as the electoral process, pluralism, the functioning of the government, political participation, and civil liberties. According to the Democracy Index of 2017, the top-ranked countries in terms of their democratic systems are Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, which all received high scores for their electoral processes and pluralism. Norway is often cited as a model of a democratic country due to its strong commitment to democratic principles and its high levels of political participation and civil liberties. The country has a well-established electoral system that ensures free and fair elections, and it has a vibrant political culture that encourages the participation of citizens in the political process. Iceland, another top-ranked country in the Democracy Index, is known for its transparency and its efforts to combat corruption. The country has a strong tradition of political participation and has implemented measures to ensure that its government is accountable to its citizens. Sweden is also recognized for its democratic system, which is characterized by a high level of trust in institutions, a robust civil society, and a commitment to social justice and equality. The country has a strong electoral system that ensures the participation of all citizens in the political process. It is important to note that while these countries are often considered to be democratic, there is no perfect model of democracy. Each country has its own unique challenges and areas for improvement when it comes to upholding democratic principles. Additionally, the concept of democracy can be subjective and can vary based on cultural, historical, and political contexts. Furthermore, the state of democracy is not static and can change over time. Factors such as political developments, economic conditions, and social movements can all influence the level of democracy in a country. It is also worth noting that the Democracy Index is just one measure of democracy and should be considered alongside other indicators and analyses. In conclusion, while there are countries that are often recognized as democratic, the concept of democracy is complex and multifaceted. It is essential to consider a range of factors and perspectives when evaluating the democratic nature of a country. read more >>

Democracy Index by country (2017)RankCountryElectoral process and pluralism1Norway10.002Iceland10.003Sweden9.584New Zealand10.0035 more rowsread more >>