Democratic development worldwide appears to be stagnating, with the number of countries considered "free" having remained largely unchanged over the past decade, a new report by Freedom House has found.

"Freedom in the World 2007", which surveys political rights and civil liberties (including freedom of expression) in 194 countries and territories, indicates that a "freedom stagnation" may be developing worldwide.

The report counted 90 countries it considered "free", 58 countries "partly free" and 45 countries "not free."

Freedom House considers a "free" country to be one where there is broad scope for open political competition, a climate of respect for civil liberties, significant independent civic life, and independent media.

For more details, visit:
http://www.freedomhouse.org/