2025 country profile

How democratic is
Jamaica?

Jamaica scores 77.7 out of 100 and ranks 31 of 179 in our independent 2025 democracy measure. Its lowest-scoring test is public participation. Explore the evidence and history below.

Democracys.org beta estimate, derived from V-Dem v16. A measure of political institutions and conditions—not a percentage of democracy or a judgment of people.

Printable country brief Compare this country

DEMOCRACYS SCORE

77.7out of 100Substantial but incomplete

2025 rank31 of 179

10-year change+0.8

25-year change+6.6

Source-bound range73.0–84.4

Weakest areaParticipation

The source-bound range is an uncertainty guide, not a confidence interval for this combined score. How to read the range →

SCORE HISTORY

Jamaica, 1975–2025

The shaded area is a plain-language uncertainty guide. Treat small score differences cautiously.

About uncertainty

BEYOND THE NUMBERS

What changed on the ground?

A documented development to help interpret the institutions behind the score.

2025 context · Freedom House assessment

Improper interference was less prevalent in recent elections

Freedom House reports less gang intimidation, vote buying, and other interference in citizens’ political choices than in earlier contests. The mechanism is greater freedom to decide and vote without pressure. This is an improvement in the exercise of political rights, not proof that crime or patronage has ended.

Read the country report · Freedom in the World 2026

AI-assisted source summary · not independently expert-reviewed

What this context does—and does not—explain

This is a selected development, not a complete political history. Its date may differ from the selected comparison period. It is not evidence that one event caused a particular number of points, and it may describe progress even when this index declines.

The scores use V-Dem. The narrative summarizes a separate assessment by Freedom House, whose definitions and coverage differ. Neither organization endorses this website. The summary is AI-assisted, source-linked, and has not received independent country-expert review. Source checked October 5, 2026.

Why democracy measures can disagree →

UNDERSTAND THE CHANGE

What drove the score?

2015–2025 · the measured story

The score for Jamaica rose 0.8 points, from 76.9 to 77.7 between 2015 and 2025. 3 of the five areas improved while 2 worsened, so the headline combines competing movements. Political equality contributed the largest upward push in the score calculation.

Read the political context ↓

Largest influence on the calculation

Political equality

The evidence rates the distribution of political influence, rights, and access across social groups more favorably.

Area score: 72.7 → 80.7
Approx. contribution to overall change: +1.6 points

Moving in the other direction

Participation

The evidence rates opportunities to participate through civic organizations, direct democracy, and local or regional institutions less favorably.

Area score: 61.6 → 58.1
Approx. contribution to overall change: −0.8 points

These contributions explain the calculation—not the causes. The five area scores combine several indicators; they do not identify which individual law, election, or event changed.

When did the biggest shifts appear?

The largest year-to-year movements within this period. These are changes in annual estimates, not precise dates of political events.

2021–2022+1.5 points
The overall score rose from 76.7 to 78.2. Public reasoning supplied the largest upward contribution to that year’s calculated change.
2023–2024−1.4 points
The overall score fell from 76.9 to 75.5. Public reasoning supplied the largest downward contribution to that year’s calculated change.
2024–2025+2.2 points
The overall score rose from 75.5 to 77.7. Public reasoning supplied the largest upward contribution to that year’s calculated change.

Highest published score in this window: 78.2 in 2022. Small differences may fall within the source’s uncertainty.

See all five areas and how contributions are calculated

Changes in inputs versus contributions to the overall score
Area	2015	2025	Input change	Approx. contribution
Political equality	72.7	80.7	+8.0	+1.6
Participation	61.6	58.1	−3.5	−0.8
Rights and checks	85.0	83.7	−1.3	−0.2
Elections	79.8	80.5	+0.7	+0.1
Public reasoning	87.1	87.2	+0.1	0.0

We change the five inputs from their starting to ending values in every possible order, then average each area’s effect on the formula. This distributes the formula’s interactions (a Shapley allocation). It is a mathematical attribution, not a causal estimate.

Inputs and published scores are rounded, so contributions are approximate and may not add exactly to the displayed total. No significance test is implied. Read the full scoring method →

BENEATH THE SCORE

Five dimensions of democracy

The headline score cannot show where a political system is strong or constrained. These five tests can. Each has equal weight in the beta standard.

Free and fair elections

Can people choose their leaders through broad voting rights, honest elections, free political groups, and open public debate?

80.5

Rights and checks on power

Are basic freedoms protected, laws applied fairly, courts independent, and leaders prevented from abusing power?

83.7

Public participation

Can people shape public life through civic groups, direct voting, and meaningful local and regional government?

58.1

Public reasoning

Do leaders explain decisions, consult the public, answer opposing arguments, and consider the common good?

87.2

Political equality

Do different social groups have equal rights, access, resources, and a real chance to influence political power?

80.7

HOW TO READ THIS PROFILE

Two kinds of evidence.
One clearer picture.

The score breakdown identifies which parts of the measure changed most. The country report adds documented political context. Together they help explain the institutions at stake—but they do not prove that a specific event produced a specific number of points.

Why this score differs from other democracy indices →

What a declining score can—and cannot—tell us about democratic backsliding

A recent improvement can coexist with a long-term decline. Always compare the dates, check the linked source, and consider developments the selected narrative does not cover.

ANNUAL DATA

Jamaica score table

Download Jamaica CSV

Year	Score	Source-bound range	Elections	Rights & checks	Participation	Reasoning	Equality
2025	77.7	73.0–84.4	80.5	83.7	58.1	87.2	80.7
2024	75.5	70.1–82.9	79.8	84.3	60.4	73.8	80.3
2023	76.9	72.0–83.9	79.8	84.4	58.7	80.5	82.8
2022	78.2	73.6–84.6	79.8	86.9	61.0	84.7	80.3
2021	76.7	71.0–83.1	80.1	86.1	59.4	78.8	80.5
2020	77.8	72.7–84.0	80.8	86.8	61.1	83.0	78.9
2019	78.2	73.5–84.4	81.0	86.9	61.6	85.4	77.6
2018	77.0	72.3–83.2	80.7	84.9	62.4	84.9	73.5
2017	78.0	72.9–83.5	81.1	85.9	62.4	87.0	74.9
2016	77.1	72.2–83.2	80.4	85.0	61.6	87.1	72.7
2015	76.9	72.0–82.9	79.8	85.0	61.6	87.1	72.7
2014	76.9	71.7–82.6	79.8	85.0	61.6	87.1	72.3
2013	76.2	71.2–82.5	79.8	85.0	61.0	84.9	71.8
2012	75.2	69.8–81.7	78.4	84.6	60.0	81.7	72.6
2011	74.9	69.7–81.5	76.7	84.9	60.0	81.7	72.6
2010	74.8	69.4–81.4	77.4	84.5	59.4	81.7	72.6
2009	74.8	69.4–81.5	77.4	84.5	59.4	81.4	72.9
2008	74.8	69.4–81.5	77.4	84.5	59.4	81.4	72.9
2007	74.6	68.9–81.1	76.2	84.5	59.4	81.4	73.0
2006	74.2	68.3–80.6	75.6	83.3	59.4	81.4	72.6
2005	74.1	68.4–80.6	75.1	83.3	59.4	81.4	72.4
2004	72.8	66.9–80.1	74.3	82.6	56.1	80.4	72.4
2003	72.8	66.9–80.1	74.3	82.6	56.1	80.4	72.4
2002	71.5	65.3–78.9	69.5	80.5	56.1	80.4	72.4
2001	71.1	64.7–78.4	67.5	80.5	56.1	80.4	72.4
2000	71.1	64.7–78.4	67.5	80.5	56.1	80.4	72.4
1999	69.7	62.9–76.7	67.0	75.8	56.1	78.5	72.4
1998	69.7	62.9–76.7	67.0	75.8	56.1	78.5	72.4
1997	69.1	62.1–76.1	64.2	75.8	56.1	78.5	72.4
1996	68.9	62.0–75.9	62.8	75.8	56.1	78.5	72.4
1995	68.8	61.8–75.7	62.7	75.8	56.1	78.5	72.4
1994	68.7	61.7–75.5	62.3	75.8	56.1	78.5	72.4
1993	68.4	61.6–75.3	60.8	75.8	56.1	78.5	72.4
1992	67.8	60.8–74.5	57.7	75.8	56.1	78.5	72.4
1991	67.3	60.8–74.8	57.7	74.9	56.1	77.0	72.4
1990	67.3	60.8–74.8	57.7	74.9	56.1	77.0	72.4
1989	65.1	58.3–73.0	56.0	74.3	56.1	68.0	72.5
1988	64.6	57.5–72.2	53.7	74.3	56.1	68.0	72.5
1987	64.5	57.4–72.1	53.7	73.4	56.1	68.0	72.5
1986	64.5	57.4–72.1	53.7	73.4	56.1	68.0	72.5
1985	64.5	57.4–72.1	53.7	73.4	56.1	68.0	72.5
1984	64.5	57.7–72.3	53.6	73.4	56.1	68.0	72.9
1983	63.1	56.4–70.8	47.5	73.4	56.1	68.0	72.9
1982	63.1	56.4–70.8	47.3	73.4	56.1	68.0	72.9
1981	63.1	56.4–70.8	47.3	73.4	56.1	68.0	72.9
1980	63.7	57.2–71.6	49.9	72.8	56.1	69.9	71.6
1979	63.0	55.6–69.8	47.5	73.7	55.2	68.9	71.9
1978	62.8	55.4–69.6	46.6	73.7	55.2	68.9	71.9
1977	62.9	55.3–69.6	46.9	73.7	55.2	68.9	71.9
1976	63.8	56.3–70.7	51.1	73.7	55.2	68.9	71.9
1975	64.3	57.0–71.5	51.2	73.7	55.2	68.9	74.6
1974	64.3	56.8–71.3	51.2	73.3	55.2	68.9	74.6
1973	64.4	57.1–71.7	51.5	73.7	55.2	68.9	74.6
1972	60.5	53.2–68.2	52.0	71.8	54.4	64.1	61.1
1971	59.1	51.2–67.0	52.1	71.7	54.4	60.6	57.4
1970	59.1	51.2–67.0	52.1	71.7	54.4	60.6	57.4
1969	58.5	50.7–66.5	51.8	70.0	54.4	60.6	56.7
1968	58.4	50.6–66.4	51.0	70.0	54.4	60.6	56.7
1967	58.5	50.6–66.4	51.5	70.0	54.4	60.6	56.7
1966	59.2	51.4–67.3	54.1	70.8	54.4	60.6	56.7
1965	59.2	51.4–67.3	54.1	70.8	54.4	60.6	56.7
1964	59.4	51.7–67.5	54.6	71.4	54.4	60.6	56.7
1963	59.4	51.7–67.5	54.6	71.4	54.4	60.6	56.7
1962	57.3	49.6–65.5	54.3	70.3	54.4	53.4	54.9
1961	52.7	44.2–61.0	51.1	65.9	50.4	48.5	48.4
1960	51.3	42.6–59.4	51.1	65.9	47.1	45.2	48.4
1959	49.9	41.0–57.4	51.3	63.6	47.1	45.5	43.3
1958	50.1	41.1–57.5	52.3	63.6	47.1	45.5	43.3
1957	50.1	41.1–57.5	52.3	63.6	47.1	45.5	43.3
1956	49.7	40.7–57.0	52.3	63.6	45.1	45.5	43.3
1955	48.9	40.1–56.4	49.4	63.6	45.1	44.2	43.3
1954	48.5	39.9–56.1	48.7	62.3	45.1	44.2	43.3
1953	47.1	38.7–54.3	42.6	61.2	45.1	44.2	43.3
1952	44.3	37.1–51.0	30.8	60.5	45.1	44.4	43.3
1951	44.3	37.2–51.2	30.6	60.5	45.1	44.4	43.3
1950	44.3	37.2–51.2	30.6	60.5	45.1	44.4	43.3
1949	44.0	36.9–50.8	31.4	59.2	43.9	44.4	43.3
1948	43.7	36.6–50.5	31.4	59.2	43.9	44.4	41.9
1947	43.7	36.6–50.5	31.4	59.2	43.9	44.4	42.0
1946	38.6	30.6–45.8	30.5	59.2	22.6	44.4	41.6
1945	38.5	30.6–45.7	30.5	58.4	22.6	44.4	41.6
1944	34.2	25.0–40.6	28.9	57.7	20.6	29.8	39.4
1943	28.1	20.1–34.1	20.4	54.4	19.9	19.6	32.3
1942	28.1	20.1–34.1	20.4	54.4	19.9	19.6	32.3
1941	28.1	20.1–34.1	20.4	54.4	19.9	19.6	32.3
1940	28.1	20.1–34.1	20.4	54.4	19.9	19.6	32.3
1939	28.2	20.5–34.7	20.5	54.4	19.9	19.6	32.9
1938	27.9	20.5–34.7	20.7	54.4	19.0	19.6	32.2
1937	25.1	18.0–31.6	20.1	54.5	19.0	17.2	21.4
1936	25.1	18.0–31.4	20.0	54.5	19.0	17.2	21.4
1935	25.2	18.0–31.4	20.0	55.0	19.0	17.2	21.4
1934	25.1	17.9–31.4	19.5	55.0	19.0	17.2	21.4
1933	25.1	17.9–31.4	19.5	55.0	19.0	17.2	21.4
1932	25.1	17.9–31.4	19.5	55.0	19.0	17.2	21.4
1931	25.1	17.9–31.4	19.5	55.0	19.0	17.2	21.4
1930	25.1	17.9–31.5	19.5	55.0	19.0	17.2	21.5
1929	24.6	16.9–30.5	20.1	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1928	24.6	16.9–30.5	20.1	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1927	24.6	16.9–30.5	20.1	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1926	24.6	16.9–30.5	20.1	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1925	24.6	16.9–30.5	20.1	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1924	24.5	16.8–30.4	19.6	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1923	24.5	16.8–30.4	19.6	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1922	24.5	16.8–30.4	19.6	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1921	24.5	16.8–30.4	19.6	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1920	24.5	16.8–30.4	19.6	53.3	18.6	17.2	20.2
1919	24.6	17.0–30.7	20.2	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1918	24.5	16.9–30.6	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1917	24.5	16.9–30.6	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1916	24.5	16.9–30.6	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1915	24.5	16.9–30.6	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1914	24.5	16.9–30.6	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1913	24.5	16.9–30.6	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1912	24.5	16.9–30.6	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1911	24.5	16.9–30.6	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1910	24.5	17.0–30.7	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1909	24.5	17.0–30.7	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1908	24.5	17.0–30.7	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1907	24.5	17.0–30.7	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1906	24.5	17.0–30.7	19.9	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1905	24.5	17.0–30.7	20.0	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1904	24.5	17.0–30.7	20.0	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1903	24.5	17.0–30.7	20.0	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1902	24.5	17.0–30.7	20.0	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1901	24.5	17.0–30.7	20.0	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2
1900	24.5	17.0–30.7	20.0	53.0	18.6	17.2	20.2

CITE THIS PROFILE

Source and attribution

Democracys.org (2026), “Jamaica Democracy Score, 1900–2025,” Democracys Standard v1.0 beta; derived from Coppedge et al. (2026), V-Dem Country-Year Dataset v16.

Open source DOI

NEARBY IN THE 2025 RANKING

#29Poland78.9 #30United Kingdom78.9 #32Mauritius77.4 #33Malta77.3

All rankings

How democratic isJamaica?

Jamaica, 1975–2025

Improper interference was less prevalent in recent elections

Political equality

Participation

When did the biggest shifts appear?

Five dimensions of democracy

Free and fair elections

Rights and checks on power

Public participation

Public reasoning

Political equality

Two kinds of evidence.One clearer picture.

Jamaica score table

Source and attribution

How democratic is
Jamaica?

Two kinds of evidence.
One clearer picture.