2025 country profile

How democratic is
Tunisia?

Tunisia scores 58.3 out of 100 and ranks 84 of 179 in our independent 2025 democracy measure. Its lowest-scoring test is free and fair elections. 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

58.3out of 100Major democratic constraints

2025 rank84 of 179

10-year change−16.5

25-year change+22.1

Source-bound range51.3–65.5

Weakest areaElections

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

SCORE HISTORY

Tunisia, 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

Legal pressure weakened safeguards for critics

Freedom House describes due-process restrictions under emergency powers, charges against defense lawyers, and increasing use of military courts for civilians criticizing government or the army. These developments constrain both dissent and the legal mechanisms intended to protect it. They extend beyond the fairness of election-day procedures.

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 Tunisia fell 16.5 points, from 74.8 to 58.3 between 2015 and 2025. 1 of the five areas improved while 4 worsened, so the headline combines competing movements. Elections contributed the largest downward push in the score calculation.

Read the political context ↓

Largest influence on the calculation

Elections

The evidence rates electoral choice, voting rights, political organization, and the space for open debate less favorably.

Area score: 72.7 → 39.5
Approx. contribution to overall change: −7.3 points

Moving in the other direction

Participation

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

Area score: 47.4 → 50.7
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.

2017–2018+3.6 points
The overall score rose from 74.8 to 78.4. Participation supplied the largest upward contribution to that year’s calculated change.
2020–2021−7.0 points
The overall score fell from 78.1 to 71.1. Elections supplied the largest downward contribution to that year’s calculated change.
2021–2022−13.9 points
The overall score fell from 71.1 to 57.2. Elections supplied the largest downward contribution to that year’s calculated change.

Highest published score in this window: 78.4 in 2018. 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
Elections	72.7	39.5	−33.2	−7.3
Rights and checks	86.8	57.1	−29.7	−5.7
Public reasoning	92.9	75.3	−17.6	−3.1
Political equality	79.2	73.2	−6.0	−1.1
Participation	47.4	50.7	+3.3	+0.8

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?

39.5

Rights and checks on power

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

57.1

Public participation

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

50.7

Public reasoning

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

75.3

Political equality

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

73.2

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

Tunisia score table

Download Tunisia CSV

Year	Score	Source-bound range	Elections	Rights & checks	Participation	Reasoning	Equality
2025	58.3	51.3–65.5	39.5	57.1	50.7	75.3	73.2
2024	58.6	51.6–65.9	42.2	54.9	50.7	75.3	73.2
2023	59.6	53.1–66.7	43.2	56.1	52.3	75.5	74.2
2022	57.2	52.4–63.0	28.3	50.7	56.0	78.4	82.2
2021	71.1	66.6–77.4	53.5	82.7	58.5	83.7	80.5
2020	78.1	73.8–83.3	71.2	88.3	60.8	92.2	80.2
2019	78.3	74.0–83.5	72.5	87.9	61.4	92.5	79.1
2018	78.4	74.0–83.6	72.8	87.7	61.8	92.5	79.1
2017	74.8	71.2–80.5	72.5	88.1	47.1	92.6	78.7
2016	74.8	70.8–80.0	73.1	86.2	47.6	92.4	79.2
2015	74.8	70.8–80.0	72.7	86.8	47.4	92.9	79.2
2014	74.9	71.0–80.3	74.5	84.7	48.3	92.6	79.0
2013	75.5	71.7–80.7	76.1	83.0	49.8	92.6	79.7
2012	75.6	71.5–80.7	76.5	83.6	49.7	91.4	80.9
2011	58.7	55.1–63.7	32.8	57.4	46.3	88.8	77.3
2010	36.4	29.9–42.7	19.3	29.5	39.7	36.3	64.3
2009	35.6	29.0–41.8	19.1	26.5	39.8	36.7	62.8
2008	35.8	29.3–42.0	19.1	26.7	40.2	37.2	62.8
2007	35.9	29.4–42.0	19.1	26.7	40.6	37.2	62.8
2006	35.9	29.5–42.1	19.1	26.6	41.0	37.2	62.8
2005	35.6	29.5–42.0	19.1	25.5	41.0	37.2	62.6
2004	35.0	28.8–41.0	18.9	25.5	41.0	34.1	62.6
2003	37.1	30.6–43.4	19.0	25.5	41.0	44.7	63.4
2002	37.1	30.6–43.4	19.0	25.5	41.0	44.7	63.4
2001	35.9	29.4–42.2	18.9	25.5	35.0	44.7	63.4
2000	36.2	29.7–42.5	18.9	25.5	35.0	44.7	65.2
1999	36.2	29.7–42.4	18.8	25.5	35.0	44.7	65.2
1998	36.2	29.7–42.4	18.8	25.5	35.0	44.7	65.2
1997	36.2	29.7–42.4	18.8	25.5	35.0	44.7	65.2
1996	36.2	29.7–42.4	18.8	25.5	35.0	44.7	65.2
1995	36.2	29.7–42.4	18.8	25.5	35.0	44.7	65.2
1994	36.1	29.7–42.4	18.9	25.5	35.0	44.7	64.4
1993	36.2	29.8–42.6	19.3	25.5	35.0	44.7	64.4
1992	36.4	29.7–42.6	19.6	25.5	35.0	44.7	65.0
1991	37.2	30.7–43.8	19.7	25.5	35.0	49.1	65.0
1990	37.4	31.1–44.2	19.6	25.5	35.0	50.8	65.0
1989	34.6	28.3–40.7	12.5	25.4	35.3	45.7	66.7
1988	34.8	28.9–41.3	11.3	25.4	35.3	49.5	66.7
1987	40.7	33.9–47.3	18.0	48.1	33.6	53.4	58.4
1986	41.1	34.5–48.2	19.5	48.1	33.6	53.1	58.5
1985	41.7	35.2–48.4	19.6	48.1	33.6	56.4	58.5
1984	41.8	35.4–48.6	19.8	48.1	33.6	56.4	58.5
1983	41.8	35.4–48.6	19.8	48.1	33.6	56.4	58.5
1982	42.0	35.5–48.8	19.6	48.1	33.6	58.0	58.5
1981	41.9	35.5–48.7	19.5	48.1	33.6	58.0	58.5
1980	41.6	35.2–48.5	19.2	48.1	33.6	56.3	58.6
1979	40.5	33.6–46.8	18.9	46.0	33.6	53.7	57.5
1978	40.9	34.5–47.7	19.1	46.0	33.6	56.0	57.5
1977	40.9	34.5–47.7	19.1	46.0	33.6	56.0	57.5
1976	41.0	34.3–47.4	18.9	46.0	33.6	56.0	58.3
1975	40.2	33.3–46.7	18.7	45.6	33.6	52.0	58.3
1974	41.1	34.5–47.7	18.6	45.6	33.6	57.4	58.3
1973	41.1	34.5–47.7	18.7	45.6	33.6	57.4	58.3
1972	41.1	34.5–47.7	18.7	45.6	33.6	57.4	58.3
1971	41.1	34.5–47.7	18.7	45.6	33.6	57.4	58.3
1970	40.7	34.0–47.2	18.7	45.6	33.6	54.9	58.3
1969	41.1	34.7–48.0	18.7	45.6	33.6	58.6	57.4
1968	40.3	33.6–47.1	18.7	45.6	33.6	53.8	57.4
1967	40.3	33.6–47.1	18.7	45.6	33.6	53.8	57.4
1966	40.3	33.6–47.1	18.7	45.6	33.6	53.8	57.4
1965	40.3	33.6–47.1	18.7	45.6	33.6	53.8	57.4
1964	40.5	33.3–46.8	19.2	45.6	33.6	53.8	57.4
1963	40.4	33.2–46.6	19.2	45.1	33.6	53.8	57.4
1962	40.4	33.5–46.9	19.3	45.2	33.6	53.8	57.4
1961	40.1	33.1–46.5	19.3	44.1	33.6	53.1	57.4
1960	40.6	33.9–47.1	19.3	44.1	33.6	55.7	57.4
1959	34.9	28.4–40.9	9.6	38.7	32.2	54.6	52.9
1958	34.4	28.0–40.4	8.6	37.3	30.6	58.3	52.9
1957	28.1	22.6–33.8	6.5	28.7	26.8	62.5	31.4
1956	23.4	17.9–28.4	6.3	24.4	14.5	55.5	30.0
1955	10.0	5.0–13.5	3.8	12.6	6.1	20.3	11.4
1954	9.6	5.0–13.2	3.7	12.6	5.0	19.2	11.5
1953	9.5	5.0–13.2	3.6	12.6	5.0	19.2	11.5
1952	9.7	4.9–13.1	3.5	12.6	5.0	20.4	11.5
1951	9.9	5.2–13.5	3.5	12.6	5.0	22.2	11.5
1950	9.9	5.2–13.5	3.5	12.6	5.0	22.2	11.5
1949	10.0	5.4–13.7	3.6	12.6	5.0	22.2	11.5
1948	10.0	5.4–13.7	3.6	12.6	5.0	22.2	11.5
1947	10.0	5.4–13.7	3.6	12.6	5.0	22.2	11.5
1946	10.0	5.4–13.7	3.6	12.6	5.0	22.2	11.5
1945	9.6	4.8–13.1	3.3	12.6	5.0	20.1	11.5
1944	9.8	5.1–13.5	3.3	12.6	5.0	21.7	11.5
1943	9.8	5.1–13.5	3.3	12.6	5.0	21.7	11.5
1942	10.0	5.3–13.7	3.3	12.6	5.0	23.1	11.5
1941	10.0	5.3–13.7	3.3	12.6	5.0	23.1	11.5
1940	10.0	5.3–13.7	3.3	12.6	5.0	23.1	11.5
1939	9.9	5.3–13.7	3.4	12.6	5.0	22.0	11.5
1938	9.5	4.8–13.0	3.5	12.6	5.0	19.3	11.5
1937	9.6	4.9–13.1	3.8	12.6	5.0	19.3	11.5
1936	9.6	4.9–13.1	3.8	12.6	5.0	19.3	11.5
1935	9.6	4.9–13.1	3.7	12.6	5.0	19.3	11.5
1934	8.7	4.4–12.1	3.4	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1933	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1932	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1931	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1930	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1929	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1928	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1927	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1926	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1925	8.9	4.6–12.4	3.9	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1924	8.9	4.5–12.3	3.8	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1923	8.9	4.5–12.3	3.8	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1922	8.9	4.6–12.4	4.0	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1921	8.9	4.6–12.4	4.0	12.6	5.0	14.2	11.5
1920	9.5	5.0–12.9	4.0	12.6	7.2	14.2	11.5
1919	9.5	5.0–12.9	4.0	12.6	7.2	14.2	11.5
1918	9.4	4.9–12.9	3.7	12.6	7.2	14.2	11.5
1917	8.9	4.7–12.3	3.6	12.6	7.2	11.8	11.5
1916	9.3	4.9–12.8	3.6	12.6	7.2	14.1	11.5
1915	9.3	4.9–12.8	3.6	12.6	7.2	14.1	11.5
1914	9.3	4.9–12.8	3.6	12.6	7.2	14.1	11.5
1913	9.3	4.9–12.8	3.6	12.6	7.2	14.1	11.5
1912	9.3	4.9–12.8	3.6	12.6	7.2	14.1	11.5
1911	9.3	4.9–12.8	3.7	12.6	7.2	14.1	11.5
1910	9.3	4.9–12.8	3.7	12.6	7.2	14.1	11.5
1909	9.4	4.9–12.8	3.7	12.8	7.2	14.1	11.5
1908	9.4	4.9–12.8	3.7	12.8	7.2	14.1	11.5
1907	9.4	4.9–12.8	3.7	12.8	7.2	14.1	11.5
1906	9.3	4.9–12.7	3.4	12.8	7.2	14.1	11.5
1905	9.3	4.9–12.7	3.4	12.8	7.2	14.1	11.5
1904	9.3	4.9–12.7	3.4	12.8	7.2	14.0	11.5
1903	9.3	4.9–12.7	3.4	12.8	7.2	14.0	11.5
1902	9.3	4.9–12.7	3.4	12.8	7.2	14.0	11.5
1901	9.3	4.9–12.7	3.4	12.8	7.2	14.0	11.5
1900	7.6	3.5–10.3	3.6	12.8	7.2	4.8	11.5

CITE THIS PROFILE

Source and attribution

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

Open source DOI

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How democratic isTunisia?