Antigua and Barbuda
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
83 / 100
Free
Antigua and Barbuda is a democracy that holds regular elections. Corruption in government is a concern, and women and LGBT+ people are underrepresented in politics and experience some discrimination. Since Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda in 2017, the government has sought to weaken the island’s longstanding system of communal land rights.
Research & Recommendations
Antigua and Barbuda
Free
83
100
| PR Political Rights | 32 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 51 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
83
100
Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Antigua and Barbuda is a democracy that holds regular elections. Corruption in government is a concern, and women and LGBT+ people are underrepresented in politics and experience some discrimination. Relations between Antigua and Barbuda are difficult, with the national government seeking to weaken Barbuda’s autonomy and its long-standing system of communal land rights. The country’s citizenship-by-investment program is a key element of its economy, but its operation has come under international scrutiny.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Featured
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
83
/ 100
Free
Population: 93,763
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
