Frequently Asked Questions

Who We Are

• What is Freedom House?
• What is Freedom House's definition of "freedom"?
• Why was Freedom House founded?
• Who leads Freedom House and how large is the staff?
• What is the relationship between Freedom House and the Center for Religious Freedom?

How We Work

• What kind of assistance programs does Freedom House conduct?
• How is Freedom House funded?
• Where does Freedom House work around the globe?
• How does Freedom House decide which countries to work in?

Publications

• How can I order Freedom House publications or receive one of its maps?
• Where can I learn about particular countries and their rankings?
• How are the country rankings determined?
• Does Freedom House address political rights and civil liberties in the United States?
• Who writes for Freedom House's publications?

Press and Outreach

• How can I interview one of Freedom House's staff or authors?
• How can I get involved in your work?

Who We Are

What is Freedom House?

Freedom House is an independent nongovernmental organization that supports the expansion of freedom in the world. We support nonviolent civic initiatives in societies where freedom is denied or under threat and we stand in opposition to ideas and forces that challenge the right of all people to be free. Freedom House functions as a catalyst for freedom, democracy and the rule of law through its analysis, advocacy and action.

• Analysis The foundation of Freedom House’s work is its analysis. We evaluate the components of freedom and leverage our analytical work to strengthen our advocacy and action efforts. Freedom House's rigorous research methodology has earned the organization a reputation as the leading source of information on the state of freedom worldwide. Learn more about Freedom House publications .
• Advocacy Freedom House amplifies the voices of those fighting for freedom in repressive societies. We press the United States, other governments, international institutions and regional bodies to adopt consistent policies that advance human rights and democracy around the world.
• Action We work directly with democracy and human rights advocates in their own countries and regions. These reformers include human rights defenders, civil society leaders and members of the media. Freedom House’s programs provide these advocates with resources that include training, expert advice, grants and exchange opportunities.

Why was Freedom House founded?

Freedom House was created in 1941 by prominent Americans concerned about the U.S. policy of isolationism as Nazism threatened to engulf Europe. The organization's name was intended to counter the Brown House, the Nazi party headquarters in Germany where Adolf Hitler maintained an office.  After World War II, Freedom House turned its focus to the struggle against Communism and embraced the organization's mission to expand freedom worldwide and strengthen human rights and civil liberties in the United States.

Read more about Freedom House’s history.

What is Freedom House's definition of "freedom"?

Freedom is the opportunity to act spontaneously in a variety of fields outside the control of the government and/or other centers of potential domination. Freedom House measures freedom according to two broad categories: political rights and civil liberties. Political rights enable people to participate freely in the political process through the right to vote, compete for public office and elect representatives who have a decisive impact on public policies and are accountable to the electorate. Civil liberties allow for the freedoms of expression and belief, associational and organizational rights, rule of law, and personal autonomy without interference from the state.

Freedom House’s definition of freedom is derived in large measure from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights  that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The rights enumerated in the Universal Declaration include freedom of religion, expression, and assembly; freedom from torture; and the right to take part in the government of his or her country. These standards apply to all countries and territories, irrespective of geographical location, ethnic or religious composition, or level of economic development.

Who leads Freedom House and how large is the staff?

Freedom House is led by Jennifer Windsor, the organization's executive director. The daily work of the organization is conducted by its approximately 120 staff members in Washington, New York, its European office in Budapest and other offices around the world.

The organization's Board of Trustees, which includes Democrats, Republicans and Independents, is composed of a mix of business and labor leaders, former senior government officials, scholars and journalists who agree that the promotion of democracy and human rights abroad is vital to America's interests abroad and to international peace.

What is the relationship between Freedom House and the Center for Religious Freedom?

The Center for Religious Freedom was a division of Freedom House for 11 years. In December 2006, the Center moved to the Hudson Institute, where it is now housed. Freedom House continues to support the essential freedoms of belief, thought and religion in its advocacy, publications and programs.

How We Work

What kind of assistance programs does Freedom House conduct?

Freedom House's programs  support human rights and democracy advocates in their efforts promote open government, defend human rights, strengthen civil society and facilitate the free flow of information and ideas. Freedom House's programs primarily offer assistance by providing information, through trainings, international exchange programs and on-site advice. Freedom House sometimes also provides financial support. In addition, Freedom House offers symbolic and moral support through advocacy and visible demonstrations of solidarity on behalf of counterparts abroad, which can give them a measure of protection and may enhance their confidence to continue their activities.

How is Freedom House funded?

Freedom House receives funding from a mix of private foundations and individuals, as well as from democratic governments.  In regards to U.S. government funding, Freedom House has received grants from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department for specific projects and publications, usually as a result of public competition. Freedom House has also received grants from other governments and international bodies, including Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway and the European Union. Freedom House never accepts funds in the form of contracts from government institutions, including the U.S., and never functions as an extension of any government.   For a full list of current funders, read Freedom House’s annual report.

Where does Freedom House work around the globe?

Freedom House supports democratic reform in parts of the world where freedom is under duress or is not yet consolidated. Currently, Freedom House has programs in Central Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America and offices throughout the world.

Our headquarters is located at 1301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Floor 6, Washington, DC 20036.

How does Freedom House decide which countries to work in?

Freedom House both identifies areas of the world where freedom is under duress through its analysis and responds to requests from men and women in countries around the world where political rights and/or civil liberties are limited. The nature and extent of assistance depends on Freedom House’s available resources, including the funding that is available.

Publications

How can I order Freedom House publications or receive one of its maps?

Publications can be ordered through the website of Freedom House's publisher, Rowman and Littlefield, as well as through other online booksellers.

Teachers may obtain free Freedom in the World and Freedom of the Press maps by emailing floyd@freedomhouse.org. Maps are available for purchase by other interested parties.

Where can I learn about particular countries and their rankings?

The country rankings and narratives for Freedom in the World, Freedom of the Press, Nations in Transit, and Countries at the Crossroads are all available in their entirety on Freedom House's website.

How are the country rankings determined?

The rankings used for each of Freedom House's publications are determined using distinct methodologies that are fully explained in the publications and on our website. These methodologies are constantly being refined to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Read more about the methodologies for:

Freedom in the World Methodology
Freedom of the Press Methodology
Nations in Transit Methodology
Countries at the Crossroads Methodology

Does Freedom House address political rights and civil liberties in the United States?

Yes. The United States is one of the 192 countries and 14 territories whose levels of political rights, civil liberties and press freedom are covered in Freedom in the World and Freedom of the Press. In 2008, Freedom House published Today’s American: How Free?, the organization’s first book-length report on an individual country. Freedom House also comments regularly on American policies that affect political rights and civil liberties through press releases, congressional testimony and letters to policymakers.

Who writes for Freedom House's publications?

Freedom House staff and independent analysts write the narratives that accompany country scores in its publications. Initial drafts of narratives and scores are reviewed by panels of scholarly experts and Freedom House editors. Freedom House’s reports and analyses are independent of any governmental influence and are enriched by an intellectual atmosphere of scholarly inquiry.

Learn more about contributing authors at:

Freedom in the World Survey Team 
Freedom of the Press Survey Team 
Nations in Transit Survey Team
Countries at the Crossroads Survey Team

Press and Outreach

How can I interview one of Freedom House's staff or authors?

Freedom House staff and contributing authors may be available for comment by contacting Press Officer Laura Ingalls at ingalls@freedomhouse.org or (202) 747-7035.

How can I become involved in your work?

There are a number of ways that those who support the mission and programs of Freedom House can become involved including:

Become a Donor
Explore career and internship opportunities
Subscribe to our e-newsletter
Apply to be an AVID volunteer