How Democratic Is Russia?

The 1993 constitution declares Russia a democratic, federative, law-based state with a republican form of government. State power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Diversity of ideologies and religions is sanctioned, and a state or compulsory ideology may not be adopted.

What is Russia's freedom rating?

Media freedom

Reporters Without Borders put Russia at 147th place in the World Press Freedom Index (from a list of 168 countries).

Does Russia have freedom of speech?

The Russian constitution provides for freedom of speech and press; however, government application of law, bureaucratic regulation, and politically motivated criminal investigations have forced the press to exercise self-censorship constraining its coverage of certain controversial issues, resulting in infringements of ...