Despite global concerns about democracy, more than half of countries are democratic
As of the end of 2017, 57% of 167 countries with populations of at least 500,000 were democracies of some kind, and only 13% were autocracies.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Publications
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Misinformation and fears about its impact are pervasive in 11 emerging economies
Many social media users in 11 emerging countries report being regularly exposed to misinformation when using the platforms.
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Publics in Emerging Economies Worry Social Media Sow Division, Even as They Offer New Chances for Political Engagement
Many who use social media say they regularly see false or misleading content, but also view these platforms as offering new avenues for political engagement.
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European countries that have mandatory church taxes are about as religious as their neighbors that don’t
In general, Western European countries that have a mandatory church tax aren’t any less religious than those that don’t have such a tax.
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In South Africa, racial divisions and pessimism about democracy loom over elections
Many South Africans are dissatisfied with the state of their democracy. Confidence in some civic institutions declined from 1990 to 2013.
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In some countries, many use the internet without realizing it
What is the internet? Who is an internet user? Research suggests that some people who use the internet may not be aware that they’re doing so.
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The gap between the number of blacks and whites in prison is shrinking
Blacks have long outnumbered whites in U.S. prisons. But a significant decline in the number of black prisoners has narrowed the gap.
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In many countries, dissatisfaction with democracy is tied to views about economic conditions, personal rights
Dissatisfaction with democracy is correlated with views on economic conditions, whether key democratic norms are being respected and other issues.
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Many Across the Globe Are Dissatisfied With How Democracy Is Working
Across 27 countries, more people are unhappy with the state of democracy in their countries than satisfied. Discontent with democracy is tied to concerns about the economy, individual rights and out-of-touch elites.
