Democracy indices show a decade of decline. What is actually being measured

The best-known index scores sixty indicators across electoral process, civil liberties, government function, participation and political culture. Its global average has fallen for most of the past decade. (‘Democracy Index 2024’ 2025)

The decline is concentrated not in coups but in the slow erosion of courts, press and electoral administration inside countries that still hold votes.

Reading your own country's score

Nepal is rated a hybrid regime: competitive elections, weak institutions. The categories are blunt; the year-on-year direction is the useful part.