The Economist's annual Democracy Index has ranked New Zealand fourth out of 165 countries and independent territories. Photo / Mark MitchellJason Walls is a political reporter for the New Zealand HeraldNew Zealand has once again made the top five list in an international ranking of the world's most democratic countries but has failed to improve on last year's spot. But, for the first time in a decade, New Zealand score has slipped – albeit only slightly. But 2020's 0.01 per cent drop did not impact New Zealand's overall ranking on the list. Although its overall score did not change dramatically, the report said the seemingly stable overall score and position of the US was "deceptive".

Source: New Zealand Herald February 07, 2021 01:52 UTC