Afghanistan Ranks 175th in 2026 Global Press Freedom Index

Afghanistan has been ranked 175th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting a sharp decline in media conditions since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. The country fell 53 places from its pre-2021 position of 122nd, placing it just above Eritrea, which ranks last.

The report attributes the deterioration to widespread censorship, restrictive legal frameworks, economic pressures, and heightened security risks for journalists. According to the index, Afghanistan’s performance across sub-indicators remains low, with rankings of 178th in the legal category, 177th in security, 175th in social conditions, 165th in economic factors, and 158th in political environment.

Data cited in the report indicates that within three months of the August 2021 takeover, 43 percent of media outlets ceased operations. More than two-thirds of the country’s approximately 12,000 journalists left the profession, and 80 percent of female reporters are no longer working. Four journalists remain detained.

Reporters Without Borders noted that the decline in Afghanistan mirrors a broader global trend, with more than half of all evaluated nations now facing difficult or severe conditions for independent journalism. Countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, and North Korea also ranked below Afghanistan in the latest assessment. The organization evaluated press freedom based on political, economic, legal, social, and security indicators to compile the annual index.