Bhutan ranked 150th in the 2026 Press Freedom Index
Bhutan has been ranked 150th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published today by Reporters Without Borders in Paris, highlighting continued concern over the state of media freedom in the Himalayan kingdom.
Although the country moved up two places from 152nd in 2025, the latest ranking shows Bhutan remains among the world’s weaker performers and far below the position it held only a few years ago.
The result is likely to be viewed as troubling for a nation that has long promoted itself internationally through the concept of Gross National Happiness, presenting Bhutan as a model of good governance, wellbeing and democratic progress.
At the top of the global rankings, Norway held on to first place, with the Netherlands in second and Estonia in third. These countries are widely recognised for having strong legal protections, independent media, and a safer working environment for journalists.
Bhutan’s decline over recent years has been sharp. In 2022, the country was ranked 33rd. In 2023, it fell to 90th. In 2024, it dropped further to 147th. In 2025, it slipped again to 152nd. In 2026, it stands at 150th. The figures show Bhutan has fallen 117 places since 2022, one of the steepest declines in South Asia.
Reporters Without Borders assesses countries using indicators such as the political climate, economic conditions for media, legal protections, social pressures, and the safety of journalists.
Bhutan’s weakest performance came in the economic category, reflecting the long-running struggle of independent media outlets to remain financially viable in a small market with limited advertising revenue. Political and social scores also remained low, suggesting ongoing concern about access to information, editorial independence, and the space for critical reporting. Its strongest result came in the safety category, indicating journalists in Bhutan face fewer physical dangers than reporters in conflict zones or heavily repressive states.
Within South Asia, Bhutan ranked behind Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, but ahead of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. That regional standing offers only limited comfort, given Bhutan’s earlier reputation as one of the stronger performers in the region.
Media observers say the ranking raises wider questions about Bhutan’s carefully cultivated international image.
While the country is admired abroad for its environmental record, cultural heritage and happiness-based development philosophy, critics argue that genuine national well-being must also include a free press, open debate and public scrutiny of those in power.
Analysts say any meaningful improvement in future rankings will depend on stronger legal protections for journalists, fairer access to official information and a more sustainable business environment for independent news organisations.