Most Conservative Countries 2023 - Wisevoter (2024)

Afghanistan

Afghanistan has long been considered one of the most conservative countries around the globe, ranking third based on its liberal democracy index of 0.02. The country has very strict Islamic laws dictating people’s behaviors on social issues such as dating, marriage, and gender roles. Women’s rights have especially faced tough restrictions under this regime; they are required to wear a burqa covering their faces when out in public spaces while female guardianship laws require them to get permission before engaging in activities like traveling abroad or getting married - it must be granted by either their father or husband. Similarly, same-sex relationships are illegal here with harsh punishments enforced if caught engaging in them.

Albania

Algeria

Angola

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Australia is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and sixty-first based on its liberal democracy index of 0.81. On the contrary, Australia has a reputation for being a progressive and liberal country, with a commitment to social justice and equality. It is home to diverse cultures and values, as well as having some of the most advanced human rights laws in the world. The majority of Australians are committed to the principles of democracy and social acceptance - for example, in 2017 same-sex marriage became legal across Australia. Additionally, Australia has ratified numerous international conventions on human rights which support its commitment to social justice and diversity. Australian citizens have the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, enshrined in the nation's constitution, which protects citizens from conservative restrictions.

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Belgium

Belgium is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and sixty-fourth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.82. On the contrary, Belgium is highly regarded for its progressive attitudes and policies. The Belgian government is made up of multiple parties representing differing political positions, which provides citizens with an array of options to vote for. This wide variety of perspectives helps ensure that the country's decisions reflect a diverse range of opinions. Furthermore, Belgium has been at the forefront of climate policy initiatives through its commitment to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, demonstrating its commitment to supporting sustainable practices.

Benin

Bhutan

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

Colombia

Comoros

Costa Rica

Croatia

Croatia is not considered to be a conservative country in comparison to other countries in the world. Croatia ranks one hundred and thirtieth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.63. The country also recognizes freedom of religion and allows religious groups to organize freely without any state interference. The nation also provides numerous opportunities for women's empowerment through initiatives such as mentoring programs and gender-focused organizations.

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominican Republic

East Timor

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Estonia

Estonia is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and sixty-ninth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.84. The country takes pride in its progressive ideals, liberal culture, and welcoming environment. The government is known for its commitment to gender equality, ranking seventeenth in the EU and climbed 7.6 points since 2010. The country also has a well-established online voting system that allows citizens to cast their votes from anywhere around the world. All these factors highlight how forward-thinking and non-conservative Estonia is as a nation.

Eswatini

Ethiopia

Fiji

Finland

France

France is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and fifty-ninth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.80. On the contrary, France is renowned for its open-mindedness and progressive attitudes. This is due in large part to the French Revolution, which led to the adoption of a Constitution that enshrines the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. France has a long history of embracing progressive ideals, such as universal suffrage and legalized same-sex marriage. The country also boasts many liberal laws on abortion and contraception, with women having been allowed to terminate pregnancies since 1975.

Gabon

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Greece is not considered to be a conservative country in comparison to other countries in the world. Greece ranks one hundred and thirty-ninth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.67. Greeks have embraced the idea of marriage equality and LGBT rights, with legal protections for same-sex couples being enshrined into law in 2015. Furthermore, in 1975 they passed legislation guaranteeing equal pay between men and women. The nation also offers free access to contraceptives and abortion services despite frequent opposition from religious conservatives.

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

Honduras

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

Iceland is not considered to be a conservative country in comparison to other countries in the world. Iceland ranks one hundred and fiftieth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.75. The country is known for its progressive attitude towards social and political movements. For example, in 2009, Iceland elected the first openly gay Prime Minister in the world, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, and the nation was among some of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010. Iceland has consistently ranked highly on different measures of gender equality such as the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index.

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iran is another nation that is known for being extremely conservative, ranking thirty-seventh based on its liberal democracy index of 0.12. The country imposes laws that forbid public displays of affection between couples, along with dress code restrictions that require women to cover their bodies completely before leaving the house. Alcohol consumption has been prohibited since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and all media outlets (including newspapers, television programs, movies, and music) are highly regulated by the government or censored altogether.

Iraq

Ireland

Ireland is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and sixty-fifth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.82. Ireland has strong LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality rights. Ireland also has a thriving nightlife culture, with plenty of music venues and bars that stay open late into the night; this shows how relaxed attitudes towards alcohol consumption demonstrate a lack of conservatism in the country.

Israel

Italy

Ivory Coast

Jamaica

Japan

Japan is often thought of as a conservative country, but this is not necessarily true. Japan ranks one hundred and forty-seventh based on its liberal democracy index of 0.74. Despite its traditional values, it has become increasingly liberal in recent years. For example, attitudes towards LGBT+ issues have become more accepting and seeing Tokoyo’s same-sex couples gaining more rights that married couples have, but still same sex marriage is banned in general.

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Latvia

Latvia is not considered to be a conservative country in comparison to other countries in the world. Latvia ranks one hundred and forty-fifth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.73. Equal rights and gender equality are respected and protected by law, while same-sex couples have the right to register their partnership. The country also has a very diverse population, with many people coming from different religious backgrounds such as Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. Latvia also allows citizens to express themselves freely through art and culture without fear of governmental or societal repercussions.

Lebanon

Lesotho

Liberia

Libya

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Madagascar

Malawi

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Malta is not considered to be a conservative country in comparison to other countries in the world. Malta ranks one hundred and thirty-first based on its liberal democracy index of 0.64. Malta's population is made up of various ethnic groups, including citizens from other countries, so it has a diverse set of values that contribute to its overall acceptance of diversity in society. Additionally, the mandatory education system in Malta provides an opportunity for students to learn about different cultures and religions without judgment or prejudice. The country also has anti-discrimination laws to protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mexico

Moldova

Mongolia

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

Myanmar

Namibia

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

New Zealand is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and seventieth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.84. On the contrary, New Zealand is recognized for its progressive and inclusive society. It has been at the forefront of social change in numerous areas, including being the first nation in the world to give women the right to vote. The country has a strong commitment to multiculturalism, with many other minority groups, including LGBT+ people and ethnic minorities, being increasingly accepted. In terms of religion and politics, New Zealand is also non-conservative; for example, it does not have an official state religion or maintain any kind of legal privileges for particular religious groups.

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

North Korea

Norway

Norway is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and seventy-second based on its liberal democracy index of 0.86. On the contrary, Norway is widely regarded as one of the most progressive countries in the world. For example, Norway was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage in 2009, giving LGBT couples the same rights as heterosexual married couples. Norway has one of the highest rates of gender equality among developed nations, regularly ranking near the top of international surveys measuring gender diversity in politics and business. In addition, Norway's government actively promotes a liberal approach to immigration policy and has welcomed refugees from all over the world for decades.

Oman

Pakistan

Pakistan is a conservative country, ranking sixty-first based on its liberal democracy index of 0.23. The country has restrictive measures when it comes down to morality issues but it does possess some distinguishing features making it stand out among other ultra-conservative countries from around the world: public displays of affection between couples either heterosexual or hom*osexual can lead up to arrestment while blasphemy against Islam carries hefty prison sentences ranging from several months all the way up to life imprisonment depending on what kind offense was committed against religious doctrine. Additionally, people working within different industries can face unequal employment opportunities based on gender thereby reinforcing patriarchal norms so deeply embedded within Pakistan’s culture today.

Palestine

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

People's Republic of China

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Portugal is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and sixty-third based on its liberal democracy index of 0.81. Portugal has legalized same-sex marriage since 2010, and it officially abolished the death penalty in 1867, making it one of the first countries to do so. Additionally, Portugal was an early adopter of opioid prescription reforms, with a law that was passed in 2001 that gave citizens access to methadone treatment for heroin addiction. Their approach to drug decriminalization has also been more progressive than other EU nations, with possession considered an administrative offense rather than a criminal one.

Qatar

Qatar is a conservative country and ranks twenty-fourth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.09. The country strictly adheres to Muslim laws where alcohol consumption and pork products are forbidden; women must adhere to a certain dress code while out in public (covering arms and legs); cinemas are banned; nightclubs do not exist; and hom*osexuality is illegal – leading potential punishment up to life imprisonment or even execution by law enforcement officials depending on the severity of the case. In addition, insulting Islam – either verbally or through art forms – carries heavy penalties throughout Qatar's court system.

Republic of Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Romania

Romania is not considered to be a conservative country in comparison to other countries in the world. Romania ranks one hundred and thirty-second based on its liberal democracy index of 0.64. Indeed, despite its reputation for being a traditional and conservative society, Romania is making great strides when it comes to freeing up social norms. The country boasts a vibrant cultural life, with plenty of opportunities for nightlife and entertainment, as well as progressive attitudes towards topics such as same-sex marriage, which was recently legalized. Romania has also become a major tourist destination in recent years, with both domestic and international travelers flocking to explore its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cities.

Russia

Rwanda

São Tomé and Príncipe

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a conservative country, ranking ninth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.04. This absolute monarchy is governed by Sharia law which enforces a strict Islamic legal system. Women are treated differently under this system and are expected to follow a certain dress code that covers their body from head to toe, as well as segregate themselves from men in public places. The government does not allow any religious freedom or expression of non-Islamic beliefs for its citizens. In addition, alcohol is strictly forbidden and public displays of affection such as hand-holding or kissing between couples of opposite sexes can also lead to jail sentences.

Senegal

Serbia

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Singapore is another country that can be considered quite conservative, ranking eightieth based on its liberal democracy index of 0.33. This is due to its authoritarian governance style and social norms that put an emphasis on traditional values such as respect for authority, hard work, and obedience. Singapore is politically stable due to its limited civil liberties and tight control over the media and the internet. Alcohol consumption and tobacco use are heavily restricted in Singapore with severe punishments ranging from fines up to caning for minor offenses. In addition, Singapore also has strict censorship laws which limit content related to certain topics deemed unsuitable by the government.

Slovakia

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

Somalia

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sudan

Suriname

Sweden

Switzerland

Switzerland is not a conservative country, ranking one hundred and sixty-eight based on its liberal democracy index of 0.84. On the contrary, the nation boasts a diverse set of progressive values and initiatives. The Swiss government has made strides in promoting gender equality, LGBT rights, and immigration reform. In 2022, Switzerland legalized same sex marriage across the country. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Switzerland is open to all legal residents regardless of their financial situation.

Syria

Taiwan

Tajikistan

Tanzania

Thailand

The Gambia

Togo

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

Turkey

Turkmenistan

Uganda

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most conservative countries in the world, ranking twenty-first based on its liberal democracy index of 0.08. This is due to its strict Islamic laws that govern every aspect of life, including dress codes for both men and women who must cover up fully when out in public spaces. Same-sex relationships are illegal and punishable by imprisonment or even death; these restrictions apply even when visiting from abroad where hom*osexuality is accepted in many other countries. Alcohol consumption is only allowed in licensed areas such as bars or restaurants which serve alcohol; however, there are still stringent regulations surrounding its sale such as a minimum drinking age requirement combined with hefty punishments if these rules are broken.

United Kingdom

United States of America

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Vanuatu

Venezuela

Vietnam

Yemen

Zambia

Zimbabwe

What are the 5 most conservative countries ?

The most conservative countries are Eritrea, North Korea, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Belarus. The most conservative country in the world is Eritrea and has a liberal democracy index of 0.01. North Korea is the second most conservative country in the world and has a liberal democracy index of 0.015. Afghanistan is the third most conservative country in the world and has a liberal democracy index of 0.021. Yemen is the fourth most conservative country in the world and has a liberal democracy index of 0.033. Belarus is the fifth most conservative country in the world and has a liberal democracy index of 0.039.

What is the most conservative country ?

The most conservative country is Eritrea based on its liberal democracy index of 0.01.

What are the ten most conservative countries ?