The ranks in this Index are based on combined calculated ranks and success in the following four authoritative indexes:
* Freedom House - Freedom in the World 2017
* CATO Institute - Human Freedom Index 2016
* Reporters Without Borders - 2016 World Press Freedom Index
* US News & World Report - Best Countries Ranking
Indexes of all four institutions have been calculated as equal; No weighing has been used. The first place is shared, just like a couple others;