Nicaragua Among the 12 Countries with the Worst Press Freedom in the World and is the Most Repressive in America
Nicaragua ranks 168 out of 180 in the 2026 World Press Freedom Classification by Reporters Without Borders. It remains for the second consecutive year in the most serious category of the index and as the country with the worst conditions for journalism in Latin America. The report confirms the structural deterioration of the media ecosystem, the exile of journalists, and the increase in digital attacks promoted by networks affiliated with the Sandinista regime.
TL;DR
- Nicaragua ranks 168th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index.
- It is the worst country in the Americas for press freedom for the second consecutive year.
- The index categorizes Nicaragua's situation as 'very serious,' the most critical level.
- Reporters Without Borders notes a sustained deterioration in conditions for journalism globally and in Nicaragua.
- The Sandinista regime under Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo has consolidated information control, eradicating independent journalism.
- The ranking assesses political context, legal framework, economic sustainability, social environment, and journalist safety, all showing deterioration in Nicaragua.
- Nicaragua's situation is characterized by centralized control, restrictive laws, judicial persecution, and direct censorship, differing from other countries facing violence or media concentration.
- Journalism in Nicaragua has been dismantled since 2018, with media closures, criminalization, and mass exile of professionals.
- Nicaragua's press freedom performance is worse than Venezuela (159) and Cuba (160).
- Independent information is largely produced from abroad, limiting coverage and exposing journalists to new pressures.
- Digital attacks against exiled journalists have increased, including defamation campaigns and social media harassment.
- Globally, Norway, Ireland, and Denmark lead in press freedom, while Eritrea, North Korea, and China are at the bottom.