Vietnam
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
20 / 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom
22 / 100
Not Free
Vietnam is a one-party state, dominated for decades by the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Although some independent candidates are technically allowed to run in legislative elections, most are banned in practice. Freedom of expression, religious freedom, and civil society activism are tightly restricted. The authorities have increasingly cracked down on citizens’ use of social media and the internet to voice dissent and share uncensored information.
Research & Recommendations
Vietnam
Not Free
20
100
| PR Political Rights | 4 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 16 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
19
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Vietnam
Not Free
22
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 12 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 6 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 4 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
22
100
Not Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the research methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
Vietnam is a one-party state, dominated for decades by the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Although some independent candidates are technically allowed to run in legislative elections, most are banned in practice. Freedom of expression, religious freedom, and civil society activism are tightly restricted.
Freedom on the Net 2024 Policy Recommendations
Promote freedom of expression and access to information
Freedom of expression online is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, or restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications and access to information.
Defend information integrity
The potential consequences of false, misleading, and incendiary content are especially grave during election periods, underscoring the need to protect information integrity. Efforts to address the problem should start well before campaigning begins and continue long after the last vote is cast.
Combat disproportionate government surveillance
Governments worldwide have passed disproportionate surveillance laws and can access a booming commercial market for surveillance tools, giving them the capacity to monitor the private communications of individuals inside and beyond their borders in violation of international human rights standards.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
20
/ 100
Not Free
Freedom on the Net Score
22
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 98,190,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
May 23, 2021
Type of Election
Legislative
Internet Penetration
66.54%
Election Year
2021
Vulnerability Index
18
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
