Status: Free
Legal Environment: 4
Political Influences: 3
Economic Pressures: 4
Total Score: 11
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 72
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (90 percent), Pentecostal (7 percent), Anglican (3 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Black African (90 percent), mulatto (6 percent), East Indian (3 percent), white (1 percent)
Capital: Castries
The country has traditionally enjoyed a high degree of press freedom; media are often critical of the government. However, a lengthy criminal code passed in November surprised and angered the island's media; the code contains a provision for punishment up to two years in jail for publishing false statements or news that could endanger the public interest. By year's end, no journalist had yet been convicted. The government partially funds a radio station and operates one television station. There are several independent newspapers, most of which publish on a weekly basis, two privately owned radio stations, and two television companies.
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