Status: Free
Legal Environment: 5
Political Influences: 4
Economic Pressures: 6
Total Score: 15

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 78
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Dutch (91 percent), other (9 percent)
Capital: Amsterdam

Free speech is guaranteed, though promoting racism or incitement to racism is forbidden. Journalists may be imprisoned for "insulting" the king, the consort, the heir apparent, or an official present in the Netherlands of a friendly government. No recent cases have been reported, but journalists self-censor to avoid criticism of the royal family. Radio and television, under the supervision and regulation of the state, operate freely and provide diverse views. All Dutch newspapers cooperate in the administration of the independent Netherlands News Agency.

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.