Status: Partly Free
Legal Environment: 14
Political Influences: 14
Economic Pressures: 13
Total Score: 41
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 71
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (95 percent), other (5 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (65 percent), Indian (25 percent), white (7 percent), black (3 percent)
Capital: Quito
The constitution provides for freedom of the press, but laws that prevent the exercise of this freedom remain on the books. Four articles in the criminal code penalize defamation of the president, court officials, or corporate heads, although charges are rarely brought against journalists under these laws. Journalists practice some self-censorship regarding sensitive political topics or stories about the military. In addition, media owners, some of whom have narrow regional economic interests, frequently set journalists' agendas and editorial stances. Most media outlets in the country are privately owned.
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