Governance Mapping

Mapping the governance, regulatory, and policy landscape governing civil society relations and partnership models at multiple scales — from international frameworks to local implementation. To view our research results in an ArGIS map, you can explore it on the following link. ArcGIS Map →

This map has been created by the Geoformations team for informational, educational and analytical purposes. Map content has been sourced from publicly available international databases. While we aim to use the most reliable and up-to-date information available, data may contain gaps or change over time. Users are responsible for checking original sources when reusing or interpreting data. The content presented does not necessarily reflect the views of Geoformations or any partner organisations. 

You are welcome to view, cite and share this map for non-commercial purposes, with appropriate attribution to Geoformations and original data providers. For questions about permissions, individual data sources or methodology, please contact [email protected]

Civicus Rating
  1. Afghanistan map outline AF Closed
    Afghanistan
    South Asia Asia
    Afghanistan's civil society operates under severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban regime, which returned to power in 2021. Independent civil society organisations face near-total suppression, with women's participation in public life effectively eliminated. The country's CIVICUS 'Closed' rating reflects the complete absence of meaningful civic space.
    HDI 0.496
    PR 7
    CL 7
    ND-GAIN 32.76502
  2. Angola map outline AO Repressed
    Angola
    Sub-Saharan Africa Africa
    Angola's civil society landscape is constrained by a dominant ruling party, the MPLA, which has governed since independence in 1975. While formal legal frameworks exist for NGO registration, organisations engaging in advocacy or monitoring government activities face bureaucratic harassment. The 'Repressed' CIVICUS rating reflects persistent restrictions on freedom of association and assembly.
    HDI 0.616
    PR 6
    CL 5
    ND-GAIN 37.04336
  3. Bangladesh map outline BD Repressed
    Bangladesh
    South Asia Asia
    Bangladesh hosts one of the world's largest NGO sectors, yet civil society faces increasing pressure under restrictive legislation, particularly the Foreign Donations Regulation Act. Organisations critical of government policy face de-registration, funding restrictions, and harassment of staff. The civic space has narrowed considerably since 2014, reflected in a 'Repressed' CIVICUS rating.
    HDI 0.685
    PR 5
    CL 5
    ND-GAIN 32.85754
  4. Benin map outline BJ Obstructed
    Benin
    West Africa Africa
    Once regarded as a model of democratic transition in West Africa, Benin has experienced notable deterioration in civic freedoms since 2019. Constitutional amendments and restrictive laws have been used to exclude opposition and limit civil society activity. The 'Obstructed' CIVICUS rating reflects ongoing concerns about freedom of assembly and expression.
    HDI 0.515
    PR 5
    CL 3
    ND-GAIN 38.0027
  5. Burkina Faso map outline BF Repressed
    Burkina Faso
    West Africa Africa
    Burkina Faso has experienced significant political instability following two military coups in 2022, severely restricting civic space. Civil society organisations, media, and international NGOs face suspension and expulsion in the context of an ongoing security crisis in the Sahel. The 'Repressed' CIVICUS rating reflects acute challenges facing civil society in this conflict-affected context.
    HDI 0.459
    PR 7
    CL 4
    ND-GAIN 38.39007
  6. Burundi map outline BI Repressed
    Burundi
    East Africa Africa
    Burundi's civil society has been devastated since the 2015 political crisis, when the government cracked down violently on protests against a third presidential term. Hundreds of thousands of people fled the country, including many civil society leaders, and independent organisations have been systematically repressed. The 'Repressed' CIVICUS rating reflects a civic space characterised by fear and self-censorship.
    HDI 0.439
    PR 7
    CL 6
    ND-GAIN 32.88136
  7. Cambodia map outline KH Repressed
    Cambodia
    Southeast Asia Asia
    Cambodia's civic space has undergone systematic closure, with the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations providing authorities broad powers to dissolve organisations. Political opposition has been effectively eliminated and independent media suppressed. The 'Repressed' CIVICUS rating reflects the near-complete control exercised by the ruling party over civil society.
    HDI 0.606
    PR 7
    CL 5
    ND-GAIN 36.7343
  8. Central African Republic map outline CF Repressed
    Central African Republic
    Central Africa Africa
    The Central African Republic's civil society operates in one of the world's most fragile and conflict-affected contexts, with widespread insecurity limiting the reach of humanitarian and development organisations. Russian mercenary forces have contributed to a climate of impunity and threats against civil society. The 'Repressed' CIVICUS rating reflects the precarious operating environment for independent organisations.
    HDI 0.414
    PR 7
    CL 7
    ND-GAIN 26.86972
  9. Chad map outline TD Repressed
    Chad
    Central Africa Africa
    Chad's civil society faces severe restrictions in a context of long-standing authoritarian rule and ongoing political transition following the death of President Idriss Déby in 2021. Civil society organisations have been banned from political activities, and the government has imposed restrictions on protests and independent media. The 'Repressed' CIVICUS rating reflects tight constraints on associational life.
    HDI 0.416
    PR 7
    CL 6
    ND-GAIN 24.98674
  10. Comoros map outline KM Obstructed
    Comoros
    East Africa Africa
    The Comoros archipelago has experienced political instability and constitutional manipulation that has undermined checks on executive power. Civil society organisations operate in a small island context with limited resources and face pressure from authorities when challenging government policy. The 'Obstructed' CIVICUS rating reflects ongoing concerns about the independence of civil society from political influence.
    HDI 0.603
    PR 5
    CL 4
    ND-GAIN 35.54592
  11. Costa Rica map outline CR Narrowed Case Study
    Costa Rica
    Central America Americas
    Costa Rica occupies a distinctive position in this study as a middle-income democracy with a well-established tradition of civil society engagement. The country's civil society includes a mature network of organisations engaged in environmental protection, indigenous rights, and gender equality advocacy. The 'Narrowed' CIVICUS rating reflects more recent concerns about restrictions on protest rights and tensions around austerity measures.
    HDI 0.83
    PR 1
    CL 1
    ND-GAIN 53
  12. Democratic Republic of the Congo map outline CD Repressed
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Central Africa Africa
    The DRC hosts a large and active civil society sector, particularly in humanitarian response, yet operates in a context of chronic instability, conflict, and governance failures. Civil society actors in eastern Congo face particular risks from armed groups and state actors, while organisations critical of the government face harassment. The 'Repressed' CIVICUS rating reflects the dangerous and constrained environment for civic activism.
    HDI 0.522
    PR 7
    CL 6
    ND-GAIN 32.66308