India has emerged as one of the most democracy-satisfied nations globally, with 74% of Indian respondents expressing satisfaction with the way democracy is functioning in the country, according to a new report released by the Pew Research Center earlier this week.
The survey, conducted in spring 2025 across 23 countries, places India second in terms of democratic satisfaction — just behind Greece, where 81% expressed dissatisfaction. In stark contrast, Japan recorded the lowest satisfaction levels, with only 24% approving of their democracy's functioning.
In India, only 23% of respondents said they were dissatisfied — among the lowest levels globally. Sweden (25%) and Indonesia (33%) also reported relatively low dissatisfaction rates, placing them alongside India in the list of countries where democratic systems are viewed positively.
Growing Global Discontent with DemocracyDespite India’s high approval, the report underscores a broader trend of declining satisfaction with democracy, particularly in wealthier nations. Among 12 high-income countries surveyed regularly since 2017 — including the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan — a median of 64% of adults said they were dissatisfied with their democracy. Only 35% reported being satisfied.
Across all 23 countries in the 2025 survey, a median of 58% expressed dissatisfaction, continuing a downward trend observed since Pew began tracking this metric. In 2017, global opinion was evenly split, with 49% both satisfied and dissatisfied. While satisfaction rebounded slightly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest figures indicate a further decline since then.
Frustration with Political Elites, Not Democratic IdealsAccording to Pew, the dissatisfaction does not signal a rejection of democratic values themselves. “Our research has shown that people around the globe think representative democracy is a good system of government,” the report states. “At the same time, many are frustrated with political elites or feel their views are not truly represented in government.”
Economy and Elections Influence SatisfactionEconomic sentiment was found to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion on democracy. Countries where citizens were largely satisfied with both the economy and democracy included India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
In contrast, respondents in France, Greece, Italy, Japan, and South Korea expressed dissatisfaction with both their governments’ democratic functioning and economic performance.
The report also highlights the influence of recent elections on democratic satisfaction. Since 2024, satisfaction levels have risen in five countries — Canada, Germany, South Africa, the UK, and the US — all of which, except Canada, held national elections during this period.
In Canada, 60% of respondents expressed satisfaction, despite the country’s federal elections taking place after the survey concluded. Shortly after, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party secured a fourth consecutive term.
Meanwhile, Australia, Poland, and South Korea also went to the polls following the survey. Among them, Poland (54% dissatisfaction) and South Korea (74% dissatisfaction) reported further declines in satisfaction between 2024 and 2025. Australia, where the Labor Party retained power, recorded a 60% satisfaction rate. (Source: The Print)
