12 Most Liberal Countries (Only 3 Aren't in Europe)

Sweden consistently ranks as one of the most liberal countries in the world.

Its commitment to gender equality, universal healthcare, and free higher education puts liberal values at the center of society. Sweden legalized same-sex marriage in 2009 and offers 480 days of paid parental leave per child, split between both parents.

The country also excels in environmental protection, maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive welfare systems, and has the world’s best immigrant integration policies. Its liberal ethos runs so deep that even major right-leaning parties pledge to preserve Sweden’s robust welfare state.

With a focus on civil rights and individual freedoms, Sweden offers a model of modern democratic governance.

Norway mixes oil wealth with progressive governance. Like its Nordic neighbors, it offers universal healthcare, free higher education, and generous family benefits.

Civil liberties and political power are evenly distributed, thanks to a proportional representation system that keeps elections fair.

Norwegian society strongly values individual freedom and cultural cohesion. It invests heavily in essential health services and takes a proactive stance on climate change. Norway's democracy fosters respect for race, gender, and religion in both law and daily life.

The Netherlands often leads on social issues. It was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Dutch society prioritizes individual freedoms, including the right to die, soft drug decriminalization, and access to comprehensive sex education.

The Netherlands places heavy emphasis on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the role of citizens in shaping society. It continues to set an example for other liberal countries on balancing law and personal freedom.

Universal healthcare and subsidized higher education also support a strong sense of equality.

Canada's liberalism is baked into its Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, expression, and civil rights. Universal healthcare, multiculturalism, and protections for marginalized groups are hallmarks of its national identity.

Canadian provinces have considerable power, but liberal values remain consistent coast to coast. The country actively addresses climate change and gender equity through public policy.

With an open-door immigration system and high-quality essential health services, Canada demonstrates how democratic nations can prioritize human rights.

Denmark is another Scandinavian standout. It offers one of the world's most comprehensive welfare systems, including free healthcare and education. Liberal countries like Denmark prioritize work-life balance, and the government supports this through parental leave and flexible labor laws.

The Danish legal system emphasizes fairness and justice, and its government is one of the least corrupt globally. Denmark also takes climate change seriously, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

A strong economy, cultural cohesion, and trust in government help maintain individual freedoms and societal equality.

Finland invests in education, equality, and environmental protection. The government promotes individual freedoms while ensuring cultural and legal respect for minorities.

The country also has one of the best school systems globally and offers robust support for working families. Gender equality is practically a national sport: Women make up nearly half the Parliament.

Civil liberties are well protected, and freedom of expression is a given. Finland typically performs well on global happiness and quality-of-life indexes—indicators closely tied to liberal governance.

Germany's liberal roots are modern, shaped after World War II. Today, it's a leader in the European Union and a staunch defender of civil rights and democracy. Its Basic Law enshrines human dignity and freedom above all else.

Germany balances a strong economy with social protections. Healthcare is universal, higher education is free, and civil liberties are respected across the political spectrum.

The country also leads in accepting immigrants and promoting integration. Its sense of justice and responsibility is reflected in laws protecting against violence and discrimination.

Australia blends British legal traditions with a distinctly liberal approach to social issues. Universal healthcare, marriage equality, and environmental protections are all part of the modern Australian identity.

Its political system supports fair elections and representative democracy. While there's ongoing debate over Indigenous rights, the country continues to reckon with its past in ways that reflect liberal values.

The Australian university system offers broad access to higher education for a large share of the population, and its cities are among the most livable in the world.

New Zealand puts a premium on fairness and freedom. It ranks high for civil liberties, environmental stewardship, and gender equality. The government has enacted bold reforms in areas like drug policy, euthanasia, and family leave.

Its small population allows for agile policymaking, and its commitment to liberalism shows in everything from inclusive education to accessible healthcare. New Zealand also fosters cultural cohesion among its diverse communities, ensuring respect for both immigrants and Indigenous peoples.

Iceland punches above its weight when it comes to liberal policies. It ranks high for gender equality, and in 1980 it became the first country to democratically elect a female president.

Iceland has universal healthcare, strong civil rights, and progressive views on environmental issues. Its small, cohesive society enables quick action on liberal reforms, and cultural cohesion supports its social safety net.

The nation consistently performs well on human rights indexes and is seen as a beacon of liberal democracy in the North Atlantic.

France has long been a symbol of liberal values. Its revolutionary history laid the foundation for civil rights, secularism, and democratic governance. The country's commitment to liberty, equality, and fraternity remains strong today.

With universal healthcare, subsidized childcare, and robust civil liberties, France is a key liberal nation in Western Europe. It also plays a leading role in the European Union, championing climate policy and human rights across the continent.

Ireland has undergone a dramatic liberal transformation in recent decades. Once a deeply conservative society, it now supports same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and expanded civil liberties. These shifts came from fair elections and grassroots activism.

The country's healthcare system is evolving toward universality, and higher education is widely accessible. Ireland has shown how a society can change through democratic processes while maintaining a strong sense of cultural identity.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.