Freedom Of Press Report: US Rises In Rank, Iran Tumbles

The annual Press Freedom Index was issued today by Reporters Without Borders today. The Index measures the degree of press freedom in different countries around the world as gauged by violations. The index is compiled every year on the basis of questionnaires that are compiled by journalists and media experts around the world.

This year, the top three spots were held by three European countries -- Denmark, Finland and Ireland.

Among this year's improvements are the Maldives with the unprecedented 53-place jump attributed to a democratic transition within the country. The United States have gained 20 spots, having risen from No.40 to No.20 in the rankings. Many believe a more media-friendly approach of Obama's administration is the reason for improvement in the rankings.

The "infernal trio" with the least press freedom are predictably Eritrea, Turkmenistan and North Korea. Iran was in position No. 166 last year, but in the light of June's bloody election, it just barely missed being in the bottom 3. Israel (93) has lost substantially in ratings as well -- it is now below Lebanon (61).

Russia tumbled from No. 141 in 2008 to No. 153, two spots below even Belarus governed by Lukashenko, whose rule many call "the last dictatorship in Europe." RSF even posted an article titled "Europe no longer so examplary, Russian tragedy deepens" along with the ratings.

Other European nations, including France, Italy and Slovakia, also slided in rankings. RSF says journalists are still physically threatened in countries like Italy, Spain and the Balkans. Some of the young African democracies outperformed European states with eastablished media.