Democracy is losing ground as the number of autocratic countries in the world is on the rise, according to a study by the German Bertelsmann Foundation released on Wednesday.

“For the first time since 2004, the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI) counts more autocratically governed states than democracies,” the foundation said in the report, adding that “among the 137 countries surveyed, only 67 are still democracies, while the number of autocracies has risen to 70.”

The study was carried out between 2019 and 2022.

Croatia ranked among “well-governed democracies”, alongside Uruguay, Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Taiwan. By comparison, countries such as Serbia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Brazil and India were described as “defective democracies”.

Russia and China were classified as “hard-line autocracies”.

Along with a decline in democratic values, the BTI also recorded a rise in economic inequality and a decline in economic power in 78 countries.

“The pandemic functioned as an extreme stress test for all governments, exacerbating problems and undesirable developments. (…)  However, many governments lack the political will to combat poverty and social exclusion effectively,” the report said.

Increased civil engagement and social solidarity was identified as a positive trend.

The Bertelsmann Foundation is controlled by the Mohn family, who owns the media group of the same name. The foundation is criticised for having too much influence on German politics.