The Press Freedom Index is a ranking that evaluates the level of freedom available to journalists and media organizations in different countries. Compiled annually by organizations like Reporters Without Borders, the index assesses factors such as media independence, censorship, and the safety of journalists. A higher ranking indicates better press freedom, while a lower ranking suggests restrictions and challenges faced by the media. Countries are scored based on various criteria, including legal frameworks, political influences, and the overall environment for journalism. The index serves as a tool for understanding global trends in media freedom and highlights areas where improvements are needed to protect the rights of journalists and promote free expression.