When it comes to political and civil liberties, Germany comes first. The citizens of Germany experience absolute freedom. The majority of countries where citizens enjoy wide civil liberties and political liberties are representative democracies, where officials are directly elected by the citizens to advocate for their needs and wants. Free countries are often empowered by healthy economies and well-functioning governments. Germany's companies are 2 in terms of economic freedom. The citizens of Germany are largely free in their economic decisions. While the government exercises some control over trade, citizens can still control their own finances and property. Corruption may exist, but it does not greatly impede economic growth or freedom. In terms of journalistic freedom, the media in Germany are in a 1. In Germany, journalists are generally allowed to express a wide range of opinions and there are a number of news sources. However, the government can criticize or disapprove of certain subjects or publications. This is considered satisfactory.