Furthermore, some less prosperous countries, such as Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Lithuania are free. Ideology and culture affect freedom just as much as wealth, the study concludes. Religious freedom shows some correlation with religious background. With some exceptions, notably Cuba, historically Christian countries tend to be free, though there is increasing intolerance in parts of Western Europe. Traditionally Buddhist countries, with the exception of those still under communist domination, also rank comparatively well.
Hindu countries are increasingly unfree due to the recent upsurge of repression in India.
The religious areas with the largest current restrictions on religious freedom are countries with an Islamic background. This parallels problems with democracy and civil liberties in general, but the negative trend is stronger with respect to religion. The survey indicates that, while religion cannot be considered, apart from ethnic, economic, political, or strategic elements, as the only or the key factor, it is irresponsible to examine any political order without attending to the role of religion.