An assessment of political rights and civil liberties obtaining within the country. Political rights include the degree to which all adults are permitted to vote and compete for public office, and the degree to which elected representatives have a decisive vote on public policies. Civil liberties involve the freedom to develop views, institutions, and personal autonomy apart from the state. Permanent conversion of natural forest area to other uses, including shifting cultivation, permanent agriculture, ranching, settlements, or infrastructure development. Deforested areas do not include areas logged but intended for regeneration or areas degraded by fuelwood gathering, acid precipitation, or forest fires.
Negative numbers indicate an increase in forest area.
The use of firewood, manure, and other traditional fuels is not included. All forms of energy are converted into oil equivalents based on thermal efficiency.