• In the last year, however, the region saw some improvements with only 1 deterioration: Indonesia (9 points), moving the country from Less Restricted to Restricted.

• In contrast, 4 countries experienced significant advances over the year. South Korea experienced the largest advance (16 points), moving it into the Open category, followed by Bangladesh (14 points) and Mongolia (9 points). Sri Lanka's score increased 7 points, continuing its upward trajectory from the previous year.

• Over the last decade, 13 countries experienced declines in freedom of expression, 5 of which were significant (score drops of 20 points or more). The biggest declines took place in Hong Kong (China) (49 points) and Afghanistan (39 points).

• Over the same period, 7 countries advanced, with 3 of these experiencing significant improvements: Bangladesh (24 points), Sri Lanka (21 points), and the Maldives (20 points).