In terms of political and civil liberties, Ecuador ranks 2nd. Citizens in Ecuador experience partial freedom. While the majority of citizens in Ecuador are able to exercise their free will to some degree, some political engagement may be limited and certain population groups may be barred from certain freedoms or expressions of opinion. The companies of Ecuador are 5 in terms of economic freedom. Citizens in Ecuador are not considered free in their economic decisions. The government prohibits citizens from all economic activities, and some illegal business activities are punishable by imprisonment or even death. Investors should avoid countries that are not economically free as the risks do not justify any potential gain. In terms of journalistic freedom, the media of Ecuador are in a 3. In Ecuador, journalists face a very serious situation. Censorship rules all publications and the government controls most of the media. Journalists who express opinions against the government can be punished with fines, imprisonment or death.