What if everyday choices—from what you wear to where you travel—aren’t yours to make? Explore 10 places where people face severe restrictions on daily life, and see why freedom is never something to take for granted.
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0:00 - The World’s Most Restrictive Countries
0:59 - Tajikistan, Chechnya, and Cuba
6:25 - Iran and Afghanistan
10:48 - Tibet and Xinjiang
15:37 - Turkmenistan
18:28 - Eritrea
21:16 - North Korea
24:36 - Freedom and Final Reflections
Subscribe for more fascinating videos from our channel!
Tell us in the comments what you liked most about the video.
#World #Travel #History #Education #Documentary
👉 This channel was created in collaboration with https://www.youtube.com/@noelpolotv
0:00 - The World’s Most Restrictive Countries
0:59 - Tajikistan, Chechnya, and Cuba
6:25 - Iran and Afghanistan
10:48 - Tibet and Xinjiang
15:37 - Turkmenistan
18:28 - Eritrea
21:16 - North Korea
24:36 - Freedom and Final Reflections
Category
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NewsTranscript
00:00Have you ever felt like you're trapped in your own life?
00:02Like you're stuck in your job, in a city, or in a repetitive routine that leads nowhere?
00:08If yes, take a moment to think carefully.
00:12Before you complain about your situation, remember that there are countries with much worse conditions.
00:18There are places surrounded by landmines with countless pointless rules and close surveillance of citizens.
00:25Countries where you have almost no freedom, you're not treated as a free citizen but more like a prisoner,
00:31and your only crime is the misfortune of being born in that place.
00:36Today, we will talk about some of the worst countries to live in the world.
00:40And here are 10 countries that are like prisons right now.
00:44But before we start, if you're new to our channel, hit the subscribe button first,
00:48and also turn on the notification bell so you'll always be updated with videos like this.
00:58Number 10. Tajikistan
01:01Tajikistan is led by Emomali Rahmut, a leader who has stayed in power for more than 30 years.
01:07But it seems that ruling the country is no longer enough for him.
01:11He even wants to control the appearance and personal lives of the citizens.
01:26In other words, it's as if the president is your personal advisor on clothing and appearance.
01:34But he also has the power of the army, police, and prisons.
01:38If you complain, you could get into trouble.
01:42But the government's strict control isn't just focused on people's appearance.
01:46The government even meddles in simple tradition.
01:50There are rules against extravagant celebrations, including some birthday parties in restaurants and cafes.
01:56There are also regulations about loud crying and mourning at wakes and funerals.
02:00It's like you can't be too happy or too sad.
02:05You have to be careful even in showing your own emotions.
02:09With this kind of governance, the whole country becomes like a prison even without concrete walls surrounding it.
02:16Aside from this, the internet is also strictly controlled and some information that citizens can access is blocked.
02:23There are also reports about the persecution of VPN users and attempts to control the names given to newborn babies,
02:31including names with foreign influence.
02:35It's like living with the strictest and most intrusive parent in the world.
02:40The difference is, you can't just leave that home because the whole country is controlling your life.
02:46Number 9. Chechnya
02:48Chechnya is a republic that is part of Russia.
02:52But under the leadership of Ramzan Kadyrov, it's like a private kingdom run through fear and absolute power.
03:00Kadyrov is well known for flaunting a luxurious lifestyle and for building a cult of personality around himself.
03:08There are reports about his expensive properties, private collections, and security forces loyal to his leadership.
03:15It's like a movie villain who was suddenly given his own territory and almost unlimited power.
03:22But the scariest part of ruling Chechnya is the alleged use of intimidation and punishment not only against critics but
03:31also against their families.
03:33According to reports from human rights organizations,
03:37there have been instances where people who oppose the government are arrested, threatened, or tortured.
03:44There are also reports of houses being burned as a way of retaliating against those considered enemies of the regime.
03:51In this situation, freely expressing one's opinion becomes dangerous.
03:56A simple criticism on the internet can lead to serious problems.
04:01Not just for you, but also for the people close to you.
04:05And if you think you're safe once you've crossed the border and reached Europe or another part of the world,
04:11that's not always a guarantee either.
04:13There have been reports about critics and former residents of Chechnya who have been pursued, threatened, or even killed outside
04:21of Russia.
04:22Because of this, some people are forced to hide their identities and live in secrecy to avoid danger.
04:28For some minorities and members of the LGBTQ plus community, the situation becomes even more dangerous because of reports of
04:38mistreatment and persecution.
04:39You can buy a ticket to the other side of the world.
04:43But sometimes, even if you're far away, you still carry the fear that the people you're trying to escape from
04:48might find you.
04:49Number 8. Cuba
04:51At first glance, you might think that only the Caribbean Sea serves as a barrier to Cuba.
04:58But behind this, there's another kind of prison made up of documents, stamps, and strict government regulations.
05:05The state has a lot of control over the lives of its citizens.
05:09This includes food products that they can get through the rationing system as well as jobs that usually have low
05:16wages.
05:16Plus, it's like a system that deliberately keeps people busy and tired, so they barely have the energy to complain
05:25or fight back.
05:26One of the controversial methods of control is the restrictions on travel.
05:30Under certain policies, some people can be stopped from leaving the country if they are considered a threat or undesirable
05:38by the government.
05:39Even if they are not behind bars, it's as if their own island has become a huge sell.
05:45They cannot simply leave if the authorities prevent them.
05:49Because of this, the freedom to leave the country may depend on the decision of those in power.
05:54The situation becomes even more complicated when exile to another country is used as a form of punishment.
06:01When a government critic becomes too outspoken, he may be imprisoned or forced to leave the country.
06:08In some cases, there are people who were forced to live in another country and were never able to return
06:14to their homeland.
06:15They were separated from their families and lost the chance to live in the place where they were born.
06:21In short, you can be imprisoned within the country or forced to leave it.
06:25Either way, the government still has considerable control over your path to freedom.
06:31In Iran, it's not just the places you can go that are controlled by the government.
06:38There are also strict rules about clothing and certain activities related to religion.
06:43Under country's political system, laws are enforced based on the government's interpretation of Islam.
06:51For many years, the role of the so-called morality police has been controversial
06:56as they monitor people's compliance with rules on clothing and public behavior.
07:02Women who do not follow the rules on wearing the hijab are particularly affected.
07:07Some young people who participate in activities not approved by conservative authorities are also affected.
07:14It may be enforced.
07:16In this situation, even your own clothing can be a reason for authorities to call you out.
07:22The restrictions also extend to simple activities such as singing, dancing in public places, and posting videos on the internet.
07:31Depending on the situation and the law being enforced, some violations may lead to harassment, physical punishment, or imprisonment.
07:40Despite protests and opposition from many citizens, some of these laws remain in place.
07:46For many Iranians, the simple desire to live freely and normally becomes a reason for conflict with the authorities.
07:53And it's also not easy for everyone to leave the country.
07:56There are restrictions on obtaining passports and traveling, and there are times when the government prohibits critics and political opponents
08:05from leaving.
08:06There are also women who face legal limitations in obtaining passports and traveling abroad, depending on their situation and the
08:15existing laws.
08:16And even if you manage to leave, it doesn't mean that everyone you left behind is safe.
08:20They're about paying reports of harassment against the families of activists and critics who are abroad.
08:27So, for some people escaping this kind of situation, even if they're far from their homeland, the fear for their
08:33loved ones remains.
08:356. Afghanistan
08:38When the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, the lives of millions of citizens changed rapidly, especially for women
08:48and girls.
08:49They lost many rights, including the opportunity to study in secondary school and university, to work in many fields, and
08:57to participate in various activities in society.
09:00As restrictions intensified, there were also policies that further limited women's expression and movement in public.
09:09Under the new regulations, there were prohibitions that even affected their voices in public places.
09:15Because of this, the space where they could move within their own society became even smaller.
09:21For many women in Afghanistan, even simply leaving the house may require following strict conditions.
09:28In some situations, they are not allowed to travel far or go to public places without being accompanied by a
09:35male relative.
09:36This is in accordance with the rules implemented by the Taliban.
09:40There are also officials from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of VICE who monitor compliance with
09:46these rules.
09:47Those who violate them may face punishment or negative consequences.
09:52Because of this, family members who are supposed to provide support may also be forced to closely monitor every action
09:59of women.
10:00To avoid breaking the rules, life is not easy for men either.
10:06The country continues to face severe economic problems, while those who oppose the government may experience harassment, arrest, and other
10:15forms of mistreatment.
10:17It is also difficult for many citizens to obtain the documents needed to leave the country.
10:23For those attempting to escape, traveling through the mountains and crossing borders is dangerous.
10:31They may encounter armed groups, illegal intermediaries, and guards patrolling the borders.
10:38In the end, Afghanistan remains a country where many people long for a freer life, but they face countless obstacles
10:45to achieve it.
10:48Number 5. Tibet
10:49Now let's go to Tibet, a region that has long been disputed because of issues of power, identity, and freedom.
10:58It is part of China, but many Tibetans continue to uphold their own culture, religion, and rights.
11:06Under the strict control of the Chinese government, the people face restrictions in several aspects of their lives.
11:13Because of this, some observers describe Tibet as a closely monitored region.
11:21One of the most controversial policies is the government's interference in the religious lives of Tibetans.
11:29In 2007, China implemented a regulation stating that Buddhist monks who wish to reincarnate as living Buddhas must follow a
11:38government approval process.
11:42For critics, this is a clear example of state interference in religious belief.
11:48Traveling in some parts of Tibet is not always easy either.
11:52There are checkpoints and strict security, so the movement of citizens can be delayed or restricted.
11:58For some Tibetans, it becomes difficult to go to other places, especially if it involves sensitive political or religious issues.
12:08There are also reports about restrictions on obtaining passports and traveling abroad because of this.
12:16Some citizens find it difficult to visit their relatives or look for a safer place to live.
12:22For Tibetans who want to escape, one of the routes they take is to cross the Himalayas into Nepal or
12:29India.
12:29But this journey is very difficult and dangerous.
12:33They have to face high mountains, extreme cold, lack of oxygen, and other dangers from nature.
12:41There are also reports about heavy surveillance by border guards.
12:46The people who try to cross without permission are at risk.
12:49In this situation, the search for freedom could mean traveling through one of the most dangerous environments in the world.
12:58For some Tibetans, the freedom they dream of is not just about leaving their land, but also about the right
13:05to preserve their culture, religion, and identity.
13:10Number 4. Xinjiang
13:12Let's now go to Xinjiang, a region in China that is home to many Uyghurs.
13:18An ethnic group with their own language, culture, and Islamic tradition, with the aim of suppressing what it considers threats
13:26to the security and power of the government.
13:28The Communist Party of China has implemented a strict surveillance system in this region.
13:33High walls are no longer needed for the Uyghurs to feel the lack of freedom because technology itself is being
13:41used to monitor their movement.
13:43In different parts of the region, there are surveillance cameras, facial recognition systems, and other technologies used to monitor citizens.
13:53It's like a nightmare from a science fiction movie.
13:56Even stories about a world controlled by Big Brother seem insufficient to describe the extent of fear experienced by some
14:04residents.
14:05According to reports, authorities also use digital systems and other methods of gathering information to monitor people's activities.
14:16Activities related to the religion and culture of the Uyghurs are particularly affected.
14:21There are reports about the treatment of certain religious practices and the use of religion.
14:26Reports mention foreign applications and communication with relatives abroad as possible reasons for thorough investigations.
14:34Under such a system, people might be afraid that even ordinary activities could cause problems.
14:41There are also reports about checkpoints and strict inspections in public places.
14:46If a person is suspected, they may undergo further questioning or investigation.
14:53But one of the most serious accusations against the government is the widespread detention of Uyghurs and other Muslim groups
15:00without regular trial.
15:02According to reports from human rights organizations, more than 1 million people may have been affected by the camps and
15:10other forms of forced detention in Xinjiang, especially in recent years.
15:14There are also former detainees who have shared their experiences of abuse and forced labor.
15:21Because of this, the situation in the region has become the center of international controversy.
15:26For people who feel like they are being watched at every move, their own face and identity seem to become
15:32the reason why they can't feel safe.
15:36Number 3. Turkmenistan
15:39Turkmenistan is an example of a country under extreme government control, accompanied by lavish projects built using huge revenues from
15:48natural resources, particularly natural gas.
15:52Its capital, Ashgabat, is known for its wide roads and buildings covered in white marble.
15:59But behind the Grand Buildings is a society facing strict governance and limited freedom.
16:06There are reports about unusual policies in the country, including restrictions on black vehicles.
16:12For some time, authorities favored white or light-colored vehicles, and some owners were forced to change their car's color.
16:21However, the government spent a large amount on building monuments and statues depicting the country's leaders and their favorite symbols.
16:30However, not all citizens benefit from the country's wealth.
16:34Despite the large reserves of natural gas, there are reports of food shortages and long lines of people looking for
16:42cheap bread and other basic necessities.
16:45The situation becomes even more difficult because of the strict control of information, taking photos in sensitive areas, or showing
16:54problems that the government does not want to expose can sometimes cause trouble.
17:00Puos labor in the cotton industry is also one of the most serious issues.
17:04According to reports from human rights organizations, there are workers in the public sector and other citizens who are forced
17:12to participate in cotton harvesting under the threat of punishment.
17:17Meanwhile, the free use of the internet is limited.
17:21Access to websites and information is strictly controlled, making it difficult to obtain news from independent sources.
17:28The cult of personality also plays a major role in the country's politics.
17:33There are times when citizens are encouraged or required to participate in parades, ceremonies, and other public gatherings that show
17:41support for the government.
17:44For some people, this means spending time and energy on activities they did not choose voluntarily.
17:50And if you ever think of leaving the country to seek a freer life, you may also face obstacles.
18:06Because of these restrictions, some observers describe Turkmenistan as a country that is difficult to escape from, especially for those
18:15considered enemies of the government.
18:17It's like being trapped in a strange park full of grand buildings and monuments, but you have almost no freedom
18:25to decide how you want to live.
18:272. Eritrea
18:30In global politics, Eritrea is often called the North Korea of Africa because of the government's strict control and the
18:38limited freedoms enjoyed by its citizens.
18:41Here, reaching the age of 18 doesn't just mean you can go to university or look for a job.
18:48For many young people, it also means being forced into national service.
18:55The bigger problem is it doesn't always end in just one or two years.
19:00Instead, it can last for many years and in some cases, there is almost no clear end.
19:07It's as if being an adult comes with a long-term obligation that you can't freely choose, and national service
19:13doesn't just cover military training.
19:16There are people who are assigned to work in mines, build roads, or do agricultural work.
19:23Often, the wages they receive are low compared to the difficulty and length of their work.
19:30Because of this system, many people do not have the freedom to choose a profession, simply resign from their duties,
19:37or decide where they want to work.
19:39According to human rights organizations, there are instances when national service becomes a form of forced labor.
19:47Because of this, observers have long condemned the system and its impact on the lives of the people.
19:54In this situation, a person may feel like he is just a small part of a machine operated by the
20:00government.
20:01His plans, dreams, and future may be set aside because of a duty he cannot easily refuse.
20:08It's not surprising that many young people try to leave the country to look for a better future.
20:14But escaping is not safe either.
20:16Crossing the borders of Eritrea is dangerous because of strict surveillance, armed guards, and the risks posed by illegal intermediaries.
20:27There are reports of people being attacked or killed while trying to escape, although the details and circumstances of each
20:34incident vary.
20:36Because of this, some citizens are forced to choose between staying in a tightly controlled system and making a journey
20:44that could put their lives at risk.
20:46For them, freedom is not just about leaving the country, it's also about having the right to make decisions for
20:54themselves,
20:55choose their own work, and build a future that isn't tied to an endless obligation.
21:01If you try to escape, authorities may chase after you.
21:05There are also reports that the families of those who escape are used for retaliation or intimidation, including arrest and
21:13mistreatment of their relatives.
21:16Number 1. North Korea
21:18It's no surprise that North Korea is at the top of this list.
21:22Perhaps, many already expected to see this country at the top of our ranking.
21:28Here, it's as if a person's imprisonment begins even before they are born.
21:33From birth, a person's future can be affected by their family's status and history of loyalty to the Kim dynasty.
21:42They have a system called Soongbun that is used to classify citizens based on their origin and social status.
21:51Although the way it is implemented has changed over time, it can still affect a person's opportunities in life.
21:59This kind of classification can affect the opportunity to live in the capital to get certain opportunities and to have
22:07a better quality of life.
22:09On the other hand, those considered enemies of the government may face discrimination, harassment, or imprisonment.
22:17In this kind of system, your talent and hard work may become meaningless because your background and social status can
22:25already affect your future.
22:26When it comes to freedom of travel, North Korea is among the countries with the strictest controls.
22:34Ordinary citizens cannot simply go to other countries.
22:38Even traveling within the country itself may require permission from the authorities.
22:44Ordinary citizens also do not have free access to the global internet.
22:49Instead, their connection is limited to state-controlled services where the information they can access is strictly managed.
22:59Meanwhile, the country's borders are strictly monitored with fences, checkpoints, armed guards, and other barriers to prevent people from attempting
23:09to escape.
23:11There have been reports of escapees being attacked by border guards.
23:15Because of this, anyone attempting to leave the country without permission faces tremendous danger.
23:23It's as if the entire country was made into a massive prison with tight security where almost every aspect of
23:30life can be controlled by the government.
23:32But it's not just physical barriers that make escape difficult.
23:36There is also the fear of what might happen to the loved ones left behind.
23:41One of the best-known allegations against the government is that it punishes the family members of those considered enemies
23:48of the state.
23:49There are reports about the imprisonment of relatives of those who escape or violate government rules.
23:56In some cases, the so-called three-generation punishment system has also been reported, where the punishment can affect multiple
24:05generations of a family.
24:06However, it is not clear if this is implemented uniformly in all cases.
24:12Imagine the difficulty of choosing between two things.
24:15Staying in a country where you have almost no freedom to make decisions for yourself,
24:20or trying to escape even if it could put your family in danger.
24:24For some citizens of North Korea, it's not just their own lives at stake in the search for freedom.
24:31They may also worry about the safety of their loved ones.
24:36It's chilling to think that while we complain about heavy traffic, slow internet, or everyday problems,
24:43there are millions of people in different parts of the world who can only dream of having the freedom that
24:49we often take for granted.
24:51There are people who are willing to risk their lives and the future of their families just to cross a
24:58border and start a new life.
25:00For them, freedom is not simply a right that they can exercise anytime.
25:05It is something that is very difficult to attain because of strict regulations, oppression, and dangers that they have to
25:13face.
25:13And this is where we end our discussion on the 10 countries with the strictest restrictions on the freedom of
25:20their citizens.
25:20I hope you learned something from this video, even though it's hard to imagine that there are people who continue
25:26to experience these kinds of situations while we are busy with our own lives.
25:30And before we end, I have a question for you.
25:33Out of the 10 countries we discussed, which do you think has restrictions that have the biggest impact on the
25:42daily lives of their citizens?
25:44If you had no other choice but to live in one of these countries, what factors would you consider in
25:50making your choice?
25:51Share your opinions in the comment section because I will read your answers.
25:56That's all for now. Thank you very much for watching and see you in the next video.