Democracy starts with the basicidea/ideology/characteristic of freedom and equality. Freedom of speech, lifestyle,employment, economic freedom, to form a political party, to acquire property,of practicing one's religion etc. In a true democracy there may not be a singleofficial religion or multiple religions are recognized.

Freedom of press is very important in a true democracy. Freedom toelect their representatives in a fair, periodic and free elections is anotherbasic characteristic in a true democracy. If there is no freedom, then it becomes closer to monarchy or military rule.

In India, USA these characteristics are met. In China freedom toform parties is limited. In Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and China freedom ofpress and freedom of speech are limited. They are censored.

In Saudi Arabia there is no freedom of religion. There are restrictionsfor non-muslims to be regular citizen. Islam is the official religion. InUAE too it is so. But UAE permits citizens of other religions. However, thereare restrictions. Russia and China give freedom of religion

Freedom of people is guarded well in a limited democracy. In alimited democracy the government cannot have absolute power to do whatever itwants. There are bounds. Examples are India, USA, UK, France etc.

Economic freedom and freedom for holding property in Russia andChina are low. In Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia economicfreedomis very high.

Actually in a democracy freedom is limited to the choice of themajority. There is no absolute freedom in the true sense. This applies to common issues related to a community.

If there is no freedom then the minorities in the country are not protected properly. That means it is not a true democracy.