WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- The world is undergoing a deterioration of the safety of journalists and freedom of the press, according to a report released Thursday.

The World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders ranked 180 countries with criteria that include media independence and competition, the safety and freedom of journalists and the government environment in which the media operate in 2014.

About two-thirds of the countries surveyed performed worse last year than the year before.

The drop in press freedom can be attributed in part to wars, the ongoing threat from non-state groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State, violence during protests and the economic crisis, Reporters Without Borders said.

Countries that experienced a decline in press freedom include the United States, which dropped two spots to 49th in the index.

The drop in the United States is linked to the government's ongoing struggle against WikiLeaks and the prosecution of New York Times reporter James Risen to reveal his sources. Risen regards President Barack Obama as "the greatest enemy to press freedom in a generation."

Adorra (32) dropped 27 spots, the sharpest fall in press freedom for the media's lack of independence from financial, political and religious interests.

Italy dropped 24 spots to 73rd after journalists experienced defamation suits and threats from groups like the mafia.

Venezuela dropped 21 places to 137th after the national army opened fire on journalists during protests.

Recently, Egypt (158) began the retrial of two Al Jazeera journalists after they were convicted of aiding the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood illustrating the strict stance taken by some Arab governments against freedom of the press.

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Report: Press freedom around world deteriorating - even in U.S.