Public Trust in Government (%) 2007

Public trust in government measures citizens' confidence in their national governing bodies and institutions.

45 data points•Updated 10/24/2026•Global Coverage•Trust in government | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Finland	76 %
2	Norway	68 %
3	Denmark	63 %
4	Ireland	63 %
5	South Africa	63 %
6	Switzerland	63 %
7	New Zealand	61 %
8	Turkey	58 %
9	Belgium	57.5 %
10	Indonesia	56 %
11	Netherlands	54.5 %
12	Canada	54 %
13	Australia	53 %
14	Chile	50.5 %
15	Spain	50.5 %
16	Austria	50 %
17	Sweden	50 %
18	Colombia	49.5 %
19	Thailand	49 %
20	Slovenia	48 %
21	United States	47.5 %
22	Argentina	46.5 %
23	Portugal	45 %
24	Greece	43.5 %
25	Estonia	43 %
26	Mexico	42.5 %
27	United Kingdom	42.5 %
28	Costa Rica	41.5 %
29	Croatia	39 %
30	Brazil	36 %
31	France	34 %
32	Germany	33.5 %
33	Hungary	30.5 %
34	Japan	29.5 %
35	Latvia	28.5 %
36	Bulgaria	28 %
37	Israel	28 %
38	Czech Republic	27.5 %
39	Italy	27 %
40	Lithuania	24 %
41	Romania	23.5 %
42	South Korea	23.5 %
43	Peru	19.5 %
44	Slovakia	16 %
45	Poland	13 %

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2007, Finland led the world in Public Trust in Government (%) with a remarkable 76%, while global trust levels ranged from a low of 13% in Poland to Finland's high. The global average trust level stood at 43.34%, providing a benchmark against which individual countries' trust levels can be compared.

Nordic and Western European Trust Dynamics

The high levels of public trust in government observed in Finland (76%), Norway (68%), and Denmark (63%) are indicative of a broader trend seen in Nordic and some Western European countries. These nations are often characterized by robust welfare systems, high levels of transparency, and effective governance, which contribute to citizens' confidence in their institutions. The presence of Switzerland and Ireland in the top ranks, both with 63%, further reinforces the notion that established democracies with strong institutional frameworks tend to enjoy higher public trust.

Economic Stability and Trust Levels

Economic factors play a significant role in shaping public trust in government. Countries like New Zealand (61%) and Belgium (57.5%) exhibit relatively high trust levels, correlating with their stable economic environments. Conversely, nations with lower economic performance, such as Poland (13%), Slovakia (16%), and Peru (19.5%), report significantly lower trust levels. Economic instability often leads to dissatisfaction with government performance, thereby eroding public trust.

Political and Social Factors Influencing Trust

Political stability and social cohesion are critical determinants of public trust in government. Countries like Turkey (58%) and Indonesia (56%) have managed to maintain relatively high trust levels despite political challenges, suggesting effective government communication and public engagement strategies. In contrast, Italy (27%) and South Korea (23.5%) demonstrate how political scandals and governance issues can undermine public confidence, even in economically developed contexts.

Implications of Low Trust Levels

The bottom tier of the trust spectrum, including countries like Romania (23.5%), Lithuania (24%), and Bulgaria (28%), highlights significant governance challenges. Low trust levels may lead to a lack of public cooperation with government initiatives and hinder democratic processes. This scenario underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective policy-making in bolstering public confidence.

Overall, the 2007 data on Public Trust in Government (%) reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing citizens' perceptions of their governments. While economic stability and effective governance are strong predictors of high trust levels, political and social dynamics also play crucial roles. Understanding these patterns is essential for policymakers aiming to enhance public trust and ensure effective governance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Trust in Government (%) in 2007

Which country had the highest public trust in government in 2007?

Finland had the highest public trust in government in 2007, with a trust level of 76%.

Which country had the lowest public trust in government in 2007?

Poland had the lowest public trust in government in 2007, with a trust level of 13%.

What was the average public trust in government across all countries in 2007?

The average public trust in government across all countries in 2007 was 43.34%.

What was the median public trust in government value in 2007?

The median public trust in government value in 2007 was 45%.

Which countries were in the top 10 for public trust in government in 2007?

The top 10 countries for public trust in government in 2007 were Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Ireland, South Africa, Denmark, New Zealand, Turkey, Belgium, and Indonesia.

What was the range of public trust in government values in 2007?

The range of public trust in government values in 2007 was from 13% in Poland to 76% in Finland.

Insights by country

Bulgaria

In 2007, Bulgaria ranked #36 globally with a Public Trust in Government of 28 %. This figure is notably low compared to the regional average in Eastern Europe, indicating significant public skepticism towards governmental institutions. Factors contributing to this distrust include ongoing economic challenges, political instability, and a legacy of corruption that has affected the public's perception of government efficacy.

Indonesia

In 2007, Indonesia had a Public Trust in Government (%) of 56 %, ranking #10 out of 45 countries. This figure was notably higher than the regional average, reflecting a period of political stability following the democratic reforms that began in the late 1990s. Key drivers of this trust included the government's efforts to combat corruption and promote economic growth, which helped bolster public confidence in governance.

Colombia

In 2007, Colombia achieved a global rank of #18 with a Public Trust in Government (%) of 49.5%. This figure was notably higher than the average trust levels observed in many Latin American countries, reflecting a period of relative stability and improvement in governance. Key drivers of this trust included ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and violence, as well as social programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.

Sweden

In 2007, Sweden achieved a global rank of #17 with a Public Trust in Government (%) value of 50%. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a strong faith in public institutions. Sweden's high level of public trust can be attributed to its robust welfare system, transparent governance, and low levels of corruption, which foster a sense of security and reliability among its citizens.

Australia

In 2007, Australia ranked #13 globally with a Public Trust in Government of 53 %. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a relatively stable political environment compared to lower-ranked countries. Key drivers of this trust include Australia's robust democratic institutions and effective governance, which foster public confidence, alongside a strong economy that supports social welfare initiatives.

Mexico

In 2007, Mexico ranked #26 globally with a Public Trust in Government of 42.5 %. This figure is notably higher than the bottom-ranked country in the dataset, which reflects a moderate level of trust compared to its regional peers. Factors contributing to this level of trust include the country's ongoing democratic reforms and efforts to combat corruption, although challenges remain in public perception of governance effectiveness.

United States

In 2007, the United States ranked #21 with a Public Trust in Government (%) of 47.5 %. This figure is notably higher than the lowest-ranked country, which reflects significant public skepticism towards governmental institutions. Factors contributing to this level of trust include political polarization, economic challenges, and ongoing debates over government transparency and accountability.

Greece

In 2007, Greece had a Public Trust in Government (%) of 43.5 %, ranking #24 out of 45 countries. This figure is notably higher than that of some neighboring countries, reflecting a relatively stable political environment at the time. Contributing factors include Greece's membership in the European Union, which provided economic support, and ongoing efforts to address corruption and improve governance.

New Zealand

In 2007, New Zealand ranked #7 globally with a Public Trust in Government of 61 %. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a strong confidence in governmental institutions compared to many other countries. Key drivers of this trust include New Zealand's stable political environment, transparent governance practices, and effective public services that foster citizen engagement and satisfaction.

Chile

In 2007, Chile achieved a global rank of #14 with a Public Trust in Government (%) of 50.5%. This figure is notably higher than the average trust levels seen in Latin America during that time, indicating a relatively strong confidence in governmental institutions. Key drivers of this trust include Chile's stable economic growth and effective democratic governance, which have fostered a sense of reliability in public services and policies.

Data Source

Trust in government | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive data visualizations and statistics on various global issues, including trust in government. The dataset specifically offers country-level statistics on the average levels of trust in government across OECD countries.

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Historical Data by Year

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