Rule of Law Index by Country 1997
Compare countries by Rule of Law percentile rank, reflecting confidence in laws, courts, police, property rights, and protection from crime and violence.
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Complete Data Rankings
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1
Afghanistan - #2
Albania - #3
Algeria - #4
American Samoa - #5
Andorra - #6
Angola - #7
Anguilla - #8
Antigua and Barbuda - #9
Argentina - #10
Armenia
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #213
Zimbabwe - #212
Zambia - #211
Yemen - #210
Vietnam - #209
Venezuela - #208
Vanuatu - #207
Uzbekistan - #206
Uruguay - #205
United States Virgin Islands - #204
United States
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Slovenia
In 1997, Slovenia ranked 174th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, reflecting significant challenges in its legal and judicial systems. The value for the index was recorded as null %, indicating a lack of measurable adherence to the rule of law at that time.
This ranking can be attributed to several factors, including the country's transitional status following the disintegration of Yugoslavia, which began in the early 1990s. The establishment of legal frameworks and institutions was still in its nascent stages, leading to uncertainties and inconsistencies in legal practices.
Additionally, Slovenia was in the process of building its democratic governance, which often leads to instability in rule of law indicators as new systems are tested and refined. Over the years, Slovenia has made significant progress in strengthening its rule of law, but the challenges faced in 1997 highlight the complexities of establishing legal order in post-conflict societies.
China
In 1997, China was ranked 41st out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index. While the exact percentage value for the index is null, this ranking reflects a period of significant transformation within the country as it was transitioning to a market economy.
The relatively high ranking can be attributed to several factors, including the central government's efforts to strengthen legal frameworks and enhance state control. However, issues such as limited judicial independence, suppression of dissent, and human rights violations have historically undermined the rule of law in China.
Additionally, the late 1990s marked a period of rapid economic growth, which created a complex interplay between economic development and legal reforms, often leading to inconsistencies in the application of laws and regulations across different regions.
Latvia
In 1997, Latvia was ranked 106th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index. During this period, the country was transitioning from Soviet rule to independence, which significantly impacted its legal and institutional frameworks. The value for Latvia's Rule of Law Index was recorded as null %, indicating a lack of comprehensive data or assessment methodologies at that time.
This ranking reflects the challenges Latvia faced in establishing a robust legal system, including issues related to corruption, judicial independence, and enforcement of laws. The post-Soviet era was characterized by a need for significant reforms to enhance the rule of law, promote transparency, and protect human rights.
As Latvia progressed into the 21st century, it undertook numerous reforms, contributing to improvements in its legal framework and governance, which would later be reflected in higher rankings in subsequent years.
Guinea
In 1997, Guinea was ranked 81 out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, indicating a complex legal and governmental environment. The Rule of Law Index measures the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law, encompassing factors such as government accountability, civil justice, and criminal justice.
The ranking suggests that while Guinea had a relatively moderate position compared to other nations, the actual value of the index was null, indicating significant challenges in legal frameworks and enforcement. Contributing factors to this statistic include political instability, limited judicial independence, and ongoing issues related to governance and human rights.
Furthermore, the context of Guinea in the late 1990s was marked by economic difficulties and social unrest, which likely affected the rule of law. As a result, this situation reflected broader regional challenges in West Africa, where many countries faced similar issues regarding governance and legal systems.
Estonia
In 1997, Estonia ranked 64th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, indicating a developing legal framework in the post-Soviet era. The specific value of the index for Estonia at that time remains null %, suggesting either a lack of data or a nascent system that had not yet been fully assessed.
This ranking reflects the broader context of Estonia's transition from Soviet rule to an independent democratic state, which began in the early 1990s. The challenges faced during this transition included establishing a robust legal system, ensuring the protection of individual rights, and combating corruption, all of which are critical components of the rule of law.
Factors contributing to Estonia's position included the need for institutional reforms and the establishment of public trust in the legal system post-independence. As a small nation, Estonia's experiences during this time were unique, characterized by rapid modernization and integration into European structures, which would later enhance its legal framework significantly.
Burundi
In 1997, Burundi achieved a notable rank of 32 out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, indicating a significant position within the global context of legal governance, despite the actual index value being null%. This ranking reflects the country's complex political landscape during a time marked by civil conflict and societal upheaval, which significantly impacted the effectiveness of its legal institutions.
The high ranking can be attributed to the country's efforts in establishing legal frameworks and institutions, even amidst the turmoil resulting from ethnic tensions and civil war that began in 1993. These efforts, however, were often undermined by persistent violence and instability, leading to challenges in implementing the rule of law consistently across the nation.
Interestingly, during this period, Burundi was also grappling with issues related to governance, human rights violations, and the enforcement of laws, which contributed to a paradoxical situation where the ranking did not fully reflect the on-the-ground realities of legal protection and civil liberties.
El Salvador
In 1997, El Salvador was ranked 61 out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index. This ranking reflects the country's legal framework and its effectiveness in maintaining the rule of law, although the specific value for the index was recorded as null %, indicating a lack of available or reliable data for that year.
The context of this ranking can be understood against the backdrop of El Salvador's recent history, particularly its civil war, which lasted from 1980 to 1992. The aftermath of the conflict left deep social and political scars, contributing to challenges in governance and the rule of law. Factors such as institutional weaknesses, corruption, and ongoing violence have historically undermined legal systems in the country.
Additionally, the 1990s were a period of significant transition for El Salvador, as the country attempted to rebuild its institutions and promote democratic governance. Despite these efforts, the legacy of the civil war and economic challenges continued to affect the stability of legal processes and the protection of human rights.
Bermuda
In 1997, Bermuda achieved a significant position in the global landscape, ranking 23rd out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index. This ranking, while not accompanied by a specific numerical value, reflects a high level of adherence to the principles of law and governance in Bermuda.
The strong ranking can be attributed to Bermuda's well-established legal framework, which is influenced by its British colonial heritage, ensuring a robust judiciary and respect for individual rights. Additionally, the island's political stability and relatively low levels of corruption contribute to its favorable legal environment.
As a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda benefits from a legal system that emphasizes the rule of law, fostering trust in governmental institutions and legal processes. This environment is crucial for maintaining its status as a global financial center, which relies heavily on the integrity of its legal and regulatory frameworks.
Chad
In 1997, Chad was ranked 39th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, a notable position that reflects the country's legal and institutional framework at the time. The actual value of the index for Chad in this year was null %, indicating a lack of sufficient data to provide a concrete percentage for the rule of law metrics.
This ranking may have been influenced by several factors including the political instability and ongoing conflicts that characterized Chad during the 1990s. The government faced challenges in establishing effective legal institutions and upholding the rule of law due to a history of civil wars, which often undermined governance and accountability.
Furthermore, Chad's legal system during this period was heavily influenced by traditional norms and practices, which sometimes conflicted with formal legal frameworks. As a result, issues such as corruption, lack of access to justice, and limited enforcement of laws were prevalent, ultimately impacting the country's overall performance in the Rule of Law Index.
Eswatini
In 1997, Eswatini ranked 65th out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index by Country, a significant position indicating various challenges within its governance and legal framework. The index value for Eswatini was recorded as null %, which suggests a lack of comprehensive data or low confidence in available metrics regarding the rule of law in the country during that period.
The ranking reflects several issues, including a legal system heavily influenced by traditional authorities and a monarchy that exercises substantial power over the judiciary. Factors contributing to this ranking may include limited political pluralism, restrictions on civil liberties, and inadequate checks and balances within the government structure.
Furthermore, during the late 1990s, Eswatini faced challenges such as economic constraints and social unrest, which could have adversely affected the rule of law. These dynamics are crucial for understanding the broader context of governance in Eswatini, where the rule of law remains a critical area for development and reform.
Data Source
Worldwide Governance Indicators, World Bank (WB)
A global compilation of data capturing household, business, and citizen perceptions of the quality of governance in more than 200 economies.
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