Rule of Law Index by Country 1999

Compare countries by Rule of Law percentile rank, reflecting confidence in laws, courts, police, property rights, and protection from crime and violence.

213 data pointsWorldWorldwide Governance Indicators, World Bank (WB)

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
NaN %
2
Albania flag
Albania
NaN %
3
Algeria flag
Algeria
NaN %
4
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
NaN %
5
Andorra flag
Andorra
NaN %
6
Angola flag
Angola
NaN %
7
Anguilla flag
Anguilla
NaN %
8
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
NaN %
9
Argentina flag
Argentina
NaN %
10
Armenia flag
Armenia
NaN %
11
Aruba flag
Aruba
NaN %
12
Australia flag
Australia
NaN %
13
Austria flag
Austria
NaN %
14
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
NaN %
15
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
NaN %
16
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
NaN %
17
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
NaN %
18
Barbados flag
Barbados
NaN %
19
Belarus flag
Belarus
NaN %
20
Belgium flag
Belgium
NaN %
21
Belize flag
Belize
NaN %
22
Benin flag
Benin
NaN %
23
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
NaN %
24
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
NaN %
25
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
NaN %
26
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
NaN %
27
Botswana flag
Botswana
NaN %
28
Brazil flag
Brazil
NaN %
29
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
NaN %
30
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
NaN %
31
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
NaN %
32
Burundi flag
Burundi
NaN %
33
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
NaN %
34
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
NaN %
35
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
NaN %
36
Canada flag
Canada
NaN %
37
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
NaN %
38
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
NaN %
39
Chad flag
Chad
NaN %
40
Chile flag
Chile
NaN %
41
China flag
China
NaN %
42
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
NaN %
43
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
NaN %
44
Colombia flag
Colombia
NaN %
45
Comoros flag
Comoros
NaN %
46
Congo flag
Congo
NaN %
47
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
NaN %
48
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
NaN %
49
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
NaN %
50
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
NaN %
51
Croatia flag
Croatia
NaN %
52
Cuba flag
Cuba
NaN %
53
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
NaN %
54
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
NaN %
55
Denmark flag
Denmark
NaN %
56
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
NaN %
57
Dominica flag
Dominica
NaN %
58
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
NaN %
59
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
NaN %
60
Egypt flag
Egypt
NaN %
61
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
NaN %
62
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
NaN %
63
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
NaN %
64
Estonia flag
Estonia
NaN %
65
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
NaN %
66
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
NaN %
67
Fiji flag
Fiji
NaN %
68
Finland flag
Finland
NaN %
69
France flag
France
NaN %
70
French Guiana flag
French Guiana
NaN %
71
Gabon flag
Gabon
NaN %
72
Gambia flag
Gambia
NaN %
73
Georgia flag
Georgia
NaN %
74
Germany flag
Germany
NaN %
75
Ghana flag
Ghana
NaN %
76
Greece flag
Greece
NaN %
77
Greenland flag
Greenland
NaN %
78
Grenada flag
Grenada
NaN %
79
Guam flag
Guam
NaN %
80
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
NaN %
81
Guinea flag
Guinea
NaN %
82
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
NaN %
83
Guyana flag
Guyana
NaN %
84
Haiti flag
Haiti
NaN %
85
Honduras flag
Honduras
NaN %
86
Hungary flag
Hungary
NaN %
87
Iceland flag
Iceland
NaN %
88
India flag
India
NaN %
89
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
NaN %
90
Iran flag
Iran
NaN %
91
Iraq flag
Iraq
NaN %
92
Ireland flag
Ireland
NaN %
93
Israel flag
Israel
NaN %
94
Italy flag
Italy
NaN %
95
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
NaN %
96
Japan flag
Japan
NaN %
97
Jersey flag
Jersey
NaN %
98
Jordan flag
Jordan
NaN %
99
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
NaN %
100
Kenya flag
Kenya
NaN %
101
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
NaN %
102
Kosovo flag
Kosovo
NaN %
103
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
NaN %
104
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
NaN %
105
Laos flag
Laos
NaN %
106
Latvia flag
Latvia
NaN %
107
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
NaN %
108
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
NaN %
109
Liberia flag
Liberia
NaN %
110
Libya flag
Libya
NaN %
111
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
NaN %
112
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
NaN %
113
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
NaN %
114
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
NaN %
115
Malawi flag
Malawi
NaN %
116
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
NaN %
117
Maldives flag
Maldives
NaN %
118
Mali flag
Mali
NaN %
119
Malta flag
Malta
NaN %
120
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
NaN %
121
Martinique flag
Martinique
NaN %
122
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
NaN %
123
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
NaN %
124
Mexico flag
Mexico
NaN %
125
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
NaN %
126
Monaco flag
Monaco
NaN %
127
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
NaN %
128
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
NaN %
129
Morocco flag
Morocco
NaN %
130
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
NaN %
131
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
NaN %
132
Namibia flag
Namibia
NaN %
133
Nauru flag
Nauru
NaN %
134
Nepal flag
Nepal
NaN %
135
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
NaN %
136
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
NaN %
137
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
NaN %
138
Niger flag
Niger
NaN %
139
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
NaN %
140
Niue flag
Niue
NaN %
141
North Korea flag
North Korea
NaN %
142
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
NaN %
143
Norway flag
Norway
NaN %
144
Oman flag
Oman
NaN %
145
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
NaN %
146
Palau flag
Palau
NaN %
147
Panama flag
Panama
NaN %
148
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
NaN %
149
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
NaN %
150
Peru flag
Peru
NaN %
151
Philippines flag
Philippines
NaN %
152
Poland flag
Poland
NaN %
153
Portugal flag
Portugal
NaN %
154
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
NaN %
155
Qatar flag
Qatar
NaN %
156
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
NaN %
157
Réunion flag
Réunion
NaN %
158
Romania flag
Romania
NaN %
159
Russia flag
Russia
NaN %
160
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
NaN %
161
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
NaN %
162
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
NaN %
163
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
NaN %
164
Samoa flag
Samoa
NaN %
165
San Marino flag
San Marino
NaN %
166
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
NaN %
167
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
NaN %
168
Senegal flag
Senegal
NaN %
169
Serbia flag
Serbia
NaN %
170
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
NaN %
171
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
NaN %
172
Singapore flag
Singapore
NaN %
173
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
NaN %
174
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
NaN %
175
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
NaN %
176
Somalia flag
Somalia
NaN %
177
South Africa flag
South Africa
NaN %
178
South Korea flag
South Korea
NaN %
179
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
NaN %
180
Spain flag
Spain
NaN %
181
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
NaN %
182
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
NaN %
183
Sudan flag
Sudan
NaN %
184
Suriname flag
Suriname
NaN %
185
Sweden flag
Sweden
NaN %
186
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
NaN %
187
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
NaN %
188
Taiwan flag
Taiwan
NaN %
189
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
NaN %
190
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
NaN %
191
Thailand flag
Thailand
NaN %
192
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
NaN %
193
Togo flag
Togo
NaN %
194
Tonga flag
Tonga
NaN %
195
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
NaN %
196
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
NaN %
197
Turkey flag
Turkey
NaN %
198
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
NaN %
199
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
NaN %
200
Uganda flag
Uganda
NaN %
201
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
NaN %
202
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
NaN %
203
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
NaN %
204
United States flag
United States
NaN %
205
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
NaN %
206
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
NaN %
207
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
NaN %
208
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
NaN %
209
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
NaN %
210
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
NaN %
211
Yemen flag
Yemen
NaN %
212
Zambia flag
Zambia
NaN %
213
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
NaN %

Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Afghanistan flagAfghanistan
  2. #2Albania flagAlbania
  3. #3Algeria flagAlgeria
  4. #4American Samoa flagAmerican Samoa
  5. #5Andorra flagAndorra
  6. #6Angola flagAngola
  7. #7Anguilla flagAnguilla
  8. #8Antigua and Barbuda flagAntigua and Barbuda
  9. #9Argentina flagArgentina
  10. #10Armenia flagArmenia

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

Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #213Zimbabwe flagZimbabwe
  2. #212Zambia flagZambia
  3. #211Yemen flagYemen
  4. #210Vietnam flagVietnam
  5. #209Venezuela flagVenezuela
  6. #208Vanuatu flagVanuatu
  7. #207Uzbekistan flagUzbekistan
  8. #206Uruguay flagUruguay
  9. #205United States Virgin Islands flagUnited States Virgin Islands
  10. #204United States flagUnited States

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

Insights by country

1

Bahrain

In 1999, Bahrain achieved a notable position in the global landscape with a ranking of 16 out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index. Although the actual value for this index was reported as null %, the high rank indicates a relatively strong commitment to the principles of law and governance compared to many other nations.

This ranking can be attributed to several factors, including Bahrain's legal framework, which has been influenced by a combination of Islamic law and civil law traditions. Additionally, the country has historically maintained a relatively stable political environment and developed institutions that uphold laws and regulations, contributing to its favorable ranking.

It is worth noting that Bahrain's emphasis on economic development and modernization during this period may have also played a role in fostering a legal environment conducive to business and investment, further enhancing its Rule of Law standing in the region.

2

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan achieved a notable 14th place ranking out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index in the year 1999. This ranking indicates a relatively strong perception of the rule of law within the country, despite the lack of a specific percentage value associated with this particular statistic.

The high ranking can be attributed to several factors, including the country's legal reforms and the establishment of a more structured judicial system following its independence in 1991. However, challenges such as political influence over the judiciary and issues related to human rights persisted, impacting the effectiveness of the rule of law.

In the broader context, Azerbaijan's position in 1999 reflects a transitional phase in the post-Soviet landscape, where many countries were grappling with governance issues and the establishment of democratic norms. Despite this, Azerbaijan's ranking positioned it favorably among its regional peers during that time.

3

Palau

In the year 1999, Palau was ranked 146th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index. The index value for Palau during this period was recorded as null %, indicating a lack of sufficient data to assess the country's adherence to the rule of law.

This ranking reflects a broader context in which small island nations often face unique challenges in governance and legal frameworks. Factors contributing to Palau's position may include limited resources for legal institutions, geographic isolation, and a relatively small population that can complicate the establishment of comprehensive legal systems.

Despite these challenges, Palau has made efforts towards enhancing its legal frameworks and governance, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and sustainable development, which are critical for its economy and society.

4

Czech Republic

In 1999, the Czech Republic ranked 54th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, a statistic that reflects the nation's commitment to legal principles and governance. However, the specific value of the index for this year is reported as null%, indicating a lack of quantifiable data for that particular metric.

This ranking can be contextualized within the broader historical landscape of the Czech Republic, which was transitioning from a post-communist society towards a more democratic and rule-based governance structure following the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Factors contributing to its ranking include the establishment of a new legal framework, the strengthening of civil liberties, and efforts to combat corruption.

Despite these advances, challenges remained, such as lingering issues of bureaucratic inefficiency and the need for further judicial reforms, which may have influenced the overall perception of the rule of law in the country. Interestingly, by the late 1990s, the Czech Republic was increasingly recognized for its stable political environment and was on a path towards European Union accession, which would further necessitate adherence to the rule of law standards.

5

Canada

In 1999, Canada ranked 36th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, indicating a solid standing in terms of legal frameworks and governance. The specific index value for this year is recorded as null %, suggesting that either the data was not available or not applicable for that particular measurement.

The Rule of Law Index assesses various factors such as the effectiveness of law enforcement, the independence of the judiciary, and the protection of fundamental rights. Canada's relatively high ranking reflects its established legal system, democratic governance, and a commitment to upholding human rights, which are foundational to the rule of law.

Several factors contribute to Canada's position in the Rule of Law Index, including its stable political environment, comprehensive legal protections, and a strong emphasis on civil liberties. Additionally, Canada's efforts in promoting transparency and accountability within governmental institutions further bolster its standing in this index. Interestingly, Canada has consistently maintained a high level of respect for the rule of law, which is crucial for fostering public trust and social stability.

6

Bolivia

In 1999, Bolivia achieved a notable 25th rank out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, reflecting a significant position within the global context of legal and institutional governance. However, the specific value of the index for Bolivia during this year was recorded as null%, indicating a lack of available data or measurement for that particular statistic.

This ranking suggests that Bolivia was perceived to have a relatively effective legal framework and governance compared to many other countries at the time. Factors contributing to this perception may include the country's efforts in political reforms and the establishment of democratic institutions during the late 1990s, which were pivotal in addressing issues of corruption and enhancing public trust in the legal system.

Additionally, Bolivia’s historical context, including its complex social dynamics and economic challenges, may have influenced its ranking. The country was undergoing significant changes, with increased political participation and activism, particularly from indigenous groups advocating for rights and representation.

7

Benin

In 1999, Benin achieved a remarkable rank of 22 out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, although the specific value for the index was recorded as null%. This ranking indicates a relatively strong adherence to the principles of law and governance compared to many other nations during that period.

This high rank can be attributed to several factors, including Benin's transition to a multi-party democracy in the early 1990s, which led to improvements in political stability and the establishment of legal frameworks that promote justice and human rights. Additionally, the country has been recognized for its efforts to combat corruption and improve governmental transparency.

Interestingly, Benin's position in the Rule of Law Index reflects broader trends in West Africa during the late 1990s, where several countries were undergoing significant political reforms aimed at enhancing civil liberties and institutional integrity. This context not only highlights Benin's achievements but also underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen the rule of law in the region.

8

Oman

In 1999, Oman was ranked 144th out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index. This ranking indicates significant challenges in the enforcement of law and governance within the country, as the Rule of Law Index measures factors such as the extent to which laws are enacted, enforced, and respected.

The value for Oman in this index was noted as null %, suggesting a lack of data or a particularly low perception of legal and institutional effectiveness at the time. Contributing factors to this situation may include a limited political environment, where governance is predominantly top-down, which can affect the public's access to justice and legal protection.

Additionally, Oman’s socio-political context in 1999 included a relatively recent transition towards modernization and development, which may have impacted the establishment of a robust legal framework. Furthermore, the country has historically faced challenges related to human rights and freedom of expression, which can influence the overall perception of the rule of law.

9

Bangladesh

In 1999, Bangladesh achieved a notable position by ranking 17th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, indicating a significant perception of legal order and governance within the nation. The actual value for the index was null %, which highlights the challenges in measuring the rule of law due to various socio-political complexities.

This ranking reflects a period when Bangladesh was navigating through political turbulence and striving for institutional reforms. Factors such as corruption, political instability, and judicial inefficiencies often impacted the enforcement of laws and the overall perception of the rule of law.

Additionally, despite the challenges, the high rank suggests a relative strength in some aspects of governance compared to other nations at that time. This can be attributed to ongoing efforts to improve legal frameworks and public administration, which are critical for bolstering the rule of law.

10

Madagascar

In 1999, Madagascar ranked 114th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, reflecting significant challenges in governance and legal frameworks. The specific value for the index was null %, indicating that precise measurements of the rule of law were either not available or not applicable for that year.

This ranking suggests a landscape marked by issues such as political instability, corruption, and limited access to justice, which can undermine the effectiveness of legal institutions. The country faced a transition period in the late 1990s, characterized by social unrest and governance challenges, which likely contributed to its low ranking.

Additionally, factors such as economic difficulties, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient law enforcement resources have historically impeded the establishment of a robust rule of law in Madagascar. Interestingly, Madagascar's biodiversity and unique ecosystems have often clashed with developmental pressures, complicating governance and legal enforcement.

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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Historical Data by Year

Explore Rule of Law Index by Country data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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