Rule of Law Index by Country 2002
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
Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
1 |  Austria | 97.512 % |
2 |  Australia | 95.522 % |
3 |  Canada | 94.527 % |
4 |  Barbados | 92.04 % |
5 |  Cayman Islands | 90.547 % |
6 |  Bahamas | 90.05 % |
7 |  Belgium | 89.055 % |
8 |  China, Hong Kong SAR | 88.06 % |
9 |  Chile | 87.065 % |
10 |  Andorra | 86.07 % |
11 |  Bermuda | 85.075 % |
12 |  Antigua and Barbuda | 83.085 % |
13 |  Cyprus | 82.09 % |
14 |  Czech Republic | 78.109 % |
15 |  China, Macao SAR | 69.154 % |
16 |  Botswana | 66.667 % |
17 |  Costa Rica | 66.169 % |
18 |  Bahrain | 65.672 % |
19 |  Brunei Darussalam | 64.677 % |
20 |  Cabo Verde | 58.706 % |
21 |  Bhutan | 56.219 % |
22 |  Belize | 52.239 % |
23 |  Bulgaria | 51.244 % |
24 |  Croatia | 48.259 % |
25 |  Benin | 45.274 % |
26 |  Brazil | 43.781 % |
27 |  Bolivia | 40.299 % |
28 |  Armenia | 38.806 % |
29 |  China | 37.811 % |
30 |  Algeria | 33.831 % |
31 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 32.836 % |
32 |  Comoros | 29.353 % |
33 |  Colombia | 28.358 % |
34 |  Argentina | 27.363 % |
35 |  Albania | 26.866 % |
36 |  Burkina Faso | 25.871 % |
37 |  Central African Republic | 19.9 % |
38 |  Azerbaijan | 18.905 % |
39 |  Chad | 14.428 % |
40 |  Cambodia | 12.438 % |
41 |  Cuba | 11.94 % |
42 |  Belarus | 10.448 % |
43 |  Cameroon | 9.453 % |
44 |  Burundi | 6.468 % |
45 |  Afghanistan | 1.99 % |
46 |  American Samoa | NaN % |
47 |  Angola | 2.488 % |
48 |  Anguilla | NaN % |
49 |  Aruba | NaN % |
50 |  Bangladesh | 17.413 % |
51 |  Congo | 8.955 % |
52 |  Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 0.498 % |
53 |  Cook Islands | NaN % |
54 |  Finland | 99.502 % |
55 |  Denmark | 99.005 % |
56 |  Iceland | 98.01 % |
57 |  Germany | 93.532 % |
58 |  Ireland | 93.035 % |
59 |  France | 85.572 % |
60 |  Japan | 84.08 % |
61 |  Israel | 83.582 % |
62 |  French Guiana | 81.592 % |
63 |  Hungary | 79.104 % |
64 |  Kiribati | 77.612 % |
65 |  Dominica | 71.642 % |
66 |  Estonia | 71.144 % |
67 |  Italy | 70.647 % |
68 |  Greece | 70.149 % |
69 |  Kuwait | 67.164 % |
70 |  Grenada | 61.692 % |
71 |  Latvia | 60.697 % |
72 |  Lesotho | 56.716 % |
73 |  Jordan | 55.721 % |
74 |  Ghana | 54.726 % |
75 |  Fiji | 54.229 % |
76 |  Egypt | 53.731 % |
77 |  India | 53.234 % |
78 |  Kosovo | 50.746 % |
79 |  Gambia | 47.264 % |
80 |  Gabon | 45.771 % |
81 |  Lebanon | 43.284 % |
82 |  Jamaica | 42.289 % |
83 |  Guyana | 36.816 % |
84 |  El Salvador | 35.323 % |
85 |  Dominican Republic | 30.846 % |
86 |  Eritrea | 29.851 % |
87 |  Ecuador | 27.861 % |
88 |  Eswatini | 26.368 % |
89 |  Iran | 25.373 % |
90 |  Kyrgyzstan | 23.383 % |
91 |  Honduras | 22.388 % |
92 |  Indonesia | 21.393 % |
93 |  Djibouti | 20.398 % |
94 |  Ethiopia | 19.403 % |
95 |  Kenya | 18.408 % |
96 |  Guatemala | 17.91 % |
97 |  Guinea | 16.418 % |
98 |  Georgia | 15.423 % |
99 |  Guinea-Bissau | 14.925 % |
100 |  Equatorial Guinea | 10.945 % |
101 |  Greenland | NaN % |
102 |  Guam | NaN % |
103 |  Kazakhstan | 11.443 % |
104 |  Laos | 9.95 % |
105 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 7.463 % |
106 |  Iraq | 3.98 % |
107 |  Haiti | 1.493 % |
108 |  Jersey | NaN % |
109 |  Luxembourg | 98.507 % |
110 |  Norway | 97.015 % |
111 |  New Zealand | 96.02 % |
112 |  Netherlands | 95.025 % |
113 |  Liechtenstein | 91.542 % |
114 |  Malta | 91.045 % |
115 |  Portugal | 88.557 % |
116 |  Martinique | 85.075 % |
117 |  Mauritius | 82.587 % |
118 |  Puerto Rico | 81.592 % |
119 |  Marshall Islands | 77.612 % |
120 |  Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 77.612 % |
121 |  Monaco | 77.612 % |
122 |  Nauru | 77.612 % |
123 |  Palau | 77.612 % |
124 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | 77.612 % |
125 |  Saint Lucia | 77.612 % |
126 |  Poland | 67.662 % |
127 |  Qatar | 65.174 % |
128 |  Oman | 64.179 % |
129 |  Lithuania | 63.184 % |
130 |  Malaysia | 62.687 % |
131 |  Namibia | 59.701 % |
132 |  Montenegro | 59.204 % |
133 |  Mongolia | 58.209 % |
134 |  Morocco | 51.741 % |
135 |  Maldives | 50.249 % |
136 |  Panama | 49.254 % |
137 |  Madagascar | 46.269 % |
138 |  Mali | 44.776 % |
139 |  Romania | 44.279 % |
140 |  Mexico | 40.796 % |
141 |  Philippines | 39.801 % |
142 |  Malawi | 39.303 % |
143 |  Mauritania | 38.308 % |
144 |  Nepal | 37.313 % |
145 |  Peru | 36.318 % |
146 |  North Macedonia | 34.826 % |
147 |  Republic of Moldova | 34.328 % |
148 |  Niger | 33.333 % |
149 |  Nicaragua | 32.338 % |
150 |  Mozambique | 30.348 % |
151 |  Papua New Guinea | 28.856 % |
152 |  Russia | 22.886 % |
153 |  Pakistan | 20.896 % |
154 |  Rwanda | 16.915 % |
155 |  Paraguay | 13.93 % |
156 |  Libya | 13.433 % |
157 |  North Korea | 8.458 % |
158 |  Nigeria | 4.478 % |
159 |  Liberia | 2.985 % |
160 |  Myanmar | 0.995 % |
161 |  Niue | NaN % |
162 |  Réunion | NaN % |
163 |  Switzerland | 100 % |
164 |  Sweden | 96.517 % |
165 |  United Kingdom | 94.03 % |
166 |  United States | 92.537 % |
167 |  Singapore | 89.552 % |
168 |  Samoa | 87.562 % |
169 |  Spain | 86.567 % |
170 |  South Korea | 80.597 % |
171 |  Vanuatu | 80.1 % |
172 |  Slovenia | 79.602 % |
173 |  Taiwan | 78.607 % |
174 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 77.612 % |
175 |  San Marino | 77.612 % |
176 |  Tonga | 77.612 % |
177 |  Tuvalu | 77.612 % |
178 |  United Arab Emirates | 69.652 % |
179 |  Seychelles | 68.657 % |
180 |  Uruguay | 68.159 % |
181 |  Trinidad and Tobago | 63.682 % |
182 |  Thailand | 62.189 % |
183 |  Sri Lanka | 61.194 % |
184 |  Slovakia | 60.199 % |
185 |  Solomon Islands | 57.711 % |
186 |  Senegal | 57.214 % |
187 |  South Africa | 55.224 % |
188 |  Saudi Arabia | 52.736 % |
189 |  Turkey | 49.751 % |
190 |  Suriname | 48.756 % |
191 |  Tunisia | 47.761 % |
192 |  Sao Tome and Principe | 46.766 % |
193 |  Tanzania | 42.786 % |
194 |  State of Palestine | 41.791 % |
195 |  Zambia | 41.294 % |
196 |  Syrian Arab Republic | 35.821 % |
197 |  Vietnam | 31.841 % |
198 |  Uganda | 31.343 % |
199 |  Togo | 24.876 % |
200 |  Timor-Leste | 24.378 % |
201 |  Ukraine | 23.881 % |
202 |  Serbia | 21.891 % |
203 |  Tajikistan | 15.92 % |
204 |  Venezuela | 12.935 % |
205 |  Sudan | 7.96 % |
206 |  Sierra Leone | 6.965 % |
207 |  Turkmenistan | 5.97 % |
208 |  Somalia | 0 % |
209 |  South Sudan | NaN % |
210 |  United States Virgin Islands | NaN % |
211 |  Uzbekistan | 5.473 % |
212 |  Yemen | 4.975 % |
213 |  Zimbabwe | 3.483 % |
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1Austria
- #2Australia
- #3Canada
- #4Barbados
- #5Cayman Islands
- #6Bahamas
- #7Belgium
- #8China, Hong Kong SAR
- #9Chile
- #10Andorra
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #213Zimbabwe
- #212Yemen
- #211Uzbekistan
- #210United States Virgin Islands
- #209South Sudan
- #208Somalia
- #207Turkmenistan
- #206Sierra Leone
- #205Sudan
- #204Venezuela
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
The Rule of Law Index by Country is a vital metric that evaluates the degree to which nations adhere to the principles of law, including the effectiveness of their legal and judicial systems, protection of property rights, and safeguarding of citizens from crime and violence. In 2002, this index offered a comprehensive snapshot of global governance, providing insights into the effectiveness of legal frameworks and their enforcement across various countries. The index is expressed as a percentile rank, ranging from 1.00 to 100.00, where higher values indicate stronger adherence to the rule of law.
Top Performing Nations in 2002
The 2002 Rule of Law Index highlights Switzerland as the top-performing country, boasting a perfect score of 100%. This remarkable achievement reflects the country's robust legal infrastructure, high levels of public trust in their judicial system, and efficient enforcement of laws. Closely following Switzerland are Finland (99.50%), Denmark (99.00%), and Luxembourg (98.50%), underscoring a trend where Scandinavian and Western European nations dominate the upper echelons of the index. These countries are renowned for their transparent governance, efficient legal systems, and comprehensive protection of property rights, which collectively fortify their rule of law standings.
Challenges Faced by Underscoring Countries
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 2002 index reveals significant challenges faced by countries like Myanmar, which scored a meager 0.99%, indicating severe governance issues. Following Myanmar, Haiti (1.49%) and Afghanistan (1.99%) also rank low, reflecting their struggles with political instability, ineffective law enforcement, and corruption. These issues contribute to weakened public trust in legal institutions and underscore the need for comprehensive governance reforms to enhance the rule of law in these regions.
Regional Dynamics of Rule of Law
The 2002 Rule of Law Index elucidates notable regional patterns that offer a deeper understanding of global governance dynamics. European countries predominantly occupy the top ranks, affirming the region's commitment to democratic principles and effective legal frameworks. Contrastingly, many African and Middle Eastern nations display lower scores, indicating persistent challenges in governance structures, law enforcement, and judicial independence. For instance, Nigeria (4.48%) and Yemen (4.98%) reflect ongoing struggles with corruption and conflict, which impede the establishment of a robust rule of law.
Historical Context and Emerging Trends
Examining the Rule of Law Index within historical context reveals trends of continuity and change over time. In 2002, countries with established democratic institutions and stable economies continued to perform well. However, emerging nations and those transitioning from conflict experienced wide variances in their scores, highlighting the long-term impacts of historical governance practices on current standings. The data suggests an increasing global awareness and emphasis on strengthening legal systems as pivotal components of sustainable governance and development.
Impact of International Policy on Rule of Law
International policy plays a crucial role in shaping the rule of law across nations. In 2002, global efforts to enhance governance and rule of law were reflected in international agreements and aid programs aimed at strengthening legal and judicial frameworks in developing countries. The influence of such policies is evident in nations that have embarked on legal reforms and capacity building initiatives, striving to improve their Rule of Law Index rankings. These efforts underscore the importance of international collaboration in fostering an environment conducive to the rule of law and, consequently, improved socio-economic conditions.
The Rule of Law Index by Country in 2002 provides an invaluable lens through which to examine global governance and legal efficacy. It highlights significant disparities between nations, emphasizing the ongoing challenges some face and the strengths others leverage to maintain robust legal systems. This index serves as a benchmark for identifying areas needing improvement and recognizing successful governance practices, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable global society.
Insights by country
Lithuania
In 2002, Lithuania achieved a Rule of Law Index score of 63.18%, ranking 75th out of 213 countries. This score reflects the country's commitment to upholding legal principles and ensuring justice, especially following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.
The relatively high score can be attributed to significant legal reforms and the establishment of democratic institutions aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. However, challenges remained, such as issues related to corruption and the efficacy of the judiciary, which could have impacted the overall perception of the rule of law.
Furthermore, as a member of the European Union since 2004, Lithuania's legal framework continued to evolve, aligning with EU standards, which further emphasized the importance of the rule of law in governance and civil society.
South Sudan
In 2002, South Sudan ranked 212 out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index, indicating a profound lack of legal structure and governance. The reported value for the index was null%, signifying an absence of measurable rule of law during that period, coinciding with the ongoing civil conflict and instability in the region.
This low ranking can be attributed to several factors, including prolonged civil war, weak institutions, and a lack of effective governance. The absence of a unified legal framework and the predominance of tribal and local governance structures contributed to the erosion of law and order.
Additionally, South Sudan's struggle for independence from Sudan, which culminated in its formation as a nation in 2011, meant that legal systems were not fully developed, and the country faced immense challenges in establishing a functional judiciary. The conditions during this period laid the groundwork for ongoing issues related to governance and rule of law that continue to affect the nation today.
France
In 2002, France achieved a commendable Rule of Law Index value of 85.57%, ranking 30th out of 213 countries. This index reflects the effectiveness of the country's legal framework, adherence to the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The high score can be attributed to several factors, including a well-established legal system, an independent judiciary, and strong governmental institutions that uphold civil liberties and ensure accountability. France's commitment to the rule of law is also reinforced by its historical tradition of legal scholarship and a comprehensive legal code.
Moreover, France's ranking in the Rule of Law Index highlights its position as a leading democracy in Europe, where the rule of law is seen as a fundamental principle for governance. This has contributed to social stability and economic growth, making it an attractive destination for investment and tourism.
El Salvador
In 2002, El Salvador ranked 131 out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index, achieving a score of 35.32%. This ranking indicates significant challenges in the country's legal and institutional framework, impacting the enforcement of laws and the protection of human rights.
The low score can be attributed to various factors, including a history of civil conflict, pervasive gang violence, and a weak judicial system. These elements have undermined public trust in law enforcement and the judiciary, leading to difficulties in maintaining order and ensuring justice.
Additionally, El Salvador's socio-economic conditions, characterized by high poverty rates and income inequality, further exacerbate the rule of law challenges. The country has historically struggled with corruption and impunity, which hinder effective governance and the protection of citizens' rights.
Bahrain
Bahrain achieved a notable Rule of Law Index of 65.67% in the year 2002, ranking 70th out of 213 countries. This index reflects the extent to which the country adheres to principles of law, including accountability, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Several factors contribute to Bahrain's ranking in the Rule of Law Index, including its legal framework, governance practices, and civil liberties. The relatively high score suggests a functioning judicial system and some degree of political stability, although the region has experienced social and political challenges that can impact law enforcement and legal processes.
In the broader context, Bahrain's ranking in 2002 positioned it among countries with a moderate to high adherence to the rule of law, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize its legal systems and improve governance. This period was also marked by significant reforms aimed at enhancing civil rights and judicial independence, which have been important in shaping the country's legal landscape.
Cook Islands
In 2002, the Cook Islands ranked 205 out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, indicating significant challenges in governance and the legal environment. The index value for the Cook Islands was recorded as null %, suggesting a lack of available data or severe deficiencies in the rule of law at that time.
This low ranking can be attributed to various factors, including limited resources for law enforcement, a small population that may struggle with legal infrastructure, and potential political instability. Such challenges can impede the effective implementation of laws and regulations, thereby affecting citizens' trust in the legal system.
While the Cook Islands is known for its tourism and natural beauty, the challenges reflected in the Rule of Law Index highlight the need for ongoing reforms to strengthen governance, protect rights, and enhance judicial integrity, which are critical for sustainable development and social stability.
Latvia
In 2002, Latvia achieved a Rule of Law Index score of 60.70%, ranking 80 out of 213 countries. This score indicates a moderate level of adherence to the principles of the rule of law, which encompasses factors such as accountability, transparency, and justice.
The relatively high score for Latvia during this period can be attributed to its significant legal reforms and efforts to strengthen institutions following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. Initiatives aimed at enhancing judicial independence and combating corruption played a crucial role in this improvement.
Notably, Latvia's rank places it among the upper tier of countries in the region, reflecting its commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law, which are vital for fostering economic development and attracting foreign investment. As a member of the European Union since 2004, Latvia has continued to align its legal frameworks with EU standards, further solidifying its position in subsequent years.
Maldives
In the year 2002, the Maldives achieved a Rule of Law Index score of 50.25%, ranking 101st out of 213 countries. This score reflects the nation's legal system and its adherence to the rule of law, which includes factors such as the protection of fundamental rights, the effectiveness of judicial processes, and the absence of corruption.
The relatively moderate score indicates challenges within the Maldivian legal framework during this period, including political instability and issues related to governance. Such factors often contribute to a perception of inadequate legal protection and enforcement, which can undermine public confidence in the legal system.
Additionally, the Maldives, known for its tourism-driven economy, faced pressures related to governance and human rights, which may have impacted its rule of law. As a nation with a small population and a unique geographic setting, the interplay between local customs, international pressures, and economic dependencies plays a significant role in shaping its legal landscape.
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
In 2002, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked 201 out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index, with a value of 0.497512%. This ranking reflects significant challenges in governance, legal frameworks, and the enforcement of laws within the country.
The low score can be attributed to a protracted period of conflict, political instability, and weak institutional structures that have hindered the effective functioning of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, widespread corruption and a lack of resources have further exacerbated these issues, leading to a pervasive culture of impunity.
Historically, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced immense obstacles in establishing a stable legal system, and this has contributed to ongoing human rights abuses and societal unrest. In comparison, neighboring countries often face similar challenges, but variations in governance and international support can lead to differing outcomes in their Rule of Law Index scores.
Ghana
In 2002, Ghana ranked 92nd out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index, with a score of 54.73%. This metric reflects the country's commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring justice, and maintaining order within its society.
The relatively moderate score indicates that while Ghana has made strides in establishing legal and institutional frameworks, challenges remain in areas such as corruption, judicial independence, and enforcement of laws. Factors contributing to this ranking may include political instability, economic pressures, and the need for further reforms in the justice sector.
Notably, Ghana has been recognized for its democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power, which have positively influenced its Rule of Law Index over the years. As a result, the country may serve as a model for improving legal systems and governance in the West African region.
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.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Rule of Law Index by Country data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.