Rule of Law Index by Country 2020

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

213 data points•Updated 12/13/2025•World•Worldwide Governance Indicators, World Bank (WB)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Austria	97.143 %
2	Canada	93.333 %
3	Andorra	92.857 %
4	Australia	91.905 %
5	China, Hong Kong SAR	91.429 %
6	Belgium	87.619 %
7	Aruba	86.667 %
8	American Samoa	84.286 %
9	Czech Republic	82.857 %
10	Chile	80 %
11	Brunei Darussalam	79.048 %
12	China, Macao SAR	76.19 %
13	Cayman Islands	75.238 %
14	Bermuda	72.381 %
15	Bhutan	69.048 %
16	Cyprus	68.095 %
17	Costa Rica	67.143 %
18	Bahrain	65.238 %
19	Cabo Verde	64.762 %
20	Antigua and Barbuda	64.286 %
21	Botswana	63.81 %
22	Anguilla	63.333 %
23	Barbados	60.476 %
24	Croatia	59.524 %
25	Bahamas	54.286 %
26	China	51.429 %
27	Armenia	49.524 %
28	Bulgaria	49.048 %
29	Brazil	46.19 %
30	Cuba	42.857 %
31	Bosnia and Herzegovina	42.381 %
32	Albania	40 %
33	Burkina Faso	35.714 %
34	Argentina	34.762 %
35	Colombia	33.81 %
36	Bangladesh	31.429 %
37	Côte d'Ivoire	27.619 %
38	Azerbaijan	24.286 %
39	Benin	23.81 %
40	Algeria	22.381 %
41	Belize	21.429 %
42	Angola	18.095 %
43	Cambodia	17.143 %
44	Belarus	14.286 %
45	Congo	12.381 %
46	Cameroon	11.429 %
47	Bolivia	9.524 %
48	Comoros	8.571 %
49	Chad	7.619 %
50	Burundi	6.667 %
51	Central African Republic	4.286 %
52	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	2.857 %
53	Afghanistan	2.381 %
54	Cook Islands	NaN %
55	Finland	100 %
56	Norway	99.524 %
57	New Zealand	99.048 %
58	Luxembourg	95.714 %
59	Liechtenstein	95.238 %
60	Netherlands	94.762 %
61	Monaco	89.048 %
62	Portugal	85.238 %
63	Qatar	81.429 %
64	Lithuania	80.952 %
65	Mauritius	78.571 %
66	Malta	78.095 %
67	Palau	74.762 %
68	Saint Lucia	74.286 %
69	Martinique	72.381 %
70	Réunion	72.381 %
71	Puerto Rico	70.952 %
72	Marshall Islands	70.476 %
73	Oman	69.524 %
74	Malaysia	68.571 %
75	Poland	67.619 %
76	Saint Kitts and Nevis	65.714 %
77	Romania	62.857 %
78	Namibia	62.381 %
79	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	56.667 %
80	Rwanda	54.762 %
81	Montenegro	52.857 %
82	Nauru	50.952 %
83	North Macedonia	50.476 %
84	Morocco	47.143 %
85	Maldives	45.714 %
86	Mongolia	44.286 %
87	Malawi	43.81 %
88	Panama	43.333 %
89	Peru	39.524 %
90	Paraguay	37.143 %
91	Nepal	32.857 %
92	Republic of Moldova	32.381 %
93	Niger	30.952 %
94	Mauritania	30 %
95	Mexico	29.048 %
96	Philippines	28.095 %
97	Papua New Guinea	25.714 %
98	Pakistan	25.238 %
99	Russia	21.905 %
100	Nigeria	20.952 %
101	Madagascar	20.476 %
102	Mali	18.571 %
103	Liberia	15.714 %
104	Mozambique	14.762 %
105	Myanmar	10.952 %
106	Nicaragua	10.476 %
107	North Korea	4.762 %
108	Libya	1.905 %
109	Niue	NaN %
110	Singapore	98.571 %
111	Denmark	98.095 %
112	Switzerland	97.619 %
113	Sweden	96.667 %
114	Iceland	96.19 %
115	Greenland	94.286 %
116	Jersey	94.286 %
117	San Marino	92.857 %
118	Germany	90.952 %
119	Japan	90.476 %
120	United Kingdom	90 %
121	Ireland	89.524 %
122	United States	88.571 %
123	Estonia	88.095 %
124	France	87.143 %
125	Taiwan	86.19 %
126	French Guiana	85.714 %
127	South Korea	84.762 %
128	Guam	84.286 %
129	Slovenia	83.333 %
130	Kiribati	82.381 %
131	Samoa	82.381 %
132	Israel	80.476 %
133	Latvia	79.524 %
134	United Arab Emirates	77.619 %
135	United States Virgin Islands	77.143 %
136	Spain	76.667 %
137	Dominica	75.714 %
138	Slovakia	73.81 %
139	Tuvalu	73.333 %
140	Uruguay	72.857 %
141	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	70 %
142	Tonga	66.667 %
143	Hungary	66.19 %
144	Grenada	61.905 %
145	Kuwait	61.429 %
146	Vanuatu	60.952 %
147	Greece	60 %
148	Seychelles	59.048 %
149	Georgia	58.571 %
150	Saudi Arabia	58.095 %
151	Italy	57.619 %
152	Fiji	57.143 %
153	Jordan	56.19 %
154	Tunisia	55.714 %
155	Thailand	55.238 %
156	Sri Lanka	53.81 %
157	Solomon Islands	53.333 %
158	India	52.381 %
159	Ghana	51.905 %
160	Serbia	50 %
161	Suriname	48.571 %
162	Trinidad and Tobago	48.095 %
163	Dominican Republic	47.619 %
164	Vietnam	46.667 %
165	Jamaica	45.238 %
166	South Africa	44.762 %
167	Egypt	41.905 %
168	Senegal	41.429 %
169	Uganda	40.952 %
170	Indonesia	40.476 %
171	Gambia	39.048 %
172	Ethiopia	38.571 %
173	Kosovo	38.095 %
174	Turkey	37.619 %
175	Guyana	36.667 %
176	Kazakhstan	36.19 %
177	State of Palestine	35.238 %
178	Lesotho	34.286 %
179	Eswatini	33.333 %
180	Ecuador	31.905 %
181	Kenya	30.476 %
182	Tanzania	29.524 %
183	Zambia	28.571 %
184	Togo	27.143 %
185	Gabon	26.667 %
186	Sao Tome and Principe	26.19 %
187	Ukraine	24.762 %
188	El Salvador	23.333 %
189	Sierra Leone	22.857 %
190	Laos	20 %
191	Iran	19.524 %
192	Lebanon	19.048 %
193	Kyrgyzstan	17.619 %
194	Honduras	16.667 %
195	Haiti	16.19 %
196	Djibouti	15.238 %
197	Sudan	13.81 %
198	Guatemala	13.333 %
199	Uzbekistan	12.857 %
200	Equatorial Guinea	11.905 %
201	Timor-Leste	10 %
202	Tajikistan	9.048 %
203	Guinea	8.095 %
204	Zimbabwe	7.143 %
205	Turkmenistan	6.19 %
206	Guinea-Bissau	5.714 %
207	Eritrea	5.238 %
208	Yemen	3.81 %
209	Iraq	3.333 %
210	South Sudan	1.429 %
211	Syrian Arab Republic	0.952 %
212	Somalia	0.476 %
213	Venezuela	0 %

↑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

The Rule of Law Index by Country for 2020 provides an insightful measure of how effectively laws are upheld and enforced across the globe. This index reflects confidence in the legal system, courts, police, property rights, and protection from crime and violence, providing a crucial perspective on governance. With countries' scores ranging from a high 100% in Finland to a low 5.24% in Eritrea, the index serves as a barometer for global legal efficacy, highlighting disparities in governance and law enforcement worldwide.

Global Leadership in Rule of Law

In 2020, Finland led the Rule of Law Index with a perfect score of 100%. This achievement underscores Finland’s robust legal framework and high trust in its governmental institutions. Closely following were Norway and New Zealand with scores of 99.52% and 99.05% respectively. These countries exemplify strong governance, characterized by transparent legal systems and effective law enforcement. The top ten list is dominated by European nations, including Denmark (98.10%), Switzerland (97.62%), and Austria (97.14%). These nations benefit from stable political environments and strong public institutions, which are key contributors to their high rule of law rankings.

Challenges in Rule of Law

The bottom tier of the index, featuring countries like Eritrea (5.24%) and Guinea-Bissau (5.71%), highlights the significant challenges faced by some nations. These low scores indicate weak legal institutions and a lack of confidence in judicial systems. Factors such as political instability, corruption, and limited access to justice contribute to such low rankings. This stark contrast between the top and bottom countries in the index underscores the urgent need for international support and reform in these regions to bolster legal systems and improve societal trust in governance.

Regional Variations and Influences

Examining the Rule of Law Index by continent reveals interesting regional patterns. Europe, with its strong democratic traditions, features prominently among the highest-ranked countries. Conversely, many African and Asian nations are found in the lower percentiles. These variations often reflect historical, cultural, and economic differences, as well as the effectiveness of governance. For instance, the presence of Singapore (98.57%) in the top rankings demonstrates the impact that strategic governance and economic policies can have on enhancing the rule of law, even outside of traditionally high-scoring regions like Europe.

Year-over-Year Dynamics

Notable changes from 2019 to 2020 include significant improvements in Qatar (+7.14%) and Peru (+7.14%), attributed to legal reforms and increased investment in public institutions. In contrast, Cyprus experienced a notable decrease of -7.14%, reflecting challenges in maintaining judicial independence and public trust. Such changes provide valuable insights into the dynamic nature of legal frameworks and the impact of policy decisions. The average year-over-year change was relatively stable at around 0.00%, indicative of gradual, rather than rapid, changes in most countries.

Policy Impact and Recommendations

The Rule of Law Index not only measures current standings but also serves as a guide for future policy-making. Countries aiming to improve their standings can draw lessons from top-performing nations, focusing on transparency, judicial independence, and law enforcement efficiency. International collaborations and support for legal reforms in lower-ranked countries could significantly enhance global rule of law standards. Additionally, increased investment in education and public awareness about individual rights can empower citizens and build more resilient legal frameworks. Overall, the 2020 Rule of Law Index is a critical tool for understanding and improving governance structures worldwide.

Insights by country

Spain

In 2020, Spain achieved a Rule of Law Index score of 76.67%, ranking 50th out of 213 countries. This score reflects the country's commitment to upholding legal frameworks, protecting fundamental rights, and maintaining an independent judiciary.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Spain's robust legal institutions and efforts to combat corruption, although challenges remain, particularly regarding bureaucratic inefficiencies and regional tensions. Factors such as economic stability and active civil society also contribute positively to the rule of law environment.

Interestingly, Spain's score is comparable to other Western European nations, indicating a strong alignment with the principles of democracy and governance. However, ongoing issues, including political polarization and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, pose potential risks to maintaining this level of legal integrity.

Maldives

The Maldives ranks 115th out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index for the year 2020, with a score of 45.71%. This ranking indicates significant challenges related to governance, legal processes, and the protection of fundamental rights within the country.

This relatively low score can be attributed to various factors, including political instability, limitations on judicial independence, and concerns regarding human rights practices. The political landscape has often been marred by conflicts and power struggles, which can undermine the efficacy of the legal system.

Interestingly, the Maldives has faced issues such as corruption and lack of accountability in governmental institutions, which further complicate the adherence to the rule of law. Such dynamics not only affect domestic policy but also impact international perceptions and relations.

Seychelles

Seychelles ranks 87th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index for the year 2020. The country's score is 59.05%, indicating a moderate level of adherence to the principles of rule of law compared to other nations globally.

This ranking reflects various aspects of governance, including the effectiveness of the judiciary, the accountability of government officials, and the protection of fundamental rights. Seychelles has made strides in improving its legal framework; however, challenges remain, particularly concerning transparency and the effectiveness of legal institutions.

Factors contributing to Seychelles' ranking may include its small population size, which can complicate the implementation of law and policy, as well as economic dependencies on tourism that may influence regulatory priorities. Additionally, the political landscape and historical contexts play significant roles in shaping the rule of law in the nation.

Poland

In 2020, Poland achieved a Rule of Law Index score of 67.62%, ranking 69th out of 213 countries. This score reflects the country's commitment to maintaining the rule of law, which encompasses factors such as judicial independence, accountability of public officials, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Several factors contribute to Poland's position on the Rule of Law Index. Notably, concerns regarding judicial reforms and government influence over the judiciary have raised questions about the independence of the legal system. Additionally, the political climate and changes in legislation have sparked debates about the balance of power between the government and the judiciary, impacting public perceptions of legal fairness and justice.

Poland's score is relatively high compared to other countries in the region, but it also underscores ongoing challenges related to the rule of law, which can affect foreign investment and public trust in governmental institutions. Interestingly, Poland was previously ranked higher, illustrating a decline in its rule of law standing amid political developments and reforms in recent years.

Réunion

In 2020, Réunion achieved a commendable Rule of Law Index score of 72.38%, ranking 61 out of 213 countries. This score reflects the island's relatively strong adherence to the principles of law, including access to justice, accountability, and fundamental rights.

The high ranking can be attributed to several factors, including its status as an overseas department of France, which ensures a robust legal framework and governance structures aligned with European standards. Additionally, Réunion benefits from a stable political environment and institutional integrity, contributing to its effective law enforcement and judicial systems.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Réunion's legal system is influenced by French law, which emphasizes human rights and the rule of law, thus fostering a climate of legal security. Such factors help maintain social order and public trust in the judicial process, essential elements for a high Rule of Law Index.

New Zealand

In 2020, New Zealand achieved a remarkable third place ranking out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index, with an impressive score of 99.05%. This high ranking reflects the country's strong legal framework, independent judiciary, and effective enforcement of laws.

The Rule of Law Index evaluates various factors, including the protection of fundamental rights, the accountability of government officials, and the accessibility of justice. New Zealand's success in these areas can be attributed to its stable political environment, robust democratic institutions, and a well-functioning legal system that emphasizes transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, New Zealand is known for its low levels of corruption and a high degree of civic engagement, which contribute to public trust in the legal system. The country consistently ranks among the top nations for governance and civil liberties, highlighting its commitment to upholding the rule of law as a cornerstone of its democratic society.

Liechtenstein

In 2020, Liechtenstein achieved a remarkable Rule of Law Index score of 95.238098%, ranking 11th out of 213 countries. This high ranking indicates a strong commitment to the rule of law, reflecting effective governance, judicial independence, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Several factors contribute to Liechtenstein's impressive score, including its well-established legal framework, low levels of corruption, and a high degree of political stability. The principality's small population and efficient government structure facilitate swift legislative processes and enforcement of laws.

Additionally, Liechtenstein benefits from a robust financial sector that operates under strict regulatory standards, further enhancing its legal integrity. Notably, the country also enjoys a high standard of living and strong economic performance, which often correlate with effective governance and rule of law.

Namibia

In 2020, Namibia ranked 80th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, with a score of 62.38%. This positioning reflects the country's commitment to upholding the rule of law, effective governance, and respect for human rights.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Namibia's stable political environment, a functioning judiciary, and the protection of civil liberties. However, challenges such as corruption, economic disparities, and social injustices remain significant issues that can undermine the rule of law.

Comparatively, Namibia's performance is indicative of a broader trend in the Southern African region, where countries often grapple with similar governance challenges. As of 2020, Namibia's score highlights both its strengths and areas needing improvement in the pursuit of justice and equitable access to legal resources.

Paraguay

In 2020, Paraguay ranked 133rd out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, with a score of 37.14%. This index measures various aspects of the rule of law, including the effectiveness of government, the independence of the judiciary, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Paraguay's relatively low score reflects challenges in governance, including issues related to corruption, a lack of judicial independence, and limited access to justice for its citizens. These challenges may stem from historical political instability, economic inequality, and inadequate resources allocated to law enforcement and judicial systems.

Additionally, the index highlights the importance of a strong legal framework in fostering democratic governance and social stability. Paraguay's situation is indicative of broader regional trends in Latin America, where many countries face similar obstacles in establishing robust rule of law mechanisms.

Niue

In 2020, Niue ranked 212 out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index, indicating significant challenges in the governance and legal framework of the nation. The index value for Niue was noted as null %, suggesting a lack of available data or severe shortcomings in legal and institutional reliability.

This ranking reflects a variety of factors, including the island's small population and limited resources, which may hinder the establishment and maintenance of robust legal institutions. Furthermore, the geographic isolation of Niue can contribute to difficulties in implementing effective governance and rule of law mechanisms.

Interestingly, despite these challenges, Niue is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, which provides certain governmental supports. However, the low ranking underscores the need for ongoing efforts to strengthen legal systems and enhance the rule of law for the benefit of its citizens.

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.

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996