Rule of Law Index by Country 2025
Compare countries by Rule of Law percentile rank, reflecting confidence in laws, courts, police, property rights, and protection from crime and violence.
Interactive Map
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
Montenegro
Montenegro ranks 128th out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index for the year 2025. This ranking indicates a significant challenge in upholding legal frameworks and ensuring justice within the country, as the specific value for the index remains null%, suggesting a lack of available metrics or assessments in certain areas.
Factors contributing to Montenegro's low ranking may include issues such as political instability, corruption, and inefficiencies within the judicial system. These elements can undermine public trust in legal institutions and hinder effective governance.
In a broader context, Montenegro's position reflects ongoing struggles faced by many countries in the region regarding the rule of law, which can impact foreign investment and overall economic development. Historically, the country has grappled with issues related to national governance and the transition towards EU integration, which could also influence its legal and institutional frameworks.
Nigeria
Nigeria ranks 139 out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index for the year 2025. This ranking highlights significant challenges in the enforcement of laws and the overall judicial system within the country, reflecting a null percent score in the index, which indicates a critical lack of effective legal frameworks and protections for citizens.
The low ranking can be attributed to various factors, including widespread corruption, inadequate legal infrastructure, and a lack of access to justice for many Nigerians. Additionally, the influence of informal and traditional justice systems often undermines formal legal institutions, leading to inconsistencies and a perception of injustice among the populace.
Furthermore, Nigeria's ongoing struggles with insecurity, particularly due to insurgency and ethnic conflicts, exacerbate the rule of law situation. This is compounded by economic challenges, which often lead to increased crime rates and a diminished trust in law enforcement agencies. In comparison to other countries in the region, Nigeria's rule of law indicators remain a significant concern, impacting governance and social stability.
Oman
In 2025, Oman ranks 144th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, indicating challenges in the enforcement of laws and legal frameworks within the nation. The specific value for the index is recorded as null %, which suggests a lack of available data or significant issues in measuring the effectiveness of legal institutions.
This ranking reflects various factors, including limited judicial independence, constraints on political rights, and challenges in transparency and accountability within governmental institutions. Oman has historically maintained a more centralized and authoritarian style of governance, which can impede the development of robust legal systems.
Additionally, the country's legal framework is influenced by its cultural and religious context, which may also affect the application of laws and access to justice. As a result, while Oman has made strides in some areas of governance, its Rule of Law Index ranking highlights ongoing areas for improvement to enhance legal protections and uphold civil liberties.
Madagascar
In 2025, Madagascar ranks 114 out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index. This ranking reflects a null % value, indicating significant challenges in the adherence to the rule of law within the country.
Factors contributing to this ranking include issues such as corruption, limited access to justice, and political instability, which undermine the effectiveness of legal institutions. Additionally, the lack of resources and training for law enforcement and judicial personnel exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for citizens to rely on legal frameworks for protection and resolution of disputes.
Interestingly, Madagascar's geographic isolation and economic challenges, including a high level of poverty and dependence on agriculture, further complicate efforts to strengthen the rule of law. As a result, the country faces ongoing struggles in governance and civil rights, which are critical for fostering a stable and just society.
Philippines
In 2025, the Philippines ranks 151 out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index. This ranking indicates significant challenges in the country's adherence to the rule of law, as it has a notably low score that is null %, suggesting a lack of reliable data or extreme deficiencies in governance and legal frameworks.
The low ranking can be attributed to various factors, including issues related to corruption, political instability, and inadequate access to justice. The judicial system in the Philippines has faced criticism for being inefficient and susceptible to political influence, which undermines public trust in legal institutions.
Additionally, the Philippines has been grappling with human rights concerns and extrajudicial killings, particularly in relation to the government's war on drugs. These issues further complicate the enforcement of laws and the general perception of safety and justice within the country.
Malawi
In 2025, Malawi holds the rank of 115 out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index, indicating a moderate position regarding the effectiveness of its legal and judicial systems. The specific value of the index for Malawi remains null %, suggesting that while the country is assessed, quantifiable data on its rule of law performance may not be available or has not been disclosed.
This ranking reflects various challenges faced by Malawi, including issues related to corruption, judicial independence, and enforcement of laws. Factors such as limited resources for the judicial system, political interference, and public trust in legal institutions contribute to its overall performance on the index.
Additionally, Malawi's legal framework is impacted by socio-economic conditions, where high poverty rates and limited access to legal representation hinder the ability of citizens to seek justice. These elements are critical as they influence both the perception and reality of the rule of law within the country.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
In the year 2025, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranks 163rd out of 213 countries on the Rule of Law Index. This ranking reflects significant challenges in areas such as governance, legal frameworks, and the protection of civil liberties within the country.
The null percentage value associated with this ranking indicates potential gaps in data or measurement, which could point towards issues in the transparency or effectiveness of the legal system. Factors contributing to this low ranking may include political instability, limited resources for law enforcement, and challenges in ensuring judicial independence.
In addition, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines faces problems related to corruption and crime, which can undermine public trust in legal institutions. These challenges are compounded by economic constraints, as the country relies heavily on tourism and agriculture, sectors that can be sensitive to disruptions in rule of law and governance.
Mozambique
Mozambique ranks 130th out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index for the year 2025. This ranking indicates significant challenges in the country's adherence to the rule of law, with an absence of a quantified value reflecting the complexities of legal frameworks and governance.
The low ranking can be attributed to multiple factors including corruption, inadequate judicial independence, and limited access to justice. These issues hinder effective law enforcement and often result in violations of human rights, undermining public trust in legal institutions.
Moreover, Mozambique faces ongoing challenges such as political instability and economic difficulties, which further complicate the establishment of a robust rule of law framework. Historical conflicts and recent natural disasters have also contributed to governance issues, affecting the overall legal environment.
Belgium
In 2025, Belgium achieved a commendable 20th rank out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index, indicating a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law. Although the specific value of the index remains null %, this ranking suggests that Belgium maintains a robust legal framework and governance system.
Several factors contribute to Belgium's high ranking, including its well-established judicial system, respect for human rights, and active civil society. The country's democratic principles are supported by comprehensive laws that protect individual freedoms and ensure accountability.
Additionally, Belgium's political stability and effective law enforcement agencies play a critical role in promoting the rule of law. However, challenges remain, such as addressing regional disparities and enhancing public trust in institutions, which could further improve its standing in future assessments.
Antigua and Barbuda
In the year 2025, Antigua and Barbuda achieved a remarkable 8th place ranking out of 213 countries in the Rule of Law Index. This positioning reflects the country's strong commitment to governance, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights, although the exact percentage value is listed as null.
The high ranking can be attributed to several factors, including a well-established legal framework, an independent judiciary, and effective law enforcement agencies that contribute to maintaining public order and safety. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda's government has focused on enhancing transparency and accountability within its institutions, fostering trust in the rule of law.
Moreover, Antigua and Barbuda's ranking is indicative of its stable political climate and engagement in international legal standards, which contrasts with challenges faced by many other nations in the Caribbean. Interestingly, the country is often noted for its tourism sector's reliance on safety and security, which further emphasizes the importance of a robust legal system for economic sustainability.
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.