Argentina Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Argentina's rule of law was -0.44 in 2025, ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 7.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Argentina's rule of law stood at -0.44 in 2025, a decline of +0.03 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.44 by 2025. Argentina ranked 132nd globally.
Argentina’s rule‑of‑law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators stands at –0.44 in 2025, placing the country 132nd out of 193 nations and tying it with peers such as Papua New Guinea (–0.44) and Panama (–0.44). The index, which ranges from –2.5 (weakest) to 2.5 (strongest), has covered 26 years of data, beginning in 1996 when Argentina recorded its all‑time peak of 0.08. The subsequent decline accelerated after the 2001 financial crisis, reaching an all‑time trough of –0.87 in 2014, a level that remains far below the 1996 benchmark. Compared with regional neighbours, Argentina’s score lags behind Colombia (–0.48) and is comparable to Kazakhstan (–0.43), reflecting persistent challenges in judicial independence, contract enforcement and corruption control. If reforms that strengthen judicial capacity and reduce political interference are implemented, the downward trajectory could be halted and the score may begin to improve in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.44 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.44 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.44 | −0.03 | #132 |
| 2023 | -0.41 | +0.07 | #127 |
| 2022 | -0.48 | −0.00 | #134 |
| 2021 | -0.48 | +0.01 | #133 |
| 2020 | -0.49 | −0.06 | #131 |
| 2019 | -0.43 | −0.21 | #127 |
| 2018 | -0.22 | +0.02 | #107 |
| 2017 | -0.24 | +0.08 | #109 |
| 2016 | -0.32 | +0.43 | #116 |
| 2015 | -0.75 | +0.12 | #148 |
| 2014 | -0.87 | −0.21 | #161 |
| 2013 | -0.66 | −0.03 | #137 |
| 2012 | -0.62 | −0.06 | #138 |
| 2011 | -0.56 | +0.03 | #136 |
| 2010 | -0.60 | +0.10 | #137 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Argentina matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Argentina's rule of law was -0.44 in 2025. Ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 7.6% decrease from the previous year.
Argentina's rule of law peaked at 0.08 in 1996.
The lowest rule of law in Argentina was -0.87 in 2014.
Argentina ranks 132nd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Argentina's rule of law is projected to reach -0.44 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Argentina in 2025 was -0.44. This ranks 132nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_argentina_rule-of-law,
title = {Argentina Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/argentina/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}