Azerbaijan Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Azerbaijan's rule of law was -0.55 in 2025, ranked 141st globally. This represents a 2.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Azerbaijan's rule of law stood at -0.55 in 2025, a rise of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.55 by 2025. Azerbaijan ranked 141st globally.
Azerbaijan’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has improved modestly since the all‑time trough of –1.20 in 1996, rising to –0.55 in 2025, which places the country at rank 141 globally. The highest recorded value of –0.54 occurred in 2016, indicating that the recent figure is slightly below the brief peak achieved in the mid‑2010s. Over the 26‑year coverage period the index has moved steadily upward, narrowing the gap with peer nations such as Belize (–0.55), Cuba (–0.55) and Zambia (–0.55), while still lagging behind Türkiye (–0.58). The persistence of a negative score reflects enduring challenges in judicial independence, enforcement of contracts and protection of property rights. Continued reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and reducing political interference could accelerate progress, potentially shifting Azerbaijan’s trajectory toward a positive Rule of Law rating in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.53 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.55 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.55 | +0.02 | #141 |
| 2023 | -0.57 | +0.06 | #143 |
| 2022 | -0.63 | −0.02 | #147 |
| 2021 | -0.61 | +0.12 | #143 |
| 2020 | -0.73 | −0.12 | #153 |
| 2019 | -0.61 | +0.01 | #145 |
| 2018 | -0.62 | −0.03 | #144 |
| 2017 | -0.58 | −0.05 | #140 |
| 2016 | -0.54 | +0.18 | #137 |
| 2015 | -0.72 | −0.02 | #145 |
| 2014 | -0.70 | +0.06 | #143 |
| 2013 | -0.76 | +0.12 | #150 |
| 2012 | -0.88 | +0.06 | #159 |
| 2011 | -0.94 | −0.05 | #166 |
| 2010 | -0.89 | −0.01 | #159 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Azerbaijan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Azerbaijan's rule of law was -0.55 in 2025. Ranked 141st globally. This represents a 2.7% increase from the previous year.
Azerbaijan's rule of law peaked at -0.54 in 2016.
The lowest rule of law in Azerbaijan was -1.20 in 1996.
Azerbaijan ranks 141st globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Azerbaijan's rule of law is projected to reach -0.55 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Azerbaijan in 2025 was -0.55. This ranks 141st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_azerbaijan_rule-of-law,
title = {Azerbaijan Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/azerbaijan/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}