Belize Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Belize's rule of law was -0.55 in 2025, ranked 140th globally. This represents a 13.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Belize's rule of law stood at -0.55 in 2025, a rise of +0.09 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.55 by 2025. Belize ranked 140th globally.
Belize's Rule of Law indicator, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 26 years, ranging from a peak of 0.19 in 2003 to a trough of -0.97 in 2017. The indicator has been steadily declining since 2017, currently standing at -0.55, ranking it 140th globally. This trajectory is comparable to that of Zambia, another country with a similar ranking. In contrast, Belize's peak in 2003 was higher than that of Uganda, which ranked 50th globally with a score of -0.50 at the time. The recent decline in Belize's Rule of Law indicator suggests a deterioration in the country's governance environment. A sustained improvement in the rule of law could be achieved through enhanced judicial independence, reduced corruption, and increased legislative transparency.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.49 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.55 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.55 | +0.09 | #140 |
| 2023 | -0.64 | +0.08 | #146 |
| 2022 | -0.72 | +0.08 | #152 |
| 2021 | -0.80 | +0.03 | #155 |
| 2020 | -0.83 | +0.03 | #159 |
| 2019 | -0.86 | −0.01 | #159 |
| 2018 | -0.84 | +0.13 | #162 |
| 2017 | -0.97 | −0.00 | #171 |
| 2016 | -0.97 | −0.18 | #168 |
| 2015 | -0.79 | +0.02 | #154 |
| 2014 | -0.81 | −0.36 | #157 |
| 2013 | -0.45 | −0.02 | #118 |
| 2012 | -0.44 | +0.03 | #119 |
| 2011 | -0.47 | −0.19 | #123 |
| 2010 | -0.28 | +0.04 | #108 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belize matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1990. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belize's rule of law was -0.55 in 2025. Ranked 140th globally. This represents a 13.6% increase from the previous year.
Belize's rule of law peaked at 0.19 in 2003.
The lowest rule of law in Belize was -0.97 in 2017.
Belize ranks 140th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Belize's rule of law is projected to reach -0.55 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Belize in 2025 was -0.55. This ranks 140th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belize_rule-of-law,
title = {Belize Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belize/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}