Canada Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Canada's rule of law was 1.37 in 2025, ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 6.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Canada's rule of law stood at 1.37 in 2025, a decline of +0.10 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.37 by 2025. Canada ranked 22nd globally.
Canada’s rule‑of‑law score has slipped from a high of 1.89 in 2014 to a trough of 1.37 in 2025, placing it 22nd globally out of the World Bank’s 26‑year series. The decline of 0.52 points over eleven years marks the steepest drop among the peer group, with Australia recording a higher 1.42 and the United States a lower 1.31 in the same year. The downward trajectory follows a broader erosion of institutional confidence that began after the 2014 peak, reducing the gap with Lithuania’s 1.34 and narrowing the margin with Monaco’s 1.47. While the 2025 figure remains above the United States, the persistent fall suggests that reforms aimed at strengthening judicial independence and reducing political interference will be crucial to reverse the trend and restore Canada’s former standing.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.32 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.37 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.37 | −0.10 | #22 |
| 2023 | 1.47 | −0.09 | #21 |
| 2022 | 1.56 | −0.03 | #15 |
| 2021 | 1.59 | −0.03 | #17 |
| 2020 | 1.62 | −0.10 | #14 |
| 2019 | 1.72 | +0.00 | #12 |
| 2018 | 1.72 | −0.05 | #12 |
| 2017 | 1.76 | −0.04 | #9 |
| 2016 | 1.80 | −0.01 | #8 |
| 2015 | 1.81 | −0.08 | #10 |
| 2014 | 1.89 | +0.14 | #11 |
| 2013 | 1.75 | −0.01 | #11 |
| 2012 | 1.76 | +0.03 | #11 |
| 2011 | 1.73 | −0.07 | #12 |
| 2010 | 1.80 | +0.00 | #9 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. 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
Canada's rule of law was 1.37 in 2025. Ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 6.7% decrease from the previous year.
Canada's rule of law peaked at 1.89 in 2014.
The lowest rule of law in Canada was 1.37 in 2025.
Canada ranks 22nd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Canada's rule of law is projected to reach 1.37 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Canada in 2025 was 1.37. This ranks 22nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_rule-of-law,
title = {Canada Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}