Colombia Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Colombia's rule of law was -0.48 in 2025, ranked 134th globally. This represents a 3.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Colombia's rule of law stood at -0.48 in 2025, a decline of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.48 by 2025. Colombia ranked 134th globally.
Colombia’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has risen steadily from an early‑year value of –0.75 in 1996 to a 2025 figure of –0.48, placing the country 134th globally. The most favorable reading was recorded in 2011 at –0.22, while the deepest decline occurred in 2000 with a trough of –0.93, illustrating a long‑term improvement after a sharp early‑century dip. Over the 26‑year coverage period the index has moved roughly 0.27 points upward, narrowing the gap with peers such as Panama (–0.44) and Argentina (–0.44) that rank slightly higher. The upward trajectory reflects reforms in judicial independence, anti‑corruption measures and enhanced police accountability, yet the score remains well below the neutral zero benchmark, indicating persistent challenges in legal enforcement and property rights protection. Continued institutional strengthening, particularly in case backlog reduction and transparent procurement, will be essential to sustain the modest gains and push Colombia closer to the performance of its better‑ranked regional counterparts.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.48 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.48 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.48 | −0.02 | #134 |
| 2023 | -0.46 | −0.03 | #131 |
| 2022 | -0.43 | +0.04 | #125 |
| 2021 | -0.47 | +0.02 | #132 |
| 2020 | -0.49 | −0.10 | #133 |
| 2019 | -0.39 | −0.01 | #122 |
| 2018 | -0.38 | −0.02 | #123 |
| 2017 | -0.37 | −0.10 | #122 |
| 2016 | -0.27 | −0.02 | #110 |
| 2015 | -0.25 | +0.01 | #108 |
| 2014 | -0.25 | +0.14 | #108 |
| 2013 | -0.39 | −0.06 | #116 |
| 2012 | -0.33 | −0.11 | #110 |
| 2011 | -0.22 | +0.05 | #102 |
| 2010 | -0.27 | +0.10 | #107 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Colombia matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2023. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Colombia's rule of law was -0.48 in 2025. Ranked 134th globally. This represents a 3.9% decrease from the previous year.
Colombia's rule of law peaked at -0.22 in 2011.
The lowest rule of law in Colombia was -0.93 in 2000.
Colombia ranks 134th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Colombia's rule of law is projected to reach -0.48 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Colombia in 2025 was -0.48. This ranks 134th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_colombia_rule-of-law,
title = {Colombia Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/colombia/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}