Congo, Democratic Republic of Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Congo, Democratic Republic of's rule of law was -1.56 in 2025, ranked 190th globally. This represents a 6.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's rule of law stood at -1.56 in 2025, a rise of +0.11 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.56 by 2025. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 190th globally.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Rule of Law has fluctuated significantly over the past 26 years, with a current ranking of 190 globally, at -1.56 on the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) scale. While the country experienced a slight improvement in the mid-2010s, peaking at -1.46 in 2014, its rule of law has largely deteriorated since then. The 1998 low of -1.92 remains the trough, and the current ranking is comparable to that of Turkmenistan, which ranks at -1.55. Notably, the Congo's rule of law has been in decline since the early 2000s, with a few brief periods of improvement, such as the 2014 peak. The trajectory suggests a continuation of this downward trend unless significant reforms are implemented to strengthen the country's institutions and promote accountability.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.52 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.56 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.56 | +0.11 | #190 |
| 2023 | -1.67 | +0.00 | #194 |
| 2022 | -1.67 | +0.05 | #195 |
| 2021 | -1.72 | +0.10 | #196 |
| 2020 | -1.82 | −0.01 | #198 |
| 2019 | -1.81 | −0.01 | #200 |
| 2018 | -1.80 | −0.09 | #199 |
| 2017 | -1.71 | −0.06 | #196 |
| 2016 | -1.65 | −0.05 | #194 |
| 2015 | -1.60 | −0.14 | #199 |
| 2014 | -1.46 | +0.12 | #196 |
| 2013 | -1.59 | +0.08 | #198 |
| 2012 | -1.66 | −0.04 | #202 |
| 2011 | -1.63 | +0.00 | #200 |
| 2010 | -1.63 | +0.02 | #198 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Congo, Democratic Republic of matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. 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
Congo, Democratic Republic of's rule of law was -1.56 in 2025. Ranked 190th globally. This represents a 6.3% increase from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's rule of law peaked at -1.46 in 2014.
The lowest rule of law in Congo, Democratic Republic of was -1.92 in 1998.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 190th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's rule of law is projected to reach -1.56 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was -1.56. This ranks 190th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_rule-of-law,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}