Costa Rica Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
Costa Rica's government effectiveness was 0.09 in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 66.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's government effectiveness stood at 0.09 in 2025, a decline of +0.17 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.09 by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 92nd globally.
Costa Rica's Government Effectiveness has displayed significant fluctuations over the past two and a half decades, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The country's all-time peak of 0.47 in 2012 suggests a relatively high level of effective governance during this period. Conversely, the all-time trough of 0.03 in 2006 indicates a low point in the country's ability to deliver public services effectively. The latest reading of 0.09 in 2025 places Costa Rica at #92 globally, comparable to Azerbaijan and Grenada, which also recorded the same score. This ranking is below Thailand's 0.10 but slightly above Morocco's 0.07. The trajectory of Costa Rica's Government Effectiveness has been marked by a general decline since its peak in 2012. A sustained commitment to public sector reforms and investments in institutional capacity could help reverse this trend, potentially leading to improved governance outcomes in the years to come.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.06 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.09 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.09 | −0.17 | #92 |
| 2023 | 0.26 | +0.21 | #77 |
| 2022 | 0.05 | −0.17 | #89 |
| 2021 | 0.22 | +0.03 | #80 |
| 2020 | 0.20 | −0.15 | #79 |
| 2019 | 0.35 | −0.01 | #66 |
| 2018 | 0.35 | +0.13 | #65 |
| 2017 | 0.22 | −0.06 | #76 |
| 2016 | 0.28 | −0.02 | #67 |
| 2015 | 0.31 | −0.06 | #66 |
| 2014 | 0.36 | −0.09 | #62 |
| 2013 | 0.46 | −0.02 | #63 |
| 2012 | 0.47 | +0.19 | #64 |
| 2011 | 0.28 | −0.02 | #71 |
| 2010 | 0.30 | −0.02 | #71 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw government effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's government effectiveness was 0.09 in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 66.0% decrease from the previous year.
Costa Rica's government effectiveness peaked at 0.47 in 2012.
The lowest government effectiveness in Costa Rica was 0.03 in 2006.
Costa Rica ranks 92nd globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Costa Rica's government effectiveness is projected to reach 0.09 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of Costa Rica in 2025 was 0.09. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_government-effectiveness,
title = {Costa Rica Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}