Costa Rica Voice and Accountability
Voice and Accountability VA.EST
Costa Rica's voice and accountability was 1.05 in 2025, ranked 38th globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's voice and accountability stood at 1.05 in 2025, a decline of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.05 by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 38th globally.
Costa Rica's Voice and Accountability (V&A) score, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has exhibited a generally upward trajectory over the past 26 years. The country's all-time peak in 2015, with a score of 1.15, reflects a period of significant improvement in governance. However, the score dipped to its all-time trough in 2005, reaching 0.82. Notably, Costa Rica's V&A score in 2025 stands at 1.05, placing it among the top 40 globally. This ranking is comparable to that of Slovenia, which shares a similar score. In comparison to Micronesia, Federated States of, which boasts a score of 1.07, Costa Rica still lags. The gradual progression of Costa Rica's V&A score suggests a continued emphasis on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability. A potential reversal in this trend could be triggered by a decline in the country's judicial independence or the erosion of checks on executive power.
Data & projection
| Year | Voice and Accountability | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.04 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.05 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.05 | −0.02 | #38 |
| 2023 | 1.07 | −0.00 | #36 |
| 2022 | 1.07 | −0.01 | #33 |
| 2021 | 1.08 | −0.04 | #31 |
| 2020 | 1.12 | +0.03 | #27 |
| 2019 | 1.09 | −0.02 | #31 |
| 2018 | 1.12 | −0.00 | #31 |
| 2017 | 1.12 | +0.00 | #30 |
| 2016 | 1.12 | −0.03 | #30 |
| 2015 | 1.15 | +0.01 | #27 |
| 2014 | 1.14 | +0.06 | #29 |
| 2013 | 1.08 | −0.01 | #34 |
| 2012 | 1.09 | +0.03 | #33 |
| 2011 | 1.05 | +0.01 | #38 |
| 2010 | 1.04 | +0.03 | #40 |
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 voice and accountability improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's voice and accountability was 1.05 in 2025. Ranked 38th globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from the previous year.
Costa Rica's voice and accountability peaked at 1.15 in 2015.
The lowest voice and accountability in Costa Rica was 0.82 in 2005.
Costa Rica ranks 38th globally in voice and accountability as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is VA.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Costa Rica's voice and accountability is projected to reach 1.05 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The voice and accountability of Costa Rica in 2025 was 1.05. This ranks 38th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_voice-accountability,
title = {Costa Rica Voice and Accountability},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/voice-accountability/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}