Ecuador Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Ecuador's rule of law was -0.97 in 2025, ranked 165th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Ecuador's rule of law stood at -0.97 in 2025, a decline of +0.01 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.97 by 2025. Ecuador ranked 165th globally.
Ecuador's Rule of Law indicator, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has exhibited fluctuations over the past 26 years. The country's all-time peak of -0.35 in 2021, though still a relatively low score, reflects an improvement from the all-time trough of -1.21 in 2009. Currently, Ecuador ranks #165 globally with a score of -0.97, mirroring the performance of peer countries such as Mexico, which also scored -0.97. This stagnation in Ecuador's Rule of Law score contrasts with the modest gains made by Ukraine, which has shown improvement in recent years. The stagnation in Ecuador's Rule of Law score could be attributed to various factors, including institutional weaknesses and governance challenges. To alter the trajectory, Ecuador would need to prioritize institution-building and reform efforts, focusing on strengthening its judiciary, improving transparency, and enhancing accountability.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.06 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.97 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.97 | −0.01 | #165 |
| 2023 | -0.96 | −0.34 | #163 |
| 2022 | -0.62 | −0.27 | #146 |
| 2021 | -0.35 | +0.19 | #119 |
| 2020 | -0.54 | +0.00 | #137 |
| 2019 | -0.54 | +0.12 | #137 |
| 2018 | -0.66 | +0.05 | #147 |
| 2017 | -0.72 | −0.07 | #150 |
| 2016 | -0.65 | +0.31 | #142 |
| 2015 | -0.96 | +0.01 | #172 |
| 2014 | -0.97 | −0.10 | #172 |
| 2013 | -0.87 | +0.19 | #160 |
| 2012 | -1.06 | +0.08 | #173 |
| 2011 | -1.14 | −0.00 | #177 |
| 2010 | -1.14 | +0.06 | #178 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ecuador matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. 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
Ecuador's rule of law was -0.97 in 2025. Ranked 165th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Ecuador's rule of law peaked at -0.35 in 2021.
The lowest rule of law in Ecuador was -1.21 in 2009.
Ecuador ranks 165th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Ecuador's rule of law is projected to reach -0.97 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Ecuador in 2025 was -0.97. This ranks 165th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ecuador_rule-of-law,
title = {Ecuador Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ecuador/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}