El Salvador Regulatory Quality
Regulatory Quality RQ.EST
El Salvador's regulatory quality was -0.62 in 2025, ranked 144th globally. This represents a 100.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
El Salvador's regulatory quality stood at -0.62 in 2025, a decline of +0.31 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.62 by 2025. El Salvador ranked 144th globally.
El Salvador’s regulatory quality has deteriorated markedly over the 26‑year series, slipping from a modest –0.19 in 1996 to a historic low of –0.62 in 2025, the worst reading since the series began and placing the country at rank 144 globally. The only episode of improvement came in 2011, when the index briefly rose to its all‑time peak of 0.40, suggesting that earlier reforms temporarily enhanced the predictability and impartiality of regulations. Since then, the downward trajectory has accelerated, outpacing peers such as Lesotho (–0.61) and Egypt (–0.63) and converging with Argentina’s –0.66, indicating a regional convergence toward weaker regulatory environments. The persistent decline reflects challenges in ensuring transparent rule‑making, consistent enforcement, and protection of property rights. If policy makers strengthen institutional capacity and restore confidence in the regulatory framework, the negative trend could be reversed; otherwise, the index is likely to remain near its current trough.
Data & projection
| Year | Regulatory Quality | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.71 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.62 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.62 | −0.31 | #144 |
| 2023 | -0.31 | +0.15 | #121 |
| 2022 | -0.46 | −0.10 | #131 |
| 2021 | -0.36 | −0.28 | #122 |
| 2020 | -0.09 | −0.05 | #102 |
| 2019 | -0.04 | −0.02 | #98 |
| 2018 | -0.02 | +0.15 | #94 |
| 2017 | -0.17 | −0.12 | #109 |
| 2016 | -0.05 | −0.12 | #97 |
| 2015 | 0.07 | −0.15 | #90 |
| 2014 | 0.22 | −0.00 | #76 |
| 2013 | 0.23 | −0.00 | #80 |
| 2012 | 0.23 | −0.18 | #83 |
| 2011 | 0.40 | +0.07 | #71 |
| 2010 | 0.34 | +0.05 | #73 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
El Salvador matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 1989. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw regulatory quality improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
El Salvador's regulatory quality was -0.62 in 2025. Ranked 144th globally. This represents a 100.9% decrease from the previous year.
El Salvador's regulatory quality peaked at 0.40 in 2011.
The lowest regulatory quality in El Salvador was -0.62 in 2025.
El Salvador ranks 144th globally in regulatory quality as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RQ.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
El Salvador's regulatory quality is projected to reach -0.62 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The regulatory quality of El Salvador in 2025 was -0.62. This ranks 144th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_el-salvador_regulatory-quality,
title = {El Salvador Regulatory Quality},
url = {https://historysaid.com/el-salvador/regulatory-quality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}