Eswatini Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Eswatini's rule of law was -0.71 in 2025, ranked 153rd globally. This represents a 19.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Eswatini's rule of law stood at -0.71 in 2025, a decline of +0.12 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.71 by 2025. Eswatini ranked 153rd globally.
Eswatini’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has slipped to –0.71 in 2025, placing the kingdom at 153rd in the global ranking and marginally worse than peers such as Lao PDR (–0.69) and the West Bank and Gaza (–0.72). The index, which ranges from –2.5 (weak) to 2.5 (strong), fell from a modest peak of –0.27 in 2017, the highest level recorded in the 26‑year series, to an all‑time trough of –0.88 in 2005, when the legal framework was most compromised. Since the 2017 high, the downward trajectory has been steady, with the latest figure representing a 0.44‑point decline from the peak and a 0.24‑point improvement over the 2005 low. The persistent erosion reflects ongoing challenges in judicial independence, enforcement of contracts and protection of property rights. Strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing transparency could reverse the current slide and set the country on a more positive governance path.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.75 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.71 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.71 | −0.12 | #153 |
| 2023 | -0.60 | +0.05 | #145 |
| 2022 | -0.65 | −0.07 | #149 |
| 2021 | -0.58 | −0.08 | #139 |
| 2020 | -0.50 | −0.02 | #134 |
| 2019 | -0.48 | −0.20 | #133 |
| 2018 | -0.28 | −0.00 | #112 |
| 2017 | -0.27 | +0.10 | #111 |
| 2016 | -0.38 | −0.06 | #125 |
| 2015 | -0.32 | −0.01 | #111 |
| 2014 | -0.31 | +0.18 | #112 |
| 2013 | -0.49 | +0.04 | #121 |
| 2012 | -0.54 | −0.00 | #127 |
| 2011 | -0.53 | −0.06 | #131 |
| 2010 | -0.47 | +0.01 | #123 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Eswatini matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. 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
Eswatini's rule of law was -0.71 in 2025. Ranked 153rd globally. This represents a 19.3% decrease from the previous year.
Eswatini's rule of law peaked at -0.27 in 2017.
The lowest rule of law in Eswatini was -0.88 in 2005.
Eswatini ranks 153rd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Eswatini's rule of law is projected to reach -0.71 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Eswatini in 2025 was -0.71. This ranks 153rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_eswatini_rule-of-law,
title = {Eswatini Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/eswatini/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}