Guatemala Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
Guatemala's government effectiveness was -1.02 in 2025, ranked 169th globally. This represents a 13.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Guatemala's government effectiveness stood at -1.02 in 2025, a decline of +0.12 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.02 by 2025. Guatemala ranked 169th globally.
Guatemala’s Government Effectiveness score has deteriorated markedly over the 26‑year series, slipping from a modest –0.45 in 1996 to –1.02 in 2025, the lowest point recorded and the country’s all‑time trough. The brief improvement in 1998, when the index rose to its peak of –0.35, was not sustained, and the subsequent decline has been steady, placing Guatemala at rank 169 globally. Compared with regional peers, Honduras registers a slightly better –0.98, while the Kyrgyz Republic trails marginally at –1.03, underscoring that Guatemala now lags behind most middle‑income economies in delivering quality public services, policy formulation, and implementation. The persistent slide reflects chronic challenges in bureaucratic capacity, accountability and regulatory quality, which have intensified in the post‑2000 era. If reforms strengthen institutional capacity and enhance merit‑based recruitment, the downward trajectory could be reversed, offering a modest prospect for incremental improvement in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.07 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.02 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.02 | −0.12 | #169 |
| 2023 | -0.90 | +0.01 | #165 |
| 2022 | -0.91 | −0.12 | #169 |
| 2021 | -0.78 | −0.07 | #157 |
| 2020 | -0.71 | +0.01 | #150 |
| 2019 | -0.73 | −0.01 | #149 |
| 2018 | -0.72 | −0.03 | #154 |
| 2017 | -0.69 | −0.04 | #150 |
| 2016 | -0.65 | +0.12 | #144 |
| 2015 | -0.77 | −0.01 | #158 |
| 2014 | -0.76 | −0.04 | #156 |
| 2013 | -0.73 | +0.06 | #147 |
| 2012 | -0.79 | −0.06 | #151 |
| 2011 | -0.72 | −0.00 | #148 |
| 2010 | -0.72 | −0.01 | #144 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Guatemala matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Guatemala's government effectiveness was -1.02 in 2025. Ranked 169th globally. This represents a 13.7% decrease from the previous year.
Guatemala's government effectiveness peaked at -0.35 in 1998.
The lowest government effectiveness in Guatemala was -1.02 in 2025.
Guatemala ranks 169th globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Guatemala's government effectiveness is projected to reach -1.02 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of Guatemala in 2025 was -1.02. This ranks 169th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_guatemala_government-effectiveness,
title = {Guatemala Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/guatemala/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}