Hong Kong SAR, China Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
Hong Kong SAR, China's government effectiveness was 1.46 in 2025, ranked 18th globally. This represents a 6.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's government effectiveness stood at 1.46 in 2025, a decline of +0.10 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.46 by 2025. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 18th globally.
Hong Kong SAR’s Government Effectiveness score rose from an all‑time trough of 1.04 in 1996 to a peak of 1.91 in 2006, reflecting substantial improvements in policy formulation, implementation and regulatory quality during that decade. After the peak, the indicator moderated, reaching 1.46 in 2025, which places Hong Kong at 18th position globally and just below peers such as Liechtenstein (1.47) and Brunei Darussalam (1.49). The 26‑year coverage shows a long‑run upward trajectory, yet the recent decline from the 2006 high suggests that gains have slowed, possibly due to heightened political uncertainty and fiscal pressures. Compared with Canada’s 1.43, Hong Kong remains slightly ahead, but the narrowing gap underscores the importance of sustaining transparent institutions and efficient public services. Continued reforms aimed at enhancing bureaucratic accountability and streamlining regulatory processes will be crucial to reverse the modest downturn and keep the effectiveness trend on an upward path.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.43 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.46 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.46 | −0.10 | #18 |
| 2023 | 1.55 | −0.03 | #16 |
| 2022 | 1.59 | +0.10 | #10 |
| 2021 | 1.49 | −0.13 | #15 |
| 2020 | 1.62 | −0.09 | #13 |
| 2019 | 1.71 | −0.15 | #9 |
| 2018 | 1.86 | −0.00 | #6 |
| 2017 | 1.86 | +0.06 | #7 |
| 2016 | 1.80 | −0.07 | #10 |
| 2015 | 1.88 | +0.05 | #3 |
| 2014 | 1.83 | +0.09 | #6 |
| 2013 | 1.74 | −0.09 | #11 |
| 2012 | 1.83 | +0.18 | #8 |
| 2011 | 1.64 | −0.03 | #14 |
| 2010 | 1.68 | −0.06 | #14 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hong Kong SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Hong Kong SAR, China's government effectiveness was 1.46 in 2025. Ranked 18th globally. This represents a 6.2% decrease from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's government effectiveness peaked at 1.91 in 2006.
The lowest government effectiveness in Hong Kong SAR, China was 1.04 in 1996.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 18th globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Hong Kong SAR, China's government effectiveness is projected to reach 1.46 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 1.46. This ranks 18th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_government-effectiveness,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}