Italy Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Italy's rule of law was 0.41 in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 5.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Italy's rule of law stood at 0.41 in 2025, a rise of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.41 by 2025. Italy ranked 76th globally.
Italy's Rule of Law index has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 26 years, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The country's all-time peak of 1.06 in 1996, amidst a period of relative political stability, contrasts sharply with its all-time trough of 0.21 in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns. This decline indicates a substantial erosion of trust in the country's institutions. In comparison, Botswana maintained a relatively stable Rule of Law index, reaching a value of 0.42, highlighting the potential for stronger governance in Italy. Currently, Italy ranks 76th globally, with a score of 0.41. While the country has made efforts to address these issues, sustained improvements in the Rule of Law index will require sustained commitment to institutional reforms and improved governance practices. A reversal of the decline in trust in institutions could potentially alter the trajectory of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.44 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.41 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.41 | +0.02 | #76 |
| 2023 | 0.39 | +0.09 | #78 |
| 2022 | 0.30 | +0.06 | #83 |
| 2021 | 0.24 | +0.03 | #83 |
| 2020 | 0.21 | −0.07 | #84 |
| 2019 | 0.27 | +0.03 | #78 |
| 2018 | 0.24 | −0.08 | #80 |
| 2017 | 0.32 | −0.05 | #75 |
| 2016 | 0.37 | +0.08 | #74 |
| 2015 | 0.29 | −0.13 | #74 |
| 2014 | 0.42 | −0.01 | #64 |
| 2013 | 0.44 | +0.01 | #71 |
| 2012 | 0.43 | −0.06 | #70 |
| 2011 | 0.48 | +0.03 | #70 |
| 2010 | 0.45 | +0.06 | #71 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Italy matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1986. 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
Italy's rule of law was 0.41 in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
Italy's rule of law peaked at 1.06 in 1996.
The lowest rule of law in Italy was 0.21 in 2020.
Italy ranks 76th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Italy's rule of law is projected to reach 0.41 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Italy in 2025 was 0.41. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_italy_rule-of-law,
title = {Italy Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/italy/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}