Japan Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
Japan's government effectiveness was 1.64 in 2025, ranked 8th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Japan's government effectiveness stood at 1.64 in 2025, a rise of +0.00 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.64 by 2025. Japan ranked 8th globally.
Japan's government effectiveness has demonstrated a steady improvement over the past two and a half decades, with the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) showing a notable increase from 0.91 in 1996 to its all-time peak of 1.81 in 2014. The country's ranking has consequently risen, with Japan now standing at 8th globally in 2025 with a score of 1.64. This upward trend is comparable to that of peer countries such as Norway, which has maintained a consistent high ranking throughout the period, albeit with a slightly higher score of 1.85. The 26-year coverage of the data suggests that Japan's government effectiveness has experienced a significant improvement, with a notable shift towards a more effective administration. However, a decline in the country's investment in public services or a rise in corruption could potentially alter this trajectory, shifting the trend towards a less effective government.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.66 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.64 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.64 | +0.00 | #8 |
| 2023 | 1.63 | +0.01 | #8 |
| 2022 | 1.62 | +0.26 | #9 |
| 2021 | 1.36 | −0.19 | #23 |
| 2020 | 1.55 | −0.00 | #17 |
| 2019 | 1.55 | −0.08 | #16 |
| 2018 | 1.63 | +0.05 | #14 |
| 2017 | 1.58 | −0.20 | #17 |
| 2016 | 1.78 | +0.03 | #11 |
| 2015 | 1.75 | −0.05 | #9 |
| 2014 | 1.81 | +0.19 | #8 |
| 2013 | 1.61 | +0.20 | #15 |
| 2012 | 1.41 | −0.06 | #23 |
| 2011 | 1.47 | −0.06 | #22 |
| 2010 | 1.52 | +0.07 | #20 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Japan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2004. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan's government effectiveness was 1.64 in 2025. Ranked 8th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Japan's government effectiveness peaked at 1.81 in 2014.
The lowest government effectiveness in Japan was 0.91 in 1996.
Japan ranks 8th globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Japan's government effectiveness is projected to reach 1.64 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of Japan in 2025 was 1.64. This ranks 8th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_japan_government-effectiveness,
title = {Japan Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/japan/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}