Kazakhstan Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Kazakhstan's rule of law was -0.43 in 2025, ranked 130th globally. This represents a 2.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Kazakhstan's rule of law stood at -0.43 in 2025, a rise of +0.01 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.43 by 2025. Kazakhstan ranked 130th globally.
Kazakhstan’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has risen from a low of –1.19 in 1996 to –0.43 in 2025, marking the highest level recorded for the country since the series began. The all‑time peak of –0.43 coincides with the most recent assessment, while the trough of –1.20 occurred in 2002, reflecting a period of weakened judicial independence and limited enforcement of contracts. Over the 26‑year coverage, the index has improved modestly but remains well below the global average, placing Kazakhstan at rank 130 out of 193 economies. Its latest score matches that of Benin (–0.43) and is close to Papua New Guinea (–0.44) and the Solomon Islands (–0.41), indicating a performance level comparable to other lower‑middle‑income states. Continued reforms in legislative transparency, anti‑corruption measures, and court efficiency will be essential to sustain the upward trend and move the score closer to the median of the peer group.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.42 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.43 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.43 | +0.01 | #130 |
| 2023 | -0.45 | +0.03 | #129 |
| 2022 | -0.47 | +0.03 | #133 |
| 2021 | -0.51 | −0.04 | #135 |
| 2020 | -0.47 | +0.04 | #128 |
| 2019 | -0.51 | −0.01 | #135 |
| 2018 | -0.50 | −0.02 | #135 |
| 2017 | -0.49 | +0.03 | #135 |
| 2016 | -0.51 | +0.00 | #135 |
| 2015 | -0.52 | +0.09 | #129 |
| 2014 | -0.61 | +0.11 | #135 |
| 2013 | -0.72 | +0.06 | #143 |
| 2012 | -0.77 | −0.13 | #149 |
| 2011 | -0.64 | +0.05 | #141 |
| 2010 | -0.70 | +0.03 | #144 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kazakhstan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2010. 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
Kazakhstan's rule of law was -0.43 in 2025. Ranked 130th globally. This represents a 2.9% increase from the previous year.
Kazakhstan's rule of law peaked at -0.43 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in Kazakhstan was -1.20 in 2002.
Kazakhstan ranks 130th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Kazakhstan's rule of law is projected to reach -0.43 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Kazakhstan in 2025 was -0.43. This ranks 130th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kazakhstan_rule-of-law,
title = {Kazakhstan Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kazakhstan/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}