Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Government Effectiveness

North Korea’s Government Effectiveness score has risen modestly from its earliest recorded value of –1.89 in 1996 to a 2025 rating of –1.52, placing the regime at 189th in the global ranking. The indicator reached its best level of –1.43 in 2019, a modest improvement that followed a historic low of –2.08 in 2007, suggesting occasional gains in policy formulation and implementation despite persistent institutional weaknesses. Over the 26‑year coverage period the trajectory remains markedly below the median, reflecting limited bureaucratic capacity, weak rule of law and constrained public service delivery. By comparison, peer states with similar rankings such as the Republic of Congo (–1.49) and Comoros (–1.53) exhibit comparable challenges, underscoring a regional pattern of low effectiveness. Continued isolation and limited economic reform are likely to keep the score near its current level, whereas substantive governance reforms or increased external engagement could shift the trend upward in the coming years.