Kuwait Voice and Accountability
Voice and Accountability VA.EST
Kuwait's voice and accountability was -0.62 in 2025, ranked 136th globally. This represents a 3.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Kuwait's voice and accountability stood at -0.62 in 2025, a decline of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.62 by 2025. Kuwait ranked 136th globally.
Kuwait’s Voice and Accountability score has slipped from its 1996 peak of –0.24 to a 2025 value of –0.62, placing the country 136th in the global ranking and tying it with Mozambique at the same level. The downward trajectory accelerated after the 2010s, reaching an all‑time trough of –0.70 in 2021 before modestly recovering to –0.62. Over the 26‑year coverage period, the indicator reflects persistent constraints on political participation, freedom of expression and media independence, with occasional openings offset by tightening controls during regional turbulence and domestic reforms that have not translated into broader civic space. Compared with peers such as Tanzania (–0.61) and Brunei Darussalam (–0.61), Kuwait remains marginally lower, suggesting that incremental policy adjustments have been insufficient to close the gap. Continued diversification of the economy and sustained pressure for institutional reform could stabilize the score, but without substantive improvements in governance the downward trend may persist.
Data & projection
| Year | Voice and Accountability | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.61 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.62 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.62 | −0.02 | #136 |
| 2023 | -0.59 | +0.09 | #137 |
| 2022 | -0.68 | +0.02 | #142 |
| 2021 | -0.70 | −0.03 | #141 |
| 2020 | -0.68 | −0.02 | #141 |
| 2019 | -0.66 | −0.05 | #144 |
| 2018 | -0.60 | +0.00 | #140 |
| 2017 | -0.61 | +0.02 | #139 |
| 2016 | -0.63 | +0.03 | #142 |
| 2015 | -0.66 | −0.01 | #144 |
| 2014 | -0.66 | +0.00 | #143 |
| 2013 | -0.66 | −0.01 | #145 |
| 2012 | -0.64 | −0.08 | #146 |
| 2011 | -0.56 | −0.03 | #141 |
| 2010 | -0.52 | −0.04 | #140 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kuwait matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw voice and accountability improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kuwait's voice and accountability was -0.62 in 2025. Ranked 136th globally. This represents a 3.9% decrease from the previous year.
Kuwait's voice and accountability peaked at -0.24 in 1996.
The lowest voice and accountability in Kuwait was -0.70 in 2021.
Kuwait ranks 136th globally in voice and accountability as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is VA.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Kuwait's voice and accountability is projected to reach -0.62 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The voice and accountability of Kuwait in 2025 was -0.62. This ranks 136th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kuwait_voice-accountability,
title = {Kuwait Voice and Accountability},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kuwait/voice-accountability/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}