Lesotho Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Lesotho's rule of law was -0.50 in 2025, ranked 137th globally. This represents a 3.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's rule of law stood at -0.50 in 2025, a decline of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.50 by 2025. Lesotho ranked 137th globally.
Lesotho’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has slipped to –0.50 in 2025, placing the country at 137th in the global ranking and matching Uganda’s current level. The index, which ranges from –2.5 to 2.5, fell from an early‑period high of 0.17 in 1998, after a modest start at 0.10 in 1996, to the all‑time trough recorded this year. Over the 26‑year coverage span the downward trajectory reflects deteriorating judicial independence, inconsistent enforcement of contracts and limited protection of property rights, factors that have increasingly deterred investment and constrained economic diversification. By contrast, Bangladesh, a peer with a comparable –0.49 rating, has managed to stabilize its score through incremental legal reforms and anti‑corruption measures. If Lesotho implements comprehensive judicial reforms, strengthens law‑enforcement capacity and improves transparency, the Rule of Law index could begin to recover, offering a more favorable environment for future growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.51 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.50 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.50 | −0.02 | #137 |
| 2023 | -0.48 | −0.01 | #135 |
| 2022 | -0.47 | −0.04 | #131 |
| 2021 | -0.43 | +0.06 | #129 |
| 2020 | -0.49 | −0.06 | #132 |
| 2019 | -0.43 | −0.06 | #126 |
| 2018 | -0.37 | −0.07 | #121 |
| 2017 | -0.30 | −0.11 | #114 |
| 2016 | -0.19 | +0.01 | #105 |
| 2015 | -0.19 | +0.02 | #102 |
| 2014 | -0.21 | −0.01 | #102 |
| 2013 | -0.20 | +0.07 | #102 |
| 2012 | -0.27 | +0.00 | #106 |
| 2011 | -0.27 | +0.02 | #106 |
| 2010 | -0.29 | −0.07 | #109 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. 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
Lesotho's rule of law was -0.50 in 2025. Ranked 137th globally. This represents a 3.4% decrease from the previous year.
Lesotho's rule of law peaked at 0.17 in 1998.
The lowest rule of law in Lesotho was -0.50 in 2025.
Lesotho ranks 137th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Lesotho's rule of law is projected to reach -0.50 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Lesotho in 2025 was -0.50. This ranks 137th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_rule-of-law,
title = {Lesotho Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}