Liberia Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Liberia's rule of law was -0.96 in 2025, ranked 162nd globally. This represents a 6.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Liberia's rule of law stood at -0.96 in 2025, a rise of +0.07 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.96 by 2025. Liberia ranked 162nd globally.
Liberia’s Rule of Law score, measured by the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators, stood at –0.96 in 2025, placing the country 162nd out of 193 nations. The index, which ranges from –2.5 (weakest) to 2.5 (strongest), reflects a modest improvement from the all‑time trough of –1.93 recorded in 1996, but remains below the all‑time peak of –0.80 reached in 2014. Over the 26‑year coverage period, Liberia’s trajectory has been upward yet uneven, with the 2014 high coinciding with post‑conflict reforms that strengthened judicial independence and reduced corruption. By contrast, peer countries such as Madagascar (–0.94) and Cameroon (–0.97) occupy similar positions in the global ranking, suggesting that Liberia’s performance is typical of many low‑income states struggling with institutional capacity. Continued investment in legal infrastructure, transparent law enforcement and capacity‑building for courts could accelerate progress, potentially moving Liberia’s score above the regional median in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.95 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.96 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.96 | +0.07 | #162 |
| 2023 | -1.03 | −0.12 | #168 |
| 2022 | -0.92 | +0.03 | #163 |
| 2021 | -0.94 | +0.09 | #166 |
| 2020 | -1.03 | −0.03 | #171 |
| 2019 | -1.00 | −0.00 | #170 |
| 2018 | -1.00 | −0.03 | #170 |
| 2017 | -0.97 | −0.00 | #170 |
| 2016 | -0.97 | −0.09 | #167 |
| 2015 | -0.88 | −0.07 | #163 |
| 2014 | -0.80 | +0.08 | #154 |
| 2013 | -0.88 | +0.01 | #163 |
| 2012 | -0.89 | +0.05 | #161 |
| 2011 | -0.94 | +0.04 | #165 |
| 2010 | -0.97 | +0.05 | #167 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Liberia matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Liberia's rule of law was -0.96 in 2025. Ranked 162nd globally. This represents a 6.9% increase from the previous year.
Liberia's rule of law peaked at -0.80 in 2014.
The lowest rule of law in Liberia was -1.93 in 1996.
Liberia ranks 162nd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Liberia's rule of law is projected to reach -0.96 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Liberia in 2025 was -0.96. This ranks 162nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_liberia_rule-of-law,
title = {Liberia Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/liberia/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}