Macao SAR, China Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Macao SAR, China's rule of law was 0.72 in 2025, ranked 51st globally. This represents a 7.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Macao SAR, China's rule of law stood at 0.72 in 2025, a decline of +0.06 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.72 by 2025. Macao SAR, China ranked 51st globally.
Macao SAR’s rule‑of‑law score has risen markedly since the 1996 baseline of 0.21, reaching an all‑time peak of 1.37 in 2004 before slipping to a trough of 0.19 in 2000 and stabilising at 0.72 in 2025, placing it 51st globally. The rapid ascent after the early‑2000s low reflects extensive legal reforms and stronger institutional capacity, yet the score remains modest compared with peers such as Israel (0.74) and the Cayman Islands (0.72), which rank closely in the World Bank Governance Indicators. Over the 26‑year coverage period, Macao’s trajectory shows a pronounced upward swing after the 2000 trough, suggesting that recent policy continuity has helped sustain improvements. Continued investment in judicial independence, transparent enforcement mechanisms and civil‑rights protections will be crucial if the SAR is to close the gap with higher‑ranking jurisdictions and maintain the positive momentum evident in the latest data.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.70 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.72 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.72 | −0.06 | #51 |
| 2023 | 0.78 | −0.01 | #47 |
| 2022 | 0.79 | +0.01 | #47 |
| 2021 | 0.78 | −0.03 | #48 |
| 2020 | 0.81 | −0.07 | #48 |
| 2019 | 0.88 | −0.09 | #43 |
| 2018 | 0.97 | +0.16 | #39 |
| 2017 | 0.81 | −0.01 | #45 |
| 2016 | 0.82 | −0.07 | #43 |
| 2015 | 0.89 | −0.06 | #42 |
| 2014 | 0.95 | +0.31 | #39 |
| 2013 | 0.64 | −0.01 | #57 |
| 2012 | 0.65 | −0.04 | #59 |
| 2011 | 0.69 | −0.03 | #61 |
| 2010 | 0.72 | +0.01 | #59 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Macao SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. 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
Macao SAR, China's rule of law was 0.72 in 2025. Ranked 51st globally. This represents a 7.7% decrease from the previous year.
Macao SAR, China's rule of law peaked at 1.37 in 2004.
The lowest rule of law in Macao SAR, China was 0.19 in 2000.
Macao SAR, China ranks 51st globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Macao SAR, China's rule of law is projected to reach 0.72 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Macao SAR, China in 2025 was 0.72. This ranks 51st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_macao-sar-china_rule-of-law,
title = {Macao SAR, China Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/macao-sar-china/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}