Maldives Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Maldives's rule of law was 0.20 in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 357.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Maldives's rule of law stood at 0.20 in 2025, a rise of +0.28 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.20 by 2025. Maldives ranked 92nd globally.
Maldives’ Rule of Law score in the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators rose modestly to 0.20 in 2025, placing it 92nd out of 193 economies and signalling incremental improvement from the all‑time trough of –0.72 recorded in 2013. The indicator, which aggregates perceptions of confidence in institutions, criminal justice, and contract enforcement, peaked at 0.25 in 2000 before a steep decline during the early 2010s, reflecting the political instability and governance challenges that marked that period. Over the 26‑year coverage span, the Maldives has moved from a baseline of 0.02 in 1996 to its current level, a trajectory that still lags behind regional peers such as Thailand (0.23) and Vanuatu (0.24). Continued reforms in judicial independence, anti‑corruption measures, and transparent regulatory frameworks will be crucial for converting the recent modest gains into a sustained upward trend and narrowing the gap with higher‑ranking peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.29 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.20 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.20 | +0.28 | #92 |
| 2023 | -0.08 | −0.12 | #99 |
| 2022 | 0.04 | +0.16 | #92 |
| 2021 | -0.11 | +0.12 | #101 |
| 2020 | -0.24 | +0.14 | #109 |
| 2019 | -0.38 | +0.16 | #121 |
| 2018 | -0.54 | +0.03 | #136 |
| 2017 | -0.57 | −0.25 | #138 |
| 2016 | -0.32 | +0.24 | #119 |
| 2015 | -0.56 | −0.07 | #135 |
| 2014 | -0.49 | +0.23 | #128 |
| 2013 | -0.72 | −0.18 | #145 |
| 2012 | -0.54 | −0.00 | #130 |
| 2011 | -0.54 | −0.22 | #133 |
| 2010 | -0.32 | −0.17 | #111 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Maldives matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2011. 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
Maldives's rule of law was 0.20 in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 357.4% increase from the previous year.
Maldives's rule of law peaked at 0.25 in 2000.
The lowest rule of law in Maldives was -0.72 in 2013.
Maldives ranks 92nd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Maldives's rule of law is projected to reach 0.20 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Maldives in 2025 was 0.20. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_maldives_rule-of-law,
title = {Maldives Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/maldives/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}