Nicaragua Regulatory Quality
Regulatory Quality RQ.EST
Nicaragua's regulatory quality was -1.03 in 2025, ranked 170th globally. This represents a 17.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Nicaragua's regulatory quality stood at -1.03 in 2025, a decline of +0.15 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.03 by 2025. Nicaragua ranked 170th globally.
Nicaragua’s regulatory quality score has fallen sharply over the 26‑year series, slipping from a modest –0.44 in 1996 to an all‑time trough of –1.03 in 2025, the lowest point recorded since the series began. The brief improvement in 1998, when the index reached its peak of –0.24, was quickly undone by a persistent decline that accelerated in the 2010s and deepened after 2018, leaving the country ranked 170th out of 190 economies. By 2025 Nicaragua trails peers such as Pakistan (–1.02) and Nigeria (–1.05), indicating that its regulatory environment is perceived as less conducive to business and governance than those comparators. The deterioration reflects weakening rule‑of‑law enforcement, limited transparency, and growing bureaucratic obstacles, which together depress investor confidence and hamper private‑sector development. Continued reforms aimed at strengthening institutions, enhancing legal certainty and reducing administrative burdens could reverse the downward trajectory and improve Nicaragua’s standing in future World Bank assessments.
Data & projection
| Year | Regulatory Quality | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.09 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.03 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.03 | −0.15 | #170 |
| 2023 | -0.88 | +0.04 | #162 |
| 2022 | -0.91 | −0.06 | #166 |
| 2021 | -0.85 | −0.17 | #164 |
| 2020 | -0.68 | +0.03 | #147 |
| 2019 | -0.71 | +0.02 | #150 |
| 2018 | -0.73 | −0.04 | #153 |
| 2017 | -0.70 | −0.17 | #148 |
| 2016 | -0.53 | −0.11 | #138 |
| 2015 | -0.42 | −0.01 | #124 |
| 2014 | -0.41 | −0.10 | #126 |
| 2013 | -0.31 | +0.00 | #115 |
| 2012 | -0.31 | +0.04 | #117 |
| 2011 | -0.35 | −0.05 | #122 |
| 2010 | -0.30 | +0.13 | #116 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nicaragua matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw regulatory quality improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nicaragua's regulatory quality was -1.03 in 2025. Ranked 170th globally. This represents a 17.6% decrease from the previous year.
Nicaragua's regulatory quality peaked at -0.24 in 1998.
The lowest regulatory quality in Nicaragua was -1.03 in 2025.
Nicaragua ranks 170th globally in regulatory quality as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RQ.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Nicaragua's regulatory quality is projected to reach -1.03 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The regulatory quality of Nicaragua in 2025 was -1.03. This ranks 170th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nicaragua_regulatory-quality,
title = {Nicaragua Regulatory Quality},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nicaragua/regulatory-quality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}