Nicaragua Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Nicaragua's rule of law was -1.38 in 2025, ranked 182nd globally. This represents a 7.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Nicaragua's rule of law stood at -1.38 in 2025, a decline of +0.10 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.38 by 2025. Nicaragua ranked 182nd globally.
Nicaragua’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators has declined steadily over the 26‑year series, moving from a peak of –0.52 in 1996 to a trough of –1.38 in 2025, the lowest value recorded and placing the country 182nd out of 193 economies. The negative trajectory reflects persistent weaknesses in judicial independence, contract enforcement and the protection of fundamental rights, with the 2025 figure –1.38 marginally worse than the scores of peer states such as Lebanon (–1.35) and Chad (–1.39). The long‑run erosion of legal certainty has discouraged both domestic and foreign investment, contributing to broader governance challenges. While recent reforms announced by the Nicaraguan government aim to strengthen prosecutorial oversight and improve court efficiency, substantial improvement will require credible implementation and sustained political will; absent such changes the Rule of Law index is likely to remain near its current low level.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.40 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.38 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.38 | −0.10 | #182 |
| 2023 | -1.28 | +0.03 | #184 |
| 2022 | -1.31 | +0.06 | #185 |
| 2021 | -1.37 | −0.17 | #189 |
| 2020 | -1.20 | +0.00 | #182 |
| 2019 | -1.20 | −0.12 | #184 |
| 2018 | -1.08 | −0.42 | #176 |
| 2017 | -0.66 | −0.00 | #144 |
| 2016 | -0.66 | +0.10 | #144 |
| 2015 | -0.75 | −0.04 | #150 |
| 2014 | -0.71 | −0.04 | #145 |
| 2013 | -0.67 | +0.06 | #139 |
| 2012 | -0.73 | −0.01 | #146 |
| 2011 | -0.73 | +0.11 | #146 |
| 2010 | -0.84 | −0.05 | #153 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nicaragua 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
Nicaragua's rule of law was -1.38 in 2025. Ranked 182nd globally. This represents a 7.8% decrease from the previous year.
Nicaragua's rule of law peaked at -0.52 in 1996.
The lowest rule of law in Nicaragua was -1.38 in 2025.
Nicaragua ranks 182nd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Nicaragua's rule of law is projected to reach -1.38 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Nicaragua in 2025 was -1.38. This ranks 182nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nicaragua_rule-of-law,
title = {Nicaragua Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nicaragua/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}