Panama Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Panama's rule of law was -0.44 in 2025, ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 28.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Panama's rule of law stood at -0.44 in 2025, a decline of +0.10 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.44 by 2025. Panama ranked 133rd globally.
Panama's Rule of Law indicator, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has exhibited a downward trajectory over the past 26 years, with a notable decline in recent years. The country's all-time low of -0.44 in 2025 marks a significant regression from its 2016 peak of 0.03, indicating a deterioration in the legal system's ability to enforce contracts, protect property rights, and limit crime. This decline is even more pronounced when compared to peer countries, with Panama narrowly trailing Argentina, which shares a similar ranking of -0.44. The downward trend is concerning, as a weak rule of law can undermine economic growth and stability. To reverse this trend, Panama would need to implement policies aimed at strengthening its judiciary, improving law enforcement, and enhancing transparency and accountability in government and business.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.48 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.44 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.44 | −0.10 | #133 |
| 2023 | -0.35 | +0.01 | #122 |
| 2022 | -0.36 | −0.09 | #122 |
| 2021 | -0.27 | +0.02 | #114 |
| 2020 | -0.28 | −0.09 | #114 |
| 2019 | -0.19 | −0.03 | #105 |
| 2018 | -0.16 | −0.17 | #100 |
| 2017 | 0.01 | −0.03 | #94 |
| 2016 | 0.03 | +0.17 | #90 |
| 2015 | -0.14 | −0.08 | #93 |
| 2014 | -0.06 | +0.19 | #85 |
| 2013 | -0.25 | −0.03 | #106 |
| 2012 | -0.22 | −0.25 | #102 |
| 2011 | 0.03 | +0.11 | #87 |
| 2010 | -0.08 | +0.02 | #96 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Panama matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. 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
Panama's rule of law was -0.44 in 2025. Ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 28.2% decrease from the previous year.
Panama's rule of law peaked at 0.03 in 2016.
The lowest rule of law in Panama was -0.44 in 2025.
Panama ranks 133rd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Panama's rule of law is projected to reach -0.44 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Panama in 2025 was -0.44. This ranks 133rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_panama_rule-of-law,
title = {Panama Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/panama/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}