São Tomé and Principe Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
São Tomé and Principe's rule of law was -0.66 in 2025, ranked 149th globally. This represents a 4.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's rule of law stood at -0.66 in 2025, a rise of +0.03 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.66 by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 149th globally.
São Tomé and Principe's Rule of Law score, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), has exhibited a concerning downward trend. The country's all-time peak of 0.27 in 1996 has been surpassed by its all-time trough of -0.79 in 2014, and the current score of -0.66 in 2025 reflects a continued decline. This ranking places São Tomé and Principe at #149 globally, closely trailing countries like Uzbekistan, which shares a similar score of -0.66. Notably, Algeria's score of -0.67 serves as a reminder that São Tomé and Principe's situation is not isolated. The decline in the Rule of Law score is a pressing concern, as it can have far-reaching implications for the country's economic development and stability. A significant improvement in the Rule of Law score would require sustained efforts to strengthen the country's institutions, enhance governance, and promote the rule of law, which could potentially alter the current trajectory and improve São Tomé and Principe's global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.66 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.66 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.66 | +0.03 | #149 |
| 2023 | -0.69 | −0.06 | #150 |
| 2022 | -0.63 | +0.09 | #148 |
| 2021 | -0.73 | −0.02 | #153 |
| 2020 | -0.71 | −0.01 | #149 |
| 2019 | -0.69 | +0.02 | #151 |
| 2018 | -0.71 | +0.01 | #152 |
| 2017 | -0.73 | −0.04 | #152 |
| 2016 | -0.69 | +0.09 | #148 |
| 2015 | -0.77 | +0.02 | #152 |
| 2014 | -0.79 | −0.02 | #153 |
| 2013 | -0.77 | −0.02 | #152 |
| 2012 | -0.75 | −0.08 | #148 |
| 2011 | -0.67 | +0.01 | #143 |
| 2010 | -0.68 | +0.02 | #143 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
São Tomé and Principe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's rule of law was -0.66 in 2025. Ranked 149th globally. This represents a 4.5% increase from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's rule of law peaked at 0.27 in 1996.
The lowest rule of law in São Tomé and Principe was -0.79 in 2014.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 149th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
São Tomé and Principe's rule of law is projected to reach -0.66 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was -0.66. This ranks 149th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_rule-of-law,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}