Saudi Arabia Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
Saudi Arabia's government effectiveness was 1.06 in 2025, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 33.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's government effectiveness stood at 1.06 in 2025, a rise of +0.26 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.06 by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 33rd globally.
Saudi Arabia's Government Effectiveness, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has shown a gradual yet inconsistent improvement over the 26-year period from 1996 to 2025. The indicator peaked at 1.06 in 2025, a score that ranks the country 33rd globally, surpassing that of its peer Slovenia, but trailing behind the United States. Conversely, the nation's effectiveness suffered a significant decline from 2005, when it hit an all-time low of -0.39, before steadily recovering. This recovery, however, has been slow and incremental, with the country's score only marginally surpassing its 2005 trough in 2025. The relatively high score of Macao SAR, China, at 1.08, suggests that there is room for improvement in Saudi Arabia's governance effectiveness, particularly in areas such as public service delivery and the rule of law. A sustained focus on institutional reforms and transparency is likely to be crucial in driving further improvement in Saudi Arabia's Government Effectiveness score in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.21 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.06 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.06 | +0.26 | #33 |
| 2023 | 0.80 | +0.21 | #41 |
| 2022 | 0.58 | +0.12 | #56 |
| 2021 | 0.46 | +0.35 | #62 |
| 2020 | 0.11 | −0.15 | #87 |
| 2019 | 0.26 | −0.01 | #71 |
| 2018 | 0.27 | +0.06 | #70 |
| 2017 | 0.21 | −0.00 | #77 |
| 2016 | 0.21 | +0.06 | #75 |
| 2015 | 0.15 | −0.04 | #80 |
| 2014 | 0.19 | +0.14 | #78 |
| 2013 | 0.06 | +0.04 | #84 |
| 2012 | 0.02 | +0.34 | #84 |
| 2011 | -0.32 | −0.29 | #111 |
| 2010 | -0.02 | +0.09 | #88 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's government effectiveness was 1.06 in 2025. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 33.0% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's government effectiveness peaked at 1.06 in 2025.
The lowest government effectiveness in Saudi Arabia was -0.39 in 2005.
Saudi Arabia ranks 33rd globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Saudi Arabia's government effectiveness is projected to reach 1.06 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 1.06. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_government-effectiveness,
title = {Saudi Arabia Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}