Singapore Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Singapore's rule of law was 1.71 in 2025, ranked 7th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Singapore's rule of law stood at 1.71 in 2025, a decline of +0.04 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.71 by 2025. Singapore ranked 7th globally.
Singapore's Rule of Law score, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory since its all-time low in 1998 and 1996, with a score of 1.24. The score improved steadily, reaching a peak in 2019 with a score of 1.84, a significant increase of 0.60 points. However, in recent years, the score has declined, with Singapore currently ranking 7th globally at 1.71. This decline is in line with that of Norway, which ranks 2nd globally with a score of 1.72. The score's proximity to Norway's, as well as Iceland's 1.70, suggests that Singapore remains one of the world's most law-abiding societies. Despite this, the trend may be influenced by the ongoing global shift towards stricter regulations and increasing scrutiny of governance practices. If Singapore fails to address concerns surrounding judicial independence and corruption, its Rule of Law score may continue to decline, potentially impacting its global ranking and economic competitiveness.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.69 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.71 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.71 | −0.04 | #7 |
| 2023 | 1.75 | −0.03 | #5 |
| 2022 | 1.78 | −0.04 | #3 |
| 2021 | 1.82 | −0.02 | #4 |
| 2020 | 1.84 | −0.00 | #4 |
| 2019 | 1.84 | +0.04 | #6 |
| 2018 | 1.80 | +0.02 | #6 |
| 2017 | 1.79 | −0.00 | #8 |
| 2016 | 1.79 | +0.01 | #9 |
| 2015 | 1.78 | −0.04 | #13 |
| 2014 | 1.82 | +0.12 | #15 |
| 2013 | 1.70 | −0.03 | #13 |
| 2012 | 1.72 | +0.06 | #14 |
| 2011 | 1.66 | +0.04 | #15 |
| 2010 | 1.62 | +0.06 | #18 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. 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
Singapore's rule of law was 1.71 in 2025. Ranked 7th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
Singapore's rule of law peaked at 1.84 in 2019.
The lowest rule of law in Singapore was 1.24 in 1998.
Singapore ranks 7th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Singapore's rule of law is projected to reach 1.71 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Singapore in 2025 was 1.71. This ranks 7th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_rule-of-law,
title = {Singapore Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}