Spain Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Spain's rule of law was 0.70 in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 14.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Spain's rule of law stood at 0.70 in 2025, a decline of +0.12 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.70 by 2025. Spain ranked 53rd globally.
Spain's Rule of Law score, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has exhibited a downward trend over the past 26 years. The country's all-time peak score of 1.44 was recorded in 1996, while its all-time trough of 0.70 was observed in 2025, placing Spain at the 53rd position globally in this regard. In comparison, the Cayman Islands, a peer country, boasted a slightly higher score of 0.72 in 2025. This decline in Spain's Rule of Law score suggests a deterioration in the country's ability to ensure the predictable and stable application of laws, potentially undermining investor confidence, economic growth, and social stability. The persistence of this trend may be attributed to various factors, including institutional weaknesses, corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. A reversal of this trend would likely require concerted efforts from policymakers to strengthen the country's institutions, enhance transparency, and promote the rule of law, which could, in turn, contribute to a more favorable business environment and improved economic prospects.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.67 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.70 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.70 | −0.12 | #53 |
| 2023 | 0.82 | +0.02 | #44 |
| 2022 | 0.80 | −0.04 | #45 |
| 2021 | 0.84 | −0.02 | #44 |
| 2020 | 0.86 | −0.13 | #47 |
| 2019 | 0.99 | +0.01 | #38 |
| 2018 | 0.98 | −0.05 | #38 |
| 2017 | 1.02 | +0.06 | #35 |
| 2016 | 0.97 | +0.08 | #38 |
| 2015 | 0.89 | −0.08 | #43 |
| 2014 | 0.97 | −0.06 | #38 |
| 2013 | 1.03 | −0.01 | #35 |
| 2012 | 1.04 | −0.13 | #33 |
| 2011 | 1.17 | +0.01 | #29 |
| 2010 | 1.16 | +0.00 | #29 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Spain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. 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
Spain's rule of law was 0.70 in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 14.4% decrease from the previous year.
Spain's rule of law peaked at 1.44 in 1996.
The lowest rule of law in Spain was 0.70 in 2025.
Spain ranks 53rd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Spain's rule of law is projected to reach 0.70 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Spain in 2025 was 0.70. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_spain_rule-of-law,
title = {Spain Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/spain/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}