Photo: Tsy1980 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 01 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Portugal: Governance & Institutions
How well is the state actually run?
Portugal is placed 27th of 194 countries on governance & institutions in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Government Effectiveness 1.022 (2025); Statistical Performance Indicators 90.71 (2024).
Share
Governance & Institutions
27th
of 194 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
- 1.022Government Effectiveness, 2025Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
- 90.71Statistical Performance Indicators, 2024SPI overall score (0–100)
- 56Corruption Perceptions Index, 2025CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
- 0.919Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index, 2025Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Portugal on governance & institutions — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
1.022
Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Higher is better
Portugal: 1.022. Across the 209 countries in this edition, values run from -2.251 (South Sudan) to 2.092 (Singapore); the world median is 0.101.
- World median
- 0.101
- Best in Southern Europe
- 1.379 Andorra
- Land neighbours
- Spain 1.13
Key 2 of 4
Statistical Performance Indicators
World Bank Group
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0
90.71
SPI overall score (0–100)
Higher is better
Portugal: 90.71. Across the 188 countries in this edition, values run from 27.12 (South Sudan) to 94.14 (Norway); the world median is 69.3.
- World median
- 69.3
- Best in Southern Europe
- 91.82 Spain
- Land neighbours
- Spain 91.82
Key 3 of 4
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0 (the data), CC BY-ND 4.0 (the website and report)
56
CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Higher is better
Ranked 46th of 181 by Transparency International
Portugal: 56. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 9 (Somalia) to 89 (Denmark); the world median is 39.
- World median
- 39
- Best in Southern Europe
- 58 Slovenia
- Land neighbours
- Spain 55
Key 4 of 4
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0
0.919
Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Higher is better
Portugal: 0.919. Across the 176 countries in this edition, values run from 0.003 (Nicaragua) to 0.988 (Australia); the world median is 0.676.
- World median
- 0.676
- Best in Southern Europe
- 0.937 Spain
- Land neighbours
- Spain 0.937
02Over time
Which way Portugal is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Government Effectiveness
Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong) · higher is better
PortugalWorld median
Portugal rose from 0.879 in 2000 to 1.022 in 2025; the world median went from -0.397 to 0.101.
Every year’s figures
Year Portugal World median 2025 1.022 0.1006 2024 0.976 0.0098 2023 0.951 -0.0408 2022 1.030 -0.0305 2021 1.150 -0.0158 2020 1.078 -0.0171 2019 1.098 0.0150 2018 1.125 0.0159 2017 1.235 0.0158 2016 1.067 0.0225 2015 1.055 0.0038 2014 0.945 0.0194 2013 0.896 -0.0758 2012 0.917 -0.0839 2011 0.878 -0.1221 2010 0.815 -0.1145 2009 1.113 -0.1609 2008 1.011 -0.2134 2007 0.761 -0.3260 2006 0.785 -0.3310 2005 0.684 -0.3706 2004 0.644 -0.3140 2003 0.821 -0.4369 2002 1.109 -0.3366 2000 0.879 -0.3969 Statistical Performance Indicators
SPI overall score (0–100) · higher is better
PortugalWorld median
Portugal rose from 85.67 in 2016 to 90.71 in 2024; the world median went from 56.25 to 69.3.
Every year’s figures
Year Portugal World median 2024 90.7 69.30 2023 93.8 68.86 2022 92.4 67.99 2021 91.6 69.96 2020 87.1 62.91 2019 86.3 61.19 2018 86.0 61.17 2017 86.1 59.55 2016 85.7 56.25 Corruption Perceptions Index
CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean) · higher is better
PortugalWorld median
Portugal fell from 63 in 2012 to 56 in 2025; the world median went from 37 to 39.
Every year’s figures
Year Portugal World median 2025 56 39.0 2024 57 40.0 2023 61 40.0 2022 62 39.5 2021 62 39.0 2020 61 40.0 2019 62 39.5 2018 64 38.0 2017 63 38.5 2016 62 38.0 2015 64 37.0 2014 63 38.0 2013 62 38.0 2012 63 37.0 Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1) · higher is better
PortugalWorld median
Portugal fell from 0.955 in 2000 to 0.919 in 2025; the world median went from 0.647 to 0.676.
Every year’s figures
Year Portugal World median 2025 0.919 0.6760 2024 0.947 0.6645 2023 0.942 0.6590 2022 0.943 0.6600 2021 0.943 0.6580 2020 0.934 0.6645 2019 0.971 0.6560 2018 0.971 0.6485 2017 0.972 0.6550 2016 0.953 0.6520 2015 0.960 0.6700 2014 0.955 0.6515 2013 0.955 0.6550 2012 0.956 0.6750 2011 0.953 0.6680 2010 0.945 0.6640 2009 0.949 0.6580 2008 0.955 0.6590 2007 0.955 0.6630 2006 0.955 0.6590 2005 0.955 0.6580 2004 0.955 0.6480 2003 0.955 0.6480 2002 0.955 0.6470 2001 0.955 0.6530 2000 0.955 0.6465
03In context
Portugal beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 194 countries on governance & institutions, never a place within the region.
Portugal and the countries it borders
Standing among all 194; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Government EffectivenessGovernance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong) | Statistical Performance IndicatorsSPI overall score (0–100) | Corruption Perceptions IndexCPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean) | Judicial Constraints on the Executive IndexJudicial constraints on the executive index (0–1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spaincompare | =23rd | 1.13 | 91.82 | 55 | 0.937 |
| Portugal | 27th | 1.022 | 90.71 | 56 | 0.919 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Southern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 194.
Placed either side on governance & institutions
The countries immediately above and below Portugal in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Portugal is ahead of the world, and behind
41 more statistics filed under governance & institutions, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median31
Statistics on which Portugal does better than the middle country measured.
Business Ready: Regulatory FrameworkWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 66.878.1666.8No earlier reading
Portugal: 78.16 · world median 66.8 · Regulatory framework score (0–100). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 46.21 to 78.34; higher is better.
Position 2nd of 50 · derived.
Women, Business and the LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 81.2510081.25No real change since 2015
Portugal: 100 · world median 81.25 · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 3.125 to 100; higher is better.
Position 1st of 190 · derived.
Social Protection CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 52.110052.1No earlier reading
Portugal: 100 · world median 52.1 · Population covered by at least one social protection benefit (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · world median 598359▲ Improved since 2016
Portugal: 83 · world median 59 · ODIN overall score (0–100). Open Data Watch, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 19 to 90; higher is better.
Ranked 9th of 168 by Open Data Watch.
Business Ready: Public ServicesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 50.1369.5350.13No earlier reading
Portugal: 69.53 · world median 50.13 · Public services score (0–100). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 18.35 to 73.31; higher is better.
Position 4th of 50 · derived.
Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.0221.272-0.022No real change since 2015
Portugal: 1.272 · world median -0.022 · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.348 to 1.825; higher is better.
Position 20th of 206 · derived.
State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · world median 0.4871.7710.487▲ Improved since 2005
Portugal: 1.771 · world median 0.487 · Latent estimate of state capacity (≈ −2.3 to +3.0, centred near 0); higher = a more capable state. Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School), 2015 edition, data for 2015.
Published values in that edition run from -2.096 to 2.697; higher is better.
Position 18th of 166 · derived.
V-Dem Electoral Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4970.8220.497▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: 0.822 · world median 0.497 · Electoral democracy index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.016 to 0.913; higher is better.
Position 22nd of 176 · derived.
GovTech Maturity IndexWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 0.630.90.63▲ Improved since 2022
Portugal: 0.9 · world median 0.63 · GTMI score (0–1). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.01 to 0.997; higher is better.
Position 25th of 196 · derived.
Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4450.0740.445▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: 0.074 · world median 0.445 · Neopatrimonial rule index (0–1; higher = more personalised rule). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.008 to 0.989; lower is better.
Position 151st of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.
Government AI Readiness IndexOxford Insights · 2025 · world median 40.1966.0940.19No real change since 2020
Portugal: 66.09 · world median 40.19 · AI readiness score (0–100). Oxford Insights, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 12.12 to 88.36; higher is better.
Ranked 28th of 195 by Oxford Insights.
Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · 2025 · world median 98.410098.4No earlier reading
Portugal: 100 · world median 98.4 · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%). UNICEF, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.7 to 100; higher is better.
Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3530.7170.353▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: 0.717 · world median 0.353 · Liberal democracy index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.009 to 0.884; higher is better.
Position 26th of 176 · derived.
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 43.910043.9No earlier reading
Portugal: 100 · world median 43.9 · People with severe disabilities receiving disability benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.4031.146.403No earlier reading
Portugal: 1.14 · world median 6.403 · Firms saying firms like theirs pay officials informally to get things done (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 55.03; lower is better.
Position 153rd of 178 · derived, 1st = worst.
Government Funding per Primary StudentUIS · 2022 · world median 17.8123.0517.81▲ Improved since 2012
Portugal: 23.05 · world median 17.81 · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 3.771 to 34.57; higher is better.
Position 12th of 68 · derived.
Rule of LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.1021.046-0.102No real change since 2015
Portugal: 1.046 · world median -0.102 · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.199 to 2.012; higher is better.
Position 36th of 211 · derived.
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 0.3870.5720.387▼ Worsened since 2014
Portugal: 0.572 · world median 0.387 · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.137 to 0.749; higher is better.
Ranked 35th of 192 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 23.7591.523.75No earlier reading
Portugal: 91.5 · world median 23.75 · Children or households with children receiving child or family cash benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Civic Space RatingsCIVICUS · 2025 · world median 50.468150.46No earlier reading
Portugal: 81 · world median 50.46 · Civic space score (0–100). CIVICUS, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2.17 to 100; higher is better.
Position 37th of 198 · derived.
Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.5180.1660.518▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: 0.166 · world median 0.518 · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.004 to 0.968; lower is better.
Position 138th of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.
Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.1970.772-0.197No real change since 2015
Portugal: 0.772 · world median -0.197 · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.096 to 2.259; higher is better.
Position 50th of 211 · derived.
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.0930.561-0.093▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: 0.561 · world median -0.093 · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.106 to 2.113; higher is better.
Position 56th of 209 · derived.
Business Ready: Operational EfficiencyWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 65.8270.865.82No earlier reading
Portugal: 70.8 · world median 65.82 · Operational efficiency score (0–100). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 40.36 to 87.33; higher is better.
Position 14th of 50 · derived.
Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · 2024 · world median 0.5750.940.575No earlier reading
Portugal: 0.94 · world median 0.575 · Labour inspectors per 10,000 employed persons. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.07 to 3.89; higher is better.
Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3331.10.333▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: 1.1 · world median 0.333 · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.6 to +4.0); higher = a more rigorous and impartial administration. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -3.552 to 3.99; higher is better.
Position 57th of 176 · derived.
Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · world median 2.253.52.25No earlier reading
Portugal: 3.5 · world median 2.25 · Regulatory governance score (0–5, where 5 is the most transparent rule-making). World Bank Group, 2018 edition, data for 2018.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 5; higher is better.
Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 80.896.780.8No earlier reading
Portugal: 96.7 · world median 80.8 · People above statutory pensionable age receiving an old-age pension (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 95.397.595.3No real change since 2015
Portugal: 97.5 · world median 95.3 · Territory under effective state control (% of official territory). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 47.56 to 100; higher is better.
Agriculture Orientation IndexFAO · 2024 · world median 0.3050.360.305▼ Worsened since 2014
Portugal: 0.36 · world median 0.305 · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.03 to 5.38; higher is better.
Position 56th of 132 · derived.
State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 1.1791.271.179▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: 1.27 · world median 1.179 · Original latent estimate (≈ −2.9 to +3.1); higher = broader taxation. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -1.716 to 3.135; higher is better.
Position 82nd of 176 · derived.
Behind the world median5
Statistics on which Portugal does worse than the middle country measured.
Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6815.2916.68No earlier reading
Portugal: 15.29 · world median 16.68 · Employees who are trade union members (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 0.2 to 91.42; higher is better.
Position 74th of 139 · derived.
Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 7.2697.6747.269No earlier reading
Portugal: 7.674 · world median 7.269 · Firms asked for a bribe at least once in six dealings with officials (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 64.26; lower is better.
Position 85th of 175 · derived, 1st = worst.
Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.6510.6140.651▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: 0.614 · world median 0.651 · Equal protection index (0–1); higher = rights and freedoms protected more equally across social groups and classes. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.027 to 0.986; higher is better.
Position 101st of 176 · derived.
Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.309-0.1430.309▼ Worsened since 2015
Portugal: -0.143 · world median 0.309 · Original latent estimate (≈ −2.9 to +3.6); higher = more appointments on merit. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -2.442 to 3.584; higher is better.
Position 115th of 176 · derived.
Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · world median 94.490.6394.4▼ Worsened since 2021
Portugal: 90.63 · world median 94.4 · Adults who own a foundational ID (% of population aged 15+). World Bank Group (ID4D), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 42.62 to 100; higher is better.
No better end5
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.79513.186.795No earlier reading
Portugal: 13.18 · world median 6.795 · Senior management time spent dealing with government regulation (% of a typical week). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0.025 to 31.33.
Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · world median 0.6080.7960.608No real change since 2013
Portugal: 0.796 · world median 0.608 · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence). Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.006 to 0.974.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0126.9215.01No earlier reading
Portugal: 26.92 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.
Position 28th of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 7.97510.587.975Moved since 2012
Portugal: 10.58 · world median 7.975 · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0.977 to 42.65.
Position 48th of 168 · derived, counted from the highest value.
General Government ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 16.2117.0516.21Moved since 2015
Portugal: 17.05 · world median 16.21 · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 5.445 to 38.94.
Position 62nd of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for Portugal
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, Debt Service on External Debt, External Debt Stocks (% of GNI) and Government Spending on Education (last 2022). Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Governance & Institutions among Portugal’s 16 topics
Governance & Institutions is Portugal’s 7th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Education & Knowledge15th of 1983/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing19th of 2004/4 keys
- Energy17th of 1653/3 keys
- Peace & Securityjoint 21st of 1774/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture22nd of 1844/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties26th of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions27th of 1944/4 keys
- Gender & Equalityjoint 26th of 1834/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade28th of 1774/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital34th of 1963/3 keys
- Risk & Resilience34th of 1934/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation32nd of 1764/4 keys
- Digital & Technology36th of 1984/4 keys
- Work & Labourjoint 58th of 1824/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality52nd of 1593/3 keys
- Environment & Sustainability88th of 1864/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on governance & institutions
The three countries placed highest of 194, and the leaders Portugal can most readily be measured against.
1
DenmarkNorthern Europe
1st of 194 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: User:Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
2
New ZealandAustralia and New Zealand
2nd of 194 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Karora derivative work: Inkey · Public domain, greyscale
3
SwedenNorthern Europe
3rd of 194 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: User:Pieter Kuiper · Public domain, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Europe
Denmark1st4/4 keysHighest in Southern Europe
Spain=23rd4/4 keysThis page
Portugal27th4/4 keys
Positions out of 194 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about Portugal and governance & institutions
08Questions
Portugal on governance & institutions: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Portugal rank on governance & institutions?
Portugal is placed 27th of 194 countries on Governance & Institutions in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Government Effectiveness, Statistical Performance Indicators, Corruption Perceptions Index and Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Government Effectiveness figure for Portugal?
1.022 in 2025 (governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 0.101.
What is the latest Statistical Performance Indicators figure for Portugal?
90.71 in 2024 (sPI overall score (0–100)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 69.3.
How does Portugal compare with Spain on governance & institutions?
Spain is placed joint 23rd of 194, and Portugal 27th. Government Effectiveness: Spain 1.13, Portugal 1.022; Statistical Performance Indicators: Spain 91.82, Portugal 90.71; Corruption Perceptions Index: Spain 55, Portugal 56; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index: Spain 0.937, Portugal 0.919.
How have Portugal’s governance & institutions figures changed?
Government Effectiveness rose from 0.879 in 2000 to 1.022 in 2025; Statistical Performance Indicators rose from 85.67 in 2016 to 90.71 in 2024; Corruption Perceptions Index fell from 63 in 2012 to 56 in 2025; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index fell from 0.955 in 2000 to 0.919 in 2025.
Which governance & institutions statistics are missing for Portugal?
No current reading is published for Portugal on Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, Debt Service on External Debt, External Debt Stocks (% of GNI) and Government Spending on Education. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Governance is not democracy. Free elections, civil liberties and press freedom belong to the Democracy & Civil Liberties topic, and a country can place well on one and poorly on the other. How openly official data is published sits here as context, beside the statistical capacity that is a key. Nor does this topic measure the size of government or how much it spends — the share of the economy run by the state is published on this page as context, with no better end.
How the Governance & Institutions standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The governance & institutions method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Government Effectiveness — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Statistical Performance Indicators — World Bank Group, CC BY 4.0
- Corruption Perceptions Index — Transparency International, CC BY 4.0 (the data), CC BY-ND 4.0 (the website and report)
- Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index — V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0
The other 41 statistics on this page come from 13 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Portugal’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Portugal (banner) — Tsy1980, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Denmark — User:Aconcagua, CC BY-SA 3.0
- New Zealand — Karora derivative work: Inkey, Public domain
- Sweden — User:Pieter Kuiper, Public domain
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Portugal: Governance & Institutions — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/portugal/governance