Photo: Mardetanha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 01 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Saudi Arabia: Governance & Institutions
How well is the state actually run?
Saudi Arabia is placed joint 54th of 194 countries on governance & institutions in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Government Effectiveness 0.74 (2025); Statistical Performance Indicators 83.29 (2024).
Share
Governance & Institutions
joint54th
of 194 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
- 0.74Government Effectiveness, 2025Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
- 83.29Statistical Performance Indicators, 2024SPI overall score (0–100)
- 57Corruption Perceptions Index, 2025CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
- 0.285Judicial 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 Saudi Arabia 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.
0.74
Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Higher is better
Saudi Arabia: 0.74. 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 Western Asia
- 1.192 Israel
- Land neighbours
- United Arab Emirates 1.129 · Iraq -1.016 · Jordan 0.111 · Kuwait 0.256 · Oman 0.38 · Qatar 0.996 · Yemen -1.872
Key 2 of 4
Statistical Performance Indicators
World Bank Group
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0
83.29
SPI overall score (0–100)
Higher is better
Saudi Arabia: 83.29. 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 Western Asia
- 90.29 Israel
- Land neighbours
- United Arab Emirates 79.15 · Iraq 53.98 · Jordan 78.81 · Kuwait 63.38 · Oman 59.22 · Qatar 68.1 · Yemen 37.44
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)
57
CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Higher is better
Ranked 45th of 181 by Transparency International
Saudi Arabia: 57. 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 Western Asia
- 69 United Arab Emirates
- Land neighbours
- United Arab Emirates 69 · Iraq 28 · Jordan 50 · Kuwait 46 · Oman 52 · Qatar 58 · Yemen 13
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
0.285
Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Higher is better
Saudi Arabia: 0.285. 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 Western Asia
- 0.857 Israel
- Land neighbours
- United Arab Emirates 0.141 · Iraq 0.356 · Jordan 0.766 · Kuwait 0.719 · Oman 0.435 · Qatar 0.529 · Yemen 0.141
02Over time
Which way Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi ArabiaWorld median
Saudi Arabia rose from -0.425 in 2000 to 0.74 in 2025; the world median went from -0.397 to 0.101.
Every year’s figures
Year Saudi Arabia World median 2025 0.73953 0.1006 2024 0.64674 0.0098 2023 0.60561 -0.0408 2022 0.43238 -0.0305 2021 0.27722 -0.0158 2020 0.02808 -0.0171 2019 0.14056 0.0150 2018 0.15156 0.0159 2017 0.07732 0.0158 2016 0.16297 0.0225 2015 0.00384 0.0038 2014 -0.00516 0.0194 2013 -0.14368 -0.0758 2012 -0.08393 -0.0839 2011 -0.07085 -0.1221 2010 -0.00518 -0.1145 2009 -0.12091 -0.1609 2008 -0.13887 -0.2134 2007 -0.22530 -0.3260 2006 -0.26982 -0.3310 2005 -0.51974 -0.3706 2004 -0.57433 -0.3140 2003 -0.61999 -0.4369 2002 -0.61888 -0.3366 2000 -0.42501 -0.3969 Statistical Performance Indicators
SPI overall score (0–100) · higher is better
Saudi ArabiaWorld median
Saudi Arabia rose from 42.7 in 2016 to 83.29 in 2024; the world median went from 56.25 to 69.3.
Every year’s figures
Year Saudi Arabia World median 2024 83 69.30 2023 84 68.86 2022 76 67.99 2021 72 69.96 2020 67 62.91 2019 60 61.19 2018 55 61.17 2017 47 59.55 2016 43 56.25 Corruption Perceptions Index
CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean) · higher is better
Saudi ArabiaWorld median
Saudi Arabia rose from 44 in 2012 to 57 in 2025; the world median went from 37 to 39.
Every year’s figures
Year Saudi Arabia World median 2025 57 39.0 2024 59 40.0 2023 52 40.0 2022 51 39.5 2021 53 39.0 2020 53 40.0 2019 53 39.5 2018 49 38.0 2017 49 38.5 2016 46 38.0 2015 52 37.0 2014 49 38.0 2013 46 38.0 2012 44 37.0 Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index
Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1) · higher is better
Saudi ArabiaWorld median
Saudi Arabia rose from 0.226 in 2000 to 0.285 in 2025; the world median went from 0.647 to 0.676.
Every year’s figures
Year Saudi Arabia World median 2025 0.285 0.6760 2024 0.285 0.6645 2023 0.285 0.6590 2022 0.285 0.6600 2021 0.285 0.6580 2020 0.288 0.6645 2019 0.256 0.6560 2018 0.262 0.6485 2017 0.262 0.6550 2016 0.262 0.6520 2015 0.259 0.6700 2014 0.259 0.6515 2013 0.259 0.6550 2012 0.259 0.6750 2011 0.259 0.6680 2010 0.259 0.6640 2009 0.248 0.6580 2008 0.248 0.6590 2007 0.222 0.6630 2006 0.226 0.6590 2005 0.226 0.6580 2004 0.226 0.6480 2003 0.226 0.6480 2002 0.226 0.6470 2001 0.226 0.6530 2000 0.226 0.6465
03In context
Saudi Arabia 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.
Saudi Arabia 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | =54th | 0.74 | 83.29 | 57 | 0.285 |
 United Arab Emiratescompare | 58th | 1.129 | 79.15 | 69 | 0.141 |
 Jordan | =59th | 0.111 | 78.81 | 50 | 0.766 |
 Qatar | =59th | 0.996 | 68.1 | 58 | 0.529 |
 Kuwait | 76th | 0.256 | 63.38 | 46 | 0.719 |
 Oman | 90th | 0.38 | 59.22 | 52 | 0.435 |
 Iraq | 164th | -1.016 | 53.98 | 28 | 0.356 |
 Yemen | 189th | -1.872 | 37.44 | 13 | 0.141 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Western Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 194.
Placed either side on governance & institutions
The countries immediately above and below Saudi Arabia in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Saudi Arabia is ahead of the world, and behind
36 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 median15
Statistics on which Saudi Arabia does better than the middle country measured.
GovTech Maturity IndexWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 0.630.9960.63No real change since 2022
Saudi Arabia: 0.996 · 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 2nd of 196 · derived.
Government AI Readiness IndexOxford Insights · 2025 · world median 40.1971.5740.19▲ Improved since 2020
Saudi Arabia: 71.57 · 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 15th of 195 by Oxford Insights.
Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · world median 94.499.6694.4▲ Improved since 2021
Saudi Arabia: 99.66 · 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.
Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.4031.0246.403No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 1.024 · 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 154th of 178 · derived, 1st = worst.
Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.1970.806-0.197▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 0.806 · 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 48th of 211 · derived.
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.0930.669-0.093▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 0.669 · 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 48th of 209 · derived.
Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · world median 597359▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 73 · 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 40th of 168 by Open Data Watch.
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 0.3870.4940.387▲ Improved since 2014
Saudi Arabia: 0.494 · 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 50th of 192 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 95.398.895.3▼ Worsened since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 98.8 · 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.
Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · 2025 · world median 98.499.998.4No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 99.9 · 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.
Government Spending on EducationUIS · 2023 · world median 3.7094.4813.709▲ Improved since 1981
Saudi Arabia: 4.481 · world median 3.709 · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 16.39; higher is better.
Position 41st of 123 · derived.
Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.5180.3260.518▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 0.326 · 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 114th of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.
Social Protection CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 52.16452.1No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 64 · 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.
Rule of LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.1020.274-0.102▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 0.274 · 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 86th of 211 · derived.
Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 23.7530.223.75No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 30.2 · 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.
Behind the world median16
Statistics on which Saudi Arabia does worse than the middle country measured.
State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · world median 0.4870.4080.487▼ Worsened since 2005
Saudi Arabia: 0.408 · 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 89th of 166 · derived.
Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 7.2699.5467.269No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 9.546 · 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 74th of 175 · derived, 1st = worst.
Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.309-0.2460.309▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: -0.246 · 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 118th of 176 · derived.
Women, Business and the LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 81.2573.7581.25▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 73.75 · 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 131st of 190 · derived.
Agriculture Orientation IndexFAO · 2024 · world median 0.3050.190.305▼ Worsened since 2014
Saudi Arabia: 0.19 · 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 95th of 132 · derived.
Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4450.7350.445▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 0.735 · 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 49th of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.
Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.333-0.5970.333▼ Worsened since 2015
Saudi Arabia: -0.597 · 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 128th of 176 · derived.
Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 80.824.580.8No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 24.5 · 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.
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 43.95.743.9No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 5.7 · 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.
Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.6510.3170.651▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 0.317 · 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 143rd of 176 · derived.
State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 1.179-0.2761.179▼ Worsened since 2015
Saudi Arabia: -0.276 · 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 150th of 176 · derived.
Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3530.0470.353▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 0.047 · 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 163rd of 176 · derived.
Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.022-1.729-0.022▲ Improved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: -1.729 · 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 193rd of 206 · derived.
Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · world median 2.2502.25No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 0 · 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.
Civic Space RatingsCIVICUS · 2025 · world median 50.464.6950.46No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 4.69 · 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 195th of 198 · derived.
V-Dem Electoral Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4970.0160.497No real change since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 0.016 · 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 176th of 176 · derived.
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.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0132.2115.01No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 32.21 · 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 10th of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 7.97513.27.975Moved since 2012
Saudi Arabia: 13.2 · 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 19th of 168 · derived, counted from the highest value.
General Government ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 16.2120.6116.21Moved since 2015
Saudi Arabia: 20.61 · 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 33rd of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.7954.1356.795No earlier reading
Saudi Arabia: 4.135 · 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 0.6080.3950.608Moved since 2013
Saudi Arabia: 0.395 · 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.
No current reading for Saudi Arabia
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, Debt Service on External Debt, External Debt Stocks (% of GNI), Government Funding per Primary Student (last 2007), Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons and Trade Union Density. 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 Saudi Arabia’s 14 topics
Governance & Institutions is Saudi Arabia’s 5th best-placed topic of 14. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Mobility & Trade40th of 1774/4 keys
- Digital & Technology45th of 1984/4 keys
- Work & Labour45th of 1824/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital50th of 1963/3 keys
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 54th of 1944/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing58th of 2003/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge77th of 1983/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation69th of 1764/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience83rd of 1934/4 keys
- Food & Agriculturejoint 86th of 1844/4 keys
- Peace & Security123rd of 1774/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties163rd of 1983/4 keys
- Gender & Equality167th of 1834/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability185th of 1863/4 keys
No standing on Poverty & Inequality, Energy: too few of those topics’ key statistics are published for this country.
06The top of the list
Who leads on governance & institutions
The three countries placed highest of 194, and the leaders Saudi Arabia 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 Asia
Japan=10th4/4 keysHighest in Western Asia
Israel=25th4/4 keysThis page
Saudi Arabia=54th4/4 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 Saudi Arabia and governance & institutions
08Questions
Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia rank on governance & institutions?
Saudi Arabia is placed joint 54th 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 Saudi Arabia?
0.74 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 Saudi Arabia?
83.29 in 2024 (sPI overall score (0–100)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 69.3.
How does Saudi Arabia compare with Iraq on governance & institutions?
Iraq is placed 164th of 194, and Saudi Arabia joint 54th. Government Effectiveness: Iraq -1.016, Saudi Arabia 0.74; Statistical Performance Indicators: Iraq 53.98, Saudi Arabia 83.29; Corruption Perceptions Index: Iraq 28, Saudi Arabia 57; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index: Iraq 0.356, Saudi Arabia 0.285.
How have Saudi Arabia’s governance & institutions figures changed?
Government Effectiveness rose from -0.425 in 2000 to 0.74 in 2025; Statistical Performance Indicators rose from 42.7 in 2016 to 83.29 in 2024; Corruption Perceptions Index rose from 44 in 2012 to 57 in 2025; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index rose from 0.226 in 2000 to 0.285 in 2025.
Which governance & institutions statistics are missing for Saudi Arabia?
No current reading is published for Saudi Arabia on Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, Debt Service on External Debt, External Debt Stocks (% of GNI), Government Funding per Primary Student, Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons and Trade Union Density. 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 36 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
Saudi Arabia’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Saudi Arabia (banner) — Mardetanha, CC BY-SA 3.0
- 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). Saudi Arabia: Governance & Institutions — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/saudi-arabia/governance