Insight of the Day

Global South Governance Declines


 
10 July 2026
 
The Governance ratings of 84 countries of the 100 listed as constituting the Global South declined on the World Economics Governance Index over the last decade. This reflects falling standards across data reflecting corruption, rule of law, press freedom and political rights.

Average Governance Rating Across the Global South, 2016-2026
Index: 0-100. 0=Poor, 100=As good as it gets
Source: World Economics Governance Index, 2026



Note: Definition of Global South by World Economics is used.

As can be seen in the chart above there has been a sharp overall decline in average Governance figures across the region. Consequently, almost half of the Global South is rated poor or extremely poor (D/E-grade) on the Index. This decline suggests an increasingly alarming world for investors for whom Good Governance should be paramount.

More for subscribers:  
See more...See more data for the Global South...
See more...See more Governance Ratings data...
See more...Read: Places for Investors to Avoid...
 


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