Large Disparity Between Governance Gradings of High And Low Income Countries

There is a noticeable disparity between the overall Governance gradings of low-income versus high-income countries. While over half of high-income countries are rated a premium A-grade on the World Economics Governance Index, there is not a single country in the low-income category now rated A-grade or even B-grade.

Percentage of Gradings In Different Income Groups
Index: 0-100. 0=Poor, 100=As good as it gets

Country	A	B	C	D	E
High Income Countries	60%	29%	11%	0%	0%
Middle Income Countries	0%	17%	52%	15%	16%
Low Income Countries	0%	0%	21%	21%	58%

Country	A	B	C	D	E
High Income Countries	60%	29%	11%	0%	0%
Middle Income Countries	0%	17%	52%	15%	16%
Low Income Countries	0%	0%	21%	21%	58%

Source: World Economics Governance Index, 2025

Note: Table uses the World Bank’s definition of low-, mid- and high-income countries and for those which World Economics has available data.

High-income countries Governance ratings have remained broadly stable across the past decade. In comparison, the ratings of low-income countries were low a decade ago and have declined even further since then for 16 out of the 19 countries that constitute the grouping. This betrays a further decline in data reflecting corruption, the rule of law, press freedom and political rights in low-income countries. This is an alarming trend for investors, for whom Good Governance should be vital.

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