Measuring tape

    Background How is good governance “measured”?

    Since a country's level of governance often changes in small steps that go almost unnoticed at first, it is extremely difficult to measure change. Various international organisations and institutions have developed tools for assessing a country's governance situation. The BMZ, too, has an internal procedure for assessing governance in its partner countries.

    The following are some of the indicators used in this field:

    Worldwide Governance Indicators der Weltbank

    The World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators cover over 200 countries and territories. Indicators include voice and accountability, political stability and absence of violence, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law and control of corruption. Assessments are based on more than 30 data sources that reflect the diverse views and experience of the general population and experts from politics, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

    Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI)

    The Bertelsmann Stiftung's Transformation Index (BTI) evaluates the governance situation in about 140 developing countries and countries in transition. It is based on detailed assessments drawn up by nearly 300 internationally recognised experts. The BTI has a Governance Index and a Status Index. The Status Index identifies where each of the countries stands on its path toward democracy under the rule of law and a social market economy. The Governance Index assesses the quality of political leadership with which transformation processes are steered, looking at how consistent governments are in pursuing political reforms and how efficiently they use their resources. In addition to in-depth country assessments, the BTI also provides an overview of regional trends and global developments. The BTI is published every two years.

    Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index

    Every year, the non-governmental organisation Transparency International publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). On the basis of experts' assessments and surveys, the annual list rates around 180 countries according to the degree of corruption perceived to exist among politicians and the civil service.

    Fragile States Index of the Fund for Peace

    Since 2005, the Fund for Peace (FFP) research institute has published its annual overview of fragile and failed states. The Fragile States Index is based on social, economic and political indicators and covers nearly 180 countries. Country scores range from “very sustainable” to “very high alert”.

    The World Bank's Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA)

    All recipient countries of World Bank loans are rated according to the Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) on their policies for economic growth and poverty reduction. The CPIA includes indicators on economic management, structural policies, policies for social inclusion and equity, and public sector management and institutions.

    As at: 30/07/2025