Worldwide governance indicators: Cross country data set 2012–2022

Abstract

The Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) constitute an extensive dataset that measures the quality of public governance at the national level. The WGI framework is structured around six key governance dimensions: voice and accountability, political stability and absence of violence, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption. The WGI is an invaluable tool for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners interested in comparative governance and institutional analysis.The dataset spans from 2011 to 2022 and covers diverse geographical regions such as East Asia & Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, Latin America & Caribbean, Middle East & North Africa, North America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe, and South Asia. The data is collected systematically, including data source identification, extraction, filtering, validation, and organization. The data is presented in a balanced panel structure to facilitate longitudinal analysis, allowing researchers to explore the dynamics of change within units over time in a standardized manner.Policymakers use these indicators to make informed decisions and plan better. International development organizations employ them to allocate resources and assess the impact of aid. Financial institutions and businesses leverage WGI to evaluate investment risks and market entry conditions. Scholars and researchers find WGI valuable for empirical studies involving cross-country comparisons and longitudinal analyses. Civil society organizations use these metrics to advocate for governance reforms. Furthermore, the indicators are also useful in public discourse for promoting transparency and accountability.