🇬🇧United Kingdom Political Stability: 76.5/100
United Kingdom scores 76.5 out of 100 on the Political Stability Index, rated "Stable" based on World Bank 2023 Worldwide Governance Indicators across six governance dimensions.
Composite score is the unweighted average of six governance dimensions, each measured on a 0-100 percentile scale.
The United Kingdom covers approximately 94,354 square miles and includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is located between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, with the English Channel separating it from France. The UK has a temperate climate with cool temperatures and ample rainfall throughout the year, and its terrain features lowlands in the south and uplands in the north, including notable mountains like Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike.
As of the 2021 census, the United Kingdom has a population of approximately 67 million, making it the fourth-largest in Europe. The population is predominantly English-speaking, with 83% identifying as white, while ethnic diversity is more pronounced in urban areas like London. The median age is around 41.7 years, and the country has a rich history of immigration contributing to its cultural diversity.
Governance Indicators
Governance Profile: United Kingdom
World Bank governance: rule of law 83rd percentile, corruption control 84th percentile, political stability 51st percentile.
United Kingdom's strongest governance dimension is Regulatory Quality at 85/100, placing it in the top quartile globally. This suggests the government can formulate and implement sound regulations that support private sector development.
The weakest dimension is Political Stability at 51/100. Political instability concerns may affect the overall security environment and long-term predictability.
A notable 34-point gap between Regulatory Quality and Political Stability reveals uneven governance. Some institutions function well while others lag significantly. Travelers should be aware that the quality of government services and protections may vary depending on the context.
Travelers to United Kingdom benefit from functional government institutions and reasonable regulatory frameworks. While not without challenges, the overall governance environment supports a manageable travel experience with adequate infrastructure and legal protections.
The U.S. State Department currently rates United Kingdom as Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). This aligns with a governance profile that, while not without challenges, provides a baseline of institutional functioning.
EU Governance Comparison
Top governance performers in EU based on the corruption composite ranking (weighted: 60% corruption control, 25% rule of law, 15% government effectiveness).
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| 🇩🇰Denmark | 96.6 |
| 🇫🇮Finland | 95.2 |
| 🇳🇴Norway | 93.9 |
| 🇨🇭Switzerland | 93.8 |
| 🇱🇺Luxembourg | 92.9 |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | 82.4 |
Common Questions About United Kingdom's Political Stability
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More United Kingdom Data
Safety ratings, regional breakdown, and entry requirements.
Free — 91/100 on the Freedom House index.
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