An annual survey released Monday says that adherence to the rule of law varies widely around the world and appears to correlate with per-capita income.
The 146-page Rule of Law Index, compiled by the World Justice Project, ranks countries on such areas as whether the government is held accountable, there is access to justice, rights are protected, and crime and corruption are prevented.
Western Europe was the top performing region of the world, with most countries, except Italy, getting high marks in most categories.
The report found weak protections for fundamental rights in China, “serious deficiencies” in Russia, and problems with discrimination in the United States. Iran ranked last in the world on protection of fundamental human rights.
The World Justice Project is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, founded by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.