In an era defined by skepticism toward public institutions, trust in government is a powerful marker of societal cohesion and governance success.
While political polarization and misinformation have eroded public confidence in many parts of the world, some nations stand out for fostering high levels of trust among their citizens.
Based on data from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer and OECD surveys, here are seven countries where people express the most trust in their national governments today.
1. Saudi Arabia – 87% Trust
Saudi Arabia tops the global trust rankings, with an astounding 87% of citizens expressing confidence in their government. This high trust is often linked to major social and economic reforms under Vision 2030, centralized leadership, and a strong state-led development model.
“Trust is earned through delivery. The Kingdom’s consistent progress has translated into confidence,” notes a regional policy analyst.
2. China – 83% Trust
Despite geopolitical tensions and differing governance ideologies, China maintains high internal trust. Citizens often credit the government for economic stability, infrastructure development, and rapid crisis response (e.g., pandemic control). According to Edelman, 83% of respondents in China say they trust their national government.
3. United Arab Emirates – 82% Trust
With its business-friendly policies, security, and high living standards, the UAE scores 82% trust in government. The country’s leadership has been widely praised for its long-term planning and technological innovation in governance.
4. India – 79% Trust
India’s robust democracy, combined with its tech-driven governance initiatives and growing economic power, continues to foster strong public support. Nearly 4 in 5 Indians trust their government, according to the Edelman Trust Barometer.
5. Singapore – 77% Trust
Singapore’s reputation for efficiency, rule of law, and low corruption gives its government a 77% trust rating. The country is often seen as a model of pragmatic governance—where meritocracy and planning converge.
6. Switzerland – 62% Trust
Among OECD countries, Switzerland consistently leads in trust levels. Its decentralized governance model, direct democracy, and stable institutions have earned it a strong 62% trust score, according to recent OECD data.
7. Luxembourg – ~56–78% Trust
Small but politically stable, Luxembourg also ranks highly in both Edelman and OECD surveys. Citizens praise its transparency, wealth distribution, and high-quality public services. Trust levels range between 56–78%, depending on the metric used.
Why trust matters
Trust in government is not just a feel-good statistic—it’s a cornerstone of effective public policy. High trust levels often correlate with:
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Greater compliance with laws and health measures
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Stronger civic participation
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Higher institutional resilience
Countries that lead in trust tend to manage crises better, implement reforms faster, and maintain social stability even during turbulence.