This edition of ECLAC Statistical Briefings presents an overview of public perceptions and opinions regarding multiple dimensions of governability and governance in 18 countries of Latin America. The information spans a period of between two and three decades ending as recently as 2023, depending on the information available. The overview is based on certain dimensions of governance proposed by the Praia Group on Governance Statistics,1 complemented by perception indicators that can be used to approximate democratic governability.

Governance and democratic governability are so closely linked that the line between them can be blurry. Governance refers to the capacity to manage public resources and reconcile the interests of different groups (i.e. quality of government). Governability refers to the capacity to preside over and maintain political stability, reflecting the sense of legitimacy and consensus surrounding government. Many of the indicators included in this overview can be used to approximate both governance and governability.