Corruption Perception Index
From 12.0 to 90.0 in more than 89 countries. A worldwide ranking of corruption in the public sector.
Data last updated: January 2024
Corruption Perception Index by Country
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Corruption Statistics
Corruption in the public sector represents a significant challenge to economic development, social justice, and democratic governance worldwide. This ranking measures perceptions of corruption based on expert assessments and business surveys, providing insight into the integrity of public institutions across countries. Our comprehensive comparison shows corruption indices from over 89 countries, ranging from 12.0 (highly corrupt) to 90.0 (very clean).
High levels of corruption undermine economic growth by distorting markets, discouraging investment, and misallocating resources. It erodes public trust in government, reduces the effectiveness of public services, and exacerbates inequality by allowing the wealthy and connected to bypass rules and regulations. Understanding corruption levels helps businesses assess risks, governments identify areas for reform, and citizens hold their leaders accountable. As shown in our analysis of economic development and tax systems, corruption significantly impacts economic performance and social outcomes.
Countries with low corruption typically have strong institutions, transparent processes, independent judiciaries, and effective anti-corruption measures. The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), with higher scores indicating lower perceived corruption and stronger institutional integrity.
Understanding Corruption
Corruption involves the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and favoritism. It can occur at all levels of government, from high-level political corruption to petty bribery in daily interactions with public officials. Corruption indices measure perceptions of corruption in the public sector, based on expert assessments and business surveys.
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) typically ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), though specific scales may vary. Higher scores indicate lower perceived corruption and stronger institutional integrity. These indices help compare corruption levels across countries, though they reflect perceptions rather than absolute measures of corruption.
Forms of Corruption
- Bribery: Offering or accepting money or favors to influence decisions
- Embezzlement: Stealing or misusing public funds or resources
- Nepotism: Favoring relatives or friends in hiring or contracting
- Cronyism: Awarding contracts or benefits to associates
- Patronage: Using public resources to reward political supporters
- Regulatory capture: Allowing regulated entities to influence regulations
Effects of Corruption
- Economic damage: Reduces investment, distorts markets, and wastes resources
- Inequality: Benefits the wealthy and connected at the expense of others
- Undermines trust: Erodes public confidence in government and institutions
- Poor services: Reduces quality and accessibility of public services
- Political instability: Can lead to social unrest and political crisis
- Human rights: Violations often accompany high corruption levels
Factors Reducing Corruption
- Transparency: Open government processes and accessible information reduce opportunities for corruption
- Accountability: Independent oversight, audits, and consequences for wrongdoing deter corruption
- Strong institutions: Independent judiciaries, free press, and effective law enforcement combat corruption
- Civil society: Active NGOs, media, and citizens monitor and expose corruption
- Political will: Leadership commitment to anti-corruption is essential for reform
- Economic development: Higher incomes and education levels correlate with lower corruption
Global Corruption Patterns
Nordic countries, New Zealand, and Singapore consistently rank among the least corrupt nations, with strong institutions, transparent processes, and effective anti-corruption measures. These countries demonstrate that low corruption is achievable through good governance, rule of law, and social trust.
Many developing countries face significant corruption challenges, often related to weak institutions, limited resources, and political instability. However, some developing nations have made substantial progress through anti-corruption reforms, demonstrating that improvement is possible with political will and institutional strengthening.
Corruption affects all countries to some degree, but the scale and impact vary dramatically. Understanding these patterns helps identify best practices, assess risks for businesses and investors, and guide international development efforts focused on governance and institutional reform.
Corruption Perception Index Ranking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the lowest corruption?
According to our data, Denmark currently has one of the lowest corruption levels with a Corruption Perception Index of 90.0. Nordic countries, New Zealand, and Singapore consistently rank among the least corrupt nations.
What is the global average corruption index?
The global average Corruption Perception Index varies significantly by region. Based on our comprehensive dataset covering over 89 countries, corruption indices range from approximately 12.0 (highly corrupt) to 90.0 (very clean).
Which country has the highest corruption?
Somalia, Fed. Rep. currently has one of the highest corruption levels in our dataset with a Corruption Perception Index of 12.0. High corruption often correlates with weak institutions, limited resources, and political instability.
How does corruption affect economic development?
Corruption significantly undermines economic development by distorting markets, discouraging investment, misallocating resources, and reducing the effectiveness of public services. Countries with lower corruption typically experience stronger economic performance and better average income levels.
What is the Corruption Perception Index (CPI)?
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is a measure that ranks countries by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, typically on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The index is based on expert assessments and business surveys, providing insight into the integrity of public institutions.
Global Corruption Statistics and Analysis
Global corruption statistics reveal significant variations in public sector integrity across countries and regions. The Corruption Perception Index provides a comprehensive view of corruption levels worldwide, helping businesses, governments, and citizens understand the state of governance and institutional strength. Countries with strong anti-corruption measures, transparent processes, and independent oversight typically show lower corruption levels and better economic outcomes.
Understanding corruption patterns is essential for assessing economic risks, investment opportunities, and governance effectiveness. High corruption levels correlate with reduced foreign investment, slower economic growth, and increased inequality. Conversely, countries with low corruption benefit from stronger institutions, better public services, and more equitable economic development. Our analysis of economic development indicators and average income levels demonstrates the strong relationship between governance quality and economic performance.
Anti-corruption efforts require comprehensive approaches including transparency initiatives, accountability mechanisms, institutional strengthening, and civil society engagement. Countries that have successfully reduced corruption have typically implemented reforms across multiple sectors, with strong political will and sustained commitment to good governance. International cooperation and information exchange also play crucial roles in combating corruption, particularly in addressing cross-border illicit financial flows and money laundering.
The corruption data presented here reflects perceptions based on expert assessments and business surveys. While these measures provide valuable insights, they should be considered alongside other governance indicators and contextual factors. For comprehensive economic analysis, explore our full range of economic indicators, including unemployment rates, inflation data, and cost of living comparisons.