Corruption Perceptions Index

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Corruption refers to the abuse of entrusted power or authority for personal gain or to achieve unfair advantages. It encompasses actions such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and misuse of public funds. Corruption undermines transparency, accountability, and fairness in both public and private sectors, eroding trust and hindering socioeconomic development. Efforts to combat corruption involve implementing strong legal frameworks, promoting ethical behavior, and fostering a culture of transparency and integrity.

Currently, the most widely used corruption index to measure the level of corruption is the Corruption Perceptions Index.

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is an annual ranking and assessment of countries based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption. It is published by Transparency International, a non-governmental organization focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts worldwide. The CPI is one of the most widely recognized indicators of corruption and is used by governments, international organizations, researchers, and the media to gauge the extent of corruption in different countries.

The CPI is constructed using a combination of surveys and assessments from various reputable institutions. It aggregates data from multiple sources, including business and expert surveys, to create a comprehensive picture of corruption perception in each country.

The CPI focuses on corruption within the public sector, including government institutions, law enforcement, and public services. It does not directly measure corruption within the private sector.

Countries are scored on a scale of 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates a perception of lower corruption. A score of 0 represents highly corrupt, while a score of 100 represents very clean.

The countries are then ranked based on their CPI scores. The ranking allows for comparisons between countries and provides an overview of how different countries are perceived in terms of corruption.

The world map below shows Corruption Perceptions Index in 2021.

While the CPI is a valuable tool for assessing perceived corruption levels, it has its limitations. It relies on perceptions, which can be influenced by various factors, including media coverage and cultural biases. It may not capture all aspects of corruption, such as hidden or less visible forms of corruption.

Most Corrupt Countries (Lower CPI Scores)

Countries with lower CPI scores are perceived as having higher levels of corruption in their public sectors. These countries often face challenges related to governance, transparency, and accountability. Some examples of countries that have historically ranked lower on the CPI include:

• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen
• Sudan

Least Corrupt Countries (Higher CPI Scores)

Countries with higher CPI scores are perceived as having lower levels of corruption and are often characterized by stronger governance structures, accountability mechanisms, and transparency in their public sectors. Some examples of countries that have historically ranked higher on the CPI include:

• Denmark
• New Zealand
• Finland
• Singapore
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Norway

These countries typically have well-established anti-corruption measures, effective law enforcement, strong institutions, and a culture of transparency. It’s important to note that even in the least corrupt countries, corruption can still exist to some degree, but it is generally less prevalent and more effectively addressed.

Quick facts

• Denmark has the world’s highest score on the index at 88
• Hong Kong is also ranked, with a score of 76
• Uruguay is South America’s least corrupt country (71), ranked 21st in the world.
• Botswana has the highest score (61) on the continent of Africa.
• There is a 38-point spread between neighbors Mexico and the United States.
• Two-thirds of countries score below 50

To learn more about corruption, have a look at the following books:

• Profiles in Corruption: Abuse of Power by America’s Progressive Elite
• Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United
• Corruption: What Everyone Needs to Know
• Corruption: A Very Short Introduction