Corruption universally triggers a negative perception due to its misuse of authority for personal gain, causing erosion of trust in institutions and hindering economic progress. Governments, entities, and individuals work to combat corruption through legal frameworks, transparent practices, and ethical norms. Public awareness, education, and accountability efforts are crucial in the global fight against corruption.

The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, unveiled in January 2024, brings disconcerting news. The global CPI average remains stagnant at 43 for the twelfth consecutive year, with over two-thirds of nations scoring below 50.

Denmark maintains its position as the least corrupt country for the sixth consecutive year, boasting an impressive score of 90. Conversely, Somalia emerges as the most corrupt nation, with a score of 11.

Efforts to combat corruption must intensify, given the alarming lack of progress reflected in the CPI. It is imperative to focus on enhancing transparency, strengthening legal measures, and promoting ethical behavior. Addressing corruption's detrimental impact on trust, economic growth, and social and political stability requires a concerted global effort. Public awareness and education campaigns, alongside increased accountability, remain essential components of this ongoing battle against corruption.

List of 10 Least Corrupt Nations 2024

Rank Country Score
1 Denmark 90
2 Finland 87
3 New Zealand 85
4 Norway 84
5 Singapore 83
6 Sweden 82
6 Switzerland 82
8 Netherlands 79
9 Germany 78
9 Luxembourg 78
11 Ireland 77

The report highlights that even countries ranking high on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) have their own impunity issues, not necessarily reflected in their scores. Some of these top-scoring nations, while doing business abroad, have been implicated in cross-border corruption cases where their companies resort to bribery. Additionally, professionals from these countries have been involved in selling secrecy or aiding foreign corrupt officials. Surprisingly, despite their high CPI scores, these top-ranking countries often neglect to pursue legal action against those responsible for transnational corruption and those facilitating such illicit activities.

List of 10 Most Corrupt Nations 2024

Rank Country Score
1 Somalia 11
2 Venezuela 13
3 Syria 13
4 South Sudan 13
5 Yemen 13
6 Nicaragua 17
7 Haiti 17
8 Equatorial Guinea 17
9 Turkmenistan 18
10 Libya 18

India's Ranking

India's position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is noteworthy, ranking 93rd with a score of 39, indicating a slight shift from its 2022 position of 85th with a score of 40. Despite this change, India's overall corruption score remains relatively stable.

The report sheds light on the challenges faced by neighboring countries. Pakistan, with a score of 29, and Sri Lanka, scoring 34, are grappling with the burden of debt and political instability. In contrast, China secured a score of 42, Japan attained 73, and Bangladesh received a score of 24. Afghanistan and Myanmar, however, face lower scores of 20 in the CPI.

The Corruption Perceptions Index assesses 180 countries globally on perceptions of corruption in the public sector. Drawing from 13 external sources, including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, private risk firms, and think tanks, the scores reflect expert and business professional perspectives rather than those of the general public.

It is essential for India and its neighbors to address corruption concerns, as highlighted by their CPI scores, to foster trust, stability, and economic progress. The report serves as a valuable tool in understanding the challenges and opportunities for improvement in combating corruption in the region.

You might also be interested in-World’s tallest Ambedkar statue unveiled in Andhra Pradesh