Corruption by Country (Corruption Perceptions Index CPI)
The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International offers a comprehensive ranking of perceived corruption levels in the public sector across 180 countries. Below, we analyze the latest data and compare it with 2022 to uncover key trends and changes.
Which countries were the least corrupt in 2023?
The top-performing countries in 2023 remained largely consistent with previous years, showcasing strong governance and robust anti-corruption frameworks:
Denmark: 90
Finland: 87
New Zealand: 85
Norway: 84
Singapore: 83
Denmark retained its first-place position with a perfect score of 90, reflecting continued excellence in transparency and accountability. New Zealand dropped slightly from 87 in 2022 to 85 in 2023, highlighting minor challenges in maintaining its previously high standards.
Which countries were the most corrupt in 2023?
The most corrupt countries in 2023 included:
Somalia: 11
South Sudan: 13
Syria: 13
Venezuela: 13
Yemen: 16
Somalia, South Sudan, and Syria continued to rank at the bottom of the index, emphasizing persistent issues such as weak institutions, conflict, and lack of transparency. Notably, Venezuela’s score of 13 remained stagnant, indicating a continued struggle with systemic corruption and economic instability.
What notable changes occurred from 2022 to 2023?
While Denmark maintained its position at the top, several countries experienced shifts in their rankings:
- **New Zealand**: Dropped from 87 to 85, reflecting a slight decline in governance measures.
- **Ireland**: Improved its score slightly from 77 in 2022 to 78 in 2023, indicating strengthened anti-corruption efforts.
- **Germany**: Dropped from 79 to 78, signaling minor challenges in maintaining its prior performance.
- **Brazil**: Improved marginally from 36 to 36, demonstrating a slow but positive trajectory toward addressing corruption.
What do these changes signify?
The minor shifts in CPI scores between 2022 and 2023 highlight the ongoing battle against corruption in many regions. Countries like Ireland and Brazil show that progress, while slow, is possible through targeted reforms and governance improvements. Conversely, slight declines in countries like New Zealand and Germany underscore the need for vigilance even in high-performing nations.
What are the key global corruption trends for 2023?
The CPI continues to reveal stark disparities between regions:
- **Europe**: Consistently outperforms other regions, with Denmark, Finland, and Norway leading the index.
- **Sub-Saharan Africa**: Faces persistent governance challenges, with many countries scoring below 30.
- **The Americas**: Mixed results, with Uruguay (73) showcasing strong governance, while Venezuela (13) struggles with systemic issues.
- **Asia**: Singapore (83) leads the region, while nations like Afghanistan (20) remain among the most corrupt globally.
Why is the CPI significant?
The CPI serves as a vital tool for identifying governance strengths and weaknesses globally. It informs policymakers, organizations, and citizens, empowering them to take targeted actions to combat corruption and promote accountability. The 2023 data underscores both persistent challenges and areas of progress, providing a roadmap for future reforms.
