World’s most corrupt countries list released – Where does India rank?

Transparency International released the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) rankings on Tuesday, assessing global corruption levels in public sectors. The index evaluates 180 countries and assigns scores ranging from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates lower corruption, and a lower score highlights severe corruption. The latest report, published from Berlin, sheds light on the persisting global corruption crisis.

Global corruption trends: Key findings

The CPI report underscores that corruption remains a significant global challenge, exposing deep-rooted issues in numerous nations. While 32 countries have improved their corruption standings since 2012, a staggering 148 nations have either stagnated or worsened over the same period. This highlights the urgent need for stronger anti-corruption measures worldwide.

Least corrupt countries in 2025

According to the 2024 CPI rankings, Denmark has once again retained its position as the least corrupt nation for the seventh consecutive year, securing a score of 90. Finland (88) and Singapore (84) closely follow in second and third place. New Zealand (83) and Luxembourg (81) round off the top five. Additionally, Norway and Switzerland, both scoring 81, and Sweden with 80, also rank among the least corrupt nations globally.

Top 10 least corrupt countries:

1. Denmark - Score: 90

2. Finland - Score: 88

3. Singapore - Score: 84

4. New Zealand - Score: 83

5. Luxembourg - Score: 81

6. Norway - Score: 81

7. Switzerland - Score: 81

8. Sweden - Score: 80

9. Netherlands - Score: 78

10. Australia - Score: 77

Most corrupt countries in 2025

On the other end of the spectrum, South Sudan has been ranked as the most corrupt nation, receiving a dismal score of 8, placing it at the 180th position. Somalia follows closely at 179th place, while Venezuela ranks 178th. Other countries with extreme corruption include Syria (177th) and Yemen, Libya, Eritrea, and Equatorial Guinea, all tied at 173rd place with a score of 13.

Top 10 most corrupt countries:

170. Sudan - Score: 15

171. Nicaragua - Score: 14

172. Equatorial Guinea - Score: 13

173. Libya - Score: 13

174. Yemen - Score: 13

175. Syria - Score: 12

176. Venezuela - Score: 10

177. Somalia - Score: 9

178. South Sudan - Score: 8

India’s performance in the CPI 2025 rankings

According to Transparency International’s latest CPI report, India has retained its ranking at 93rd place, with a score of 39. However, this marks a decline from previous years, signaling a growing concern over governance and transparency issues in the country.

Pakistan, currently facing severe economic distress, has dropped two positions from last year, now ranking 135th with a score of 27—on par with Mali, Liberia, and Gabon. In contrast, India continues to fare significantly better than Pakistan in corruption rankings. However, India has also seen a drop in its standing, slipping three spots compared to 2023, losing one point. The 2024 rankings place India at 96th with 38 points, while neighboring China ranks 76th with a score of 42.