Denmark tops the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index as the least corrupt nation, while India’s rank drops to 96th. The report highlights ongoing global corruption issues, urging countries to enhance accountability, especially in climate initiatives. Significant declines in scores were noted for major nations, underscoring the need for urgent anti-corruption measures to ensure democracy and sustainability.
New Delhi: Denmark has been ranked as the least corrupt country in the world, followed by Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand, according to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, compiled by Transparency International. This annual index evaluates public sector corruption across 180 countries, scoring them on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
The 2024 report highlights that corruption remains a major issue worldwide, but some countries have made significant progress. However, India’s ranking dropped three places to 96th position, with a score of 38, compared to 93rd in 2023 (score: 39) and 85th in 2022 (score: 40).
Among India’s neighbors:
- Pakistan ranked 135th
- Sri Lanka ranked 121st
- Bangladesh ranked 149th
- China ranked 76th
These rankings indicate ongoing corruption struggles in the region, affecting governance, economic growth, and public trust.
The United States, France, Germany, and Russia saw significant drops in their corruption scores.
- The US dropped from 69 to 65 points, slipping from 24th to 28th place.
- France’s score fell by four points to 67, ranking 25th.
- Germany dropped three points to 75, tying 15th place with Canada.
- Mexico declined by five points to 26, attributed to the judiciary’s failure to act on major corruption cases.
- Russia’s score fell by four points to 22, further reflecting authoritarian rule and lack of transparency following its invasion of Ukraine.
At the bottom of the index, South Sudan ranked as the most corrupt country with a score of just 8. It was followed by:
- Somalia (9 points)
- Venezuela (10 points)
- Syria (12 points)
These countries continue to struggle with severe corruption, weak governance, and lack of transparency.
Transparency International also warned about corruption’s impact on climate change initiatives. The report stated that lack of accountability and transparency increases the risk of embezzlement of climate funds and allows corporate influence to block policies aimed at reducing emissions.
“Huge numbers of people around the world suffer severe consequences of global heating, as funds intended to help countries cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable populations are stolen or misused. At the same time, corruption in the form of undue influence obstructs policies aimed at addressing the climate crisis and leads to environmental damage,”
the report emphasized.
Despite 32 countries reducing corruption levels since 2012, 148 countries have either stagnated or worsened in the same period. The report stresses that:
- Global corruption levels remain dangerously high
- Fighting corruption is essential to protecting democracy, human rights, and sustainable development
- Powerful nations must lead by example in curbing financial crime and corruption
Transparency International urged the international community and national governments to prioritize anti-corruption policies and enforcement.
“This is crucial to pushing back against authoritarianism and securing a peaceful, free, and sustainable world. The dangerous trends revealed in this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index highlight the need to follow through with concrete action now to address global corruption,”
the report concluded.
With corruption undermining economic growth, democratic stability, and climate action, tackling this issue must remain a top priority for global leaders.
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