The 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index, published by Transparency International, provides a comprehensive overview of perceived public sector corruption across 180 countries and territories. The index, which scores countries on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), reveals significant disparities in corruption levels worldwide. Denmark emerges as the least corrupt nation with a score of 88, closely followed by New Zealand and Finland. In contrast, countries like Somalia and Venezuela are at the bottom of the list, highlighting severe corruption issues. Notably, there is a stark 43-point difference between neighboring countries Mexico and the United States, underscoring regional variations. Uruguay stands out as South America's least corrupt country, while Botswana leads in Africa. The global average score is 43, indicating widespread corruption challenges. This index not only highlights the cleanest and most corrupt nations but also emphasizes the need for continued efforts in combating corruption globally. The data suggests that countries with strong institutions and governance frameworks tend to score higher, while those with political instability and weak rule of law face greater corruption challenges. The index serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, businesses, and civil society to address corruption and promote transparency and accountability worldwide.
