New Delhi: South Sudan has been ranked as the most corrupt country in the world, while Denmark retained its position as the least corrupt nation, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024. The report ranks 180 countries based on perceived public sector corruption, using a scale from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
India slipped three spots to 96th place in 2024, with a score of 38, down from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. In 2023, India held the 93rd position. Among its neighbors, Pakistan was ranked 135th, Sri Lanka 121st, and Bangladesh 149th. China fared better, landing at 76th place.
Decline in Major Countries
Several major global powers saw their rankings decline. The United States dropped from 69 points to 65, moving from 24th to 28th place. France slid to 25th with a score of 67, while Germany and Canada tied at 15th with 75 points. Mexico’s score fell by five points to 26, citing judicial inaction in major corruption cases.
Russia’s score dropped four points to 22, reflecting the effects of authoritarianism exacerbated by its invasion of Ukraine. Despite ongoing challenges, Ukraine made progress in judicial independence and prosecuting high-level corruption cases.
South Sudan and Other Low-Scoring Countries
South Sudan replaced Somalia as the most corrupt country, scoring just eight points. Somalia’s score fell to nine, followed by Venezuela (10) and Syria (12).
Global Corruption Trends and Climate Impact
Transparency International’s report highlighted that corruption levels worldwide remain alarmingly high, with 148 countries showing stagnation or worsening since 2012. Corruption also poses significant risks to climate change efforts. A lack of transparency and accountability in climate financing can lead to misused funds, while undue influence from private sectors obstructs ambitious emission-reduction policies.
“Efforts to cut emissions and protect vulnerable populations are at risk due to corruption, often driven by fossil-fuel interests and financial hubs that attract illicit funds,” the report stated.
The report concluded that corruption undermines democracy, stability, and human rights globally. “Addressing corruption must be a top and long-term priority for all nations to push back against authoritarianism and secure a peaceful, free, and sustainable world,” it added.
The findings underscore the urgent need for global cooperation and concrete actions to tackle corruption and protect both governance and climate efforts from its harmful effects.
