CPI2023 Report Embargoed Until 07.01am CET Berlin 30 January 2024

Embargoed until 07.
01am CET
(Berlin) 30 January 2024
PERCEPTIONS
CORRUPTION
INDEX
2023
Embargoed until 07.01am CET (Berlin) 30 January 2024
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one vision: a world in which government, business,
civil society and the daily lives of people are free of
corruption. With more than 100 chapters worldwide and
an international secretariat in Berlin, we are leading the
昀椀ght against corruption to turn this vision into reality.
#cpi2023
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Cover image: Till Lukat
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CORRUPTION
PERCEPTIONS
INDEX 2023
2-3 13-19 20
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Map and Results Regional Highlights Methodology

Americas
Asia Paci昀椀c
4-6 21-22
Eastern Europe and
Executive Summary Endnotes
Central Asia
Recommendations
Middle East and North
Africa
7-8 Sub-Saharan Africa
Global Highlights Western Europe and

European Union
9-12
Corruption
and Injustice
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL
180 COUNTRIES.
180 SCORES.
HOW DOES
YOUR COUNTRY
MEASURE UP?
The perceived levels of public sector corruption

in 180 countries and territories around the world.
SCORE
Highly Very
Corrupt Clean
0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90-100 No Data Disputed Lines of
Boundaries* Control*
*The designations employed and the presentation of material on this map follow the UN practice to the best of our knowledge and
as of January 2024. They do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of Transparency International concerning the legal
status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
SCORE COUNTRY/TERRITORY
69 Barbados 54 Poland 43 Benin
90 Denmark 69 United States 54 Slovakia 43 Ghana
87 Finland 68 Bhutan 53 Cyprus 43 Oman
85 New Zealand 68 United Arab 53 Georgia 43 Senegal
84 Norway Emirates 53 Grenada 43 Solomon Islands
83 Singapore 67 Taiwan 53 Rwanda 43 Timor-Leste
82 Sweden 66 Chile 52 Fiji 42 Bahrain
82 Switzerland 64 Bahamas 52 Saudi Arabia 42 China
79 Netherlands 64 Cabo Verde 51 Malta 42 Cuba
78 Germany 63 Korea, South 51 Mauritius 42 Hungary
78 Luxembourg 62 Israel 50 Croatia 42 Moldova
77 Ireland 61 Lithuania 50 Malaysia 42 North Macedonia
76 Canada 61 Portugal 49 Greece 42 Trinidad and
76 Estonia 60 Latvia 49 Namibia Tobago
75 Australia 60 Saint Vincent and 48 Vanuatu 41 Burkina Faso
the Grenadines 41 Kosovo
75 Hong Kong 47 Armenia
60 Spain 41 South Africa
73 Belgium 46 Jordan
59 Botswana 41 Vietnam
73 Japan 46 Kuwait
58 Qatar 40 Colombia
73 Uruguay 46 Montenegro
57 Czechia 40 Côte d’Ivoire
72 Iceland 46 Romania
56 Dominica 40 Guyana
71 Austria 45 Bulgaria
56 Italy 40 Suriname
71 France 45 São Tomé
56 Slovenia 40 Tanzania
71 Seychelles and Príncipe
55 Costa Rica 40 Tunisia
71 United Kingdom 44 Jamaica
55 Saint Lucia
2
CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX 2023
39 India 34 Ecuador 28 Mali 21 Eritrea

39 Kazakhstan 34 Indonesia 28 Paraguay 20 Afghanistan
39 Lesotho 34 Malawi 27 Cameroon 20 Burundi
39 Maldives 34 Philippines 26 Guinea 20 Chad
38 Morocco 34 Sri Lanka 26 Kyrgyzstan 20 Comoros
37 Argentina 34 Turkey 26 Russia 20 Democratic
Republic of
37 Albania 33 Angola 26 Uganda the Congo
37 Belarus 33 Mongolia 25 Liberia 20 Myanmar
37 Ethiopia 33 Peru 25 Madagascar 20 Sudan
37 Gambia 33 Uzbekistan 25 Mozambique 20 Tajikistan
37 Zambia 32 Niger 25 Nigeria 18 Libya
36 Algeria 31 El Salvador 24 Bangladesh 18 Turkmenistan
36 Brazil 31 Kenya 24 Central African 17 Equatorial Guinea
36 Serbia 31 Mexico Republic
17 Haiti
36 Ukraine 31 Togo 24 Iran
17 Korea, North
35 Bosnia and 30 Djibouti 24 Lebanon
17 Nicaragua
Herzegovina 30 Eswatini 24 Zimbabwe
16 Yemen
35 Dominican 30 Mauritania 23 Azerbaijan
Republic 13 South Sudan
29 Bolivia 23 Guatemala
35 Egypt 13 Syria
29 Pakistan 23 Honduras
35 Nepal 13 Venezuela
29 Papua New 23 Iraq
35 Panama 11 Somalia
Guinea 22 Cambodia
35 Sierra Leone 28 Gabon 22 Congo
35 Thailand 28 Laos 22 Guinea-Bissau
3
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Justice and the e昀昀ective rule of law are essential for preventing
and stopping corruption at both the national and international
levels. Both are cornerstones of democracy and embody notions
of fairness and accountability. Impunity for corruption – where
people who abuse their power do not face consequences for the
harm they cause – is the essence of injustice and failure of the
rule of law.
There has been a global decline restricted civic freedoms3 and corruption institutions around
in justice and the rule of law since relied on non-democratic strategies the world, only 28 of the 180
2016.1 The rise of authoritarianism to address recent challenges, countries measured by the CPI
in some countries contributes to including the COVID-19 pandemic.4 have improved their corruption
this trend, and even in democratic levels, and 34 countries have
contexts, the mechanisms that Against this backdrop, this year’s signi昀椀cantly worsened.5
keep governments in check have Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
weakened. Governments across shows that, despite the progress This limited progress is hardly
the political spectrum have made in criminalising corruption surprising considering the chronic
undermined justice systems,2 and establishing specialised anti- weaknesses of justice systems
AVERAGE CPI 2023 SCORE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF GOVERNMENT*
Strong democracies vastly outperform 昀氀awed ones and authoritarian regimes

in control of corruption.
73 48 32
FULL FLAWED NON-DEMOCRATIC

DEMOCRACIES DEMOCRACIES REGIMES
(24 COUNTRIES) (48 COUNTRIES) (94 COUNTRIES)
* Based on the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) democracy classi昀椀cation for the year 2022. The total number
of countries covered here is lower than the number covered by the CPI, as the EIU does not provide data for 13
of the countries in our sample. Data available at: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/political-regime-eiu.
4
meant to detect, investigate, of capture, interference or lack of

prosecute and adjudicate powers, resources and capacity. 2/3 OF COUNTRIES
corruption cases. Ongoing under- Those abusing power escape
resourcing of the judiciary, police accountability and the widespread
SCORE BELOW
and other justice institutions, harm to victims goes unremedied.
combined with insu昀케cient
levels of independence from
other branches of government
mean that corruption often
The 昀椀ght for justice and the 昀椀ght
against corruption go hand in
hand: where the justice system is
50/100
goes unpunished. In turn, unable to uphold the rule of law,
extensive impunity incentivises corruption thrives. At the same
further wrongdoing at all levels. time, where corruption is the When justice can be bought by
This ranges from bribery to norm, access to justice is often some, others must bear the
embezzlement to the organised, hindered for the most vulnerable, burden of injustice. Victims of
complex schemes of grand and justice institutions may be corruption are denied redress
corruption, which is the abuse captured by political, economic for the harm done to them and
of high-level power that causes or special interest groups. In the the government’s ability to 昀椀ght
serious and widespread su昀昀ering most extreme cases, patronage crime is signi昀椀cantly hindered.7
in societies. and clientelist networks, many Hence, e昀昀orts to improve the
of which transcend national independence, transparency and
The grave societal harm caused borders, can also use their e昀昀ectiveness of justice systems
by grand corruption makes it a in昀氀uence to create impunity for are an investment in human rights
matter of international concern. themselves by manipulating legal and a corruption-free world. At
Grand corruption perpetrators processes, pushing for selective the same time, anti-corruption
too often bene昀椀t from impunity, enforcement, and even altering interventions are key in the global
due to domestic justice systems laws to ensure they are in line quest for justice.
being “unable or unwilling” to with their interests.6
pursue them, whether because
Corruption will continue to thrive until justice systems

can punish wrongdoing and keep governments in
check. When justice is bought or politically interfered
with, it is the people that su昀昀er. Leaders should
fully invest in and guarantee the independence of
institutions that uphold the law and tackle corruption.
It is time to end impunity for corruption.
François Valérian
Chair, Transparency International
Photo: Transparency International
5
Recommendations
Our research and work with partners in over 100 countries suggests that governments
seeking to tackle corruption, promote justice and strengthen the rule of law should:
STRENGTHEN THE INDEPENDENCE MAKE JUSTICE MORE TRANSPARENT

OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM Transparency can help shed light on the functioning
Shielding the justice system from interference is of the justice system and make it more accountable.
paramount for its functioning. Promote merit- Ensure that relevant data on judgments, out-of-
based rather than political appointments and court settlements and enforcement as well as legal
ensure that the system has quali昀椀ed personnel procedure and administrative rules are openly
and is properly resourced. available and can be scrutinised by members of the
public. This could help discourage corruption and
ensure that laws against corruption are properly
applied and administered.
INTRODUCE INTEGRITY AND

MONITORING MECHANISMS PROMOTE COOPERATION
Ensure that the special protections required WITHIN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
by members of the justice system to perform
their functions are not abused. Abuse may be Justice systems are complex, but ensuring
prevented through dedicated whistleblowing that their di昀昀erent components can e昀昀ectively
and reporting channels, as well as requirements collaborate is essential. De昀椀ning clear and
for judges, prosecutors and other relevant actors complementary responsibilities is critical to
to disclose their assets and interests, and ensure achieve this objective. Given the widespread use of
that salaries are commensurate to their work. informal justice systems in some regions, re昀氀ecting
on potential synergies between formal and
informal systems could also prove bene昀椀cial.
IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Protecting people’s right to access justice is a 昀椀rst EXPAND AVENUES FOR
step against impunity and corruption. Strategies ACCOUNTABILITY IN GRAND
to pursue this goal include simplifying complex
CORRUPTION CASES
procedures, making legal procedures accessible to
all, widening the de昀椀nition of victims of corruption Where grand corruption schemes are carried out in
to include non-state victims and granting quali昀椀ed countries with justice systems that are “unwilling or unable”
civil society organisations (CSOs) the right to to enforce against the o昀昀enders, justice institutions in
initiate and bring forward cases of corruption foreign jurisdictions with stronger rule of law can play
– whether criminal, civil or administrative – and a crucial role in countering impunity by handling the
represent the interests of victims of corruption. grand corruption proceedings. This calls for those foreign
countries to have in place key procedural measures,
such as extensive jurisdiction, minimal immunities for
foreign state o昀케cials, standing for quali昀椀ed public interest
CSOs to pursue those cases and represent victims, and
a broad de昀椀nition of justiciable harm that encompasses
widespread harm to a large number of victims.
6
GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS
In the 20 years since the adoption of the UN Convention against
Corruption (UNCAC), 190 countries have united under it to stop
corruption. However, they are largely failing to achieve this – over
80 per cent of the world’s population lives in countries with CPI
scores below the global average of 43.
In addition, the top 25 countries according to experts and the index. Democratic countries
in the index make up just over 10 businesspeople. It relies on 13 tend to greatly outperform
per cent of all people. Corruption independent data sources and authoritarian regimes when
therefore remains a challenge uses a scale of zero to 100, where controlling corruption – full
that directly or indirectly harms zero is highly corrupt and 100 is democracies have a CPI average
most people. very clean. of 73, 昀氀awed democracies have
one of 48 and non-democratic
The CPI ranks 180 countries and Countries with strong rule of law regimes just 32.
territories by their perceived and well-functioning democratic
levels of public-sector corruption institutions often sit at the top of
HIGHEST SCORING REGION LOWEST SCORING REGION
WESTERN EUROPE & SUB-SAHARAN

EUROPEAN UNION AFRICA
65 /100 33 /100
AVERAGE REGIONAL SCORE AVERAGE REGIONAL SCORE
7
For the sixth year in a row, Denmark

CPI SCORE CHANGES, 2012-2023
heads the ranking, with a score of 90.
Finland and New Zealand follow closely
with scores of 87 and 85, respectively. Number of countries that the underlying data sources largely agree improved or
Norway (84), Singapore (83), Sweden declined over the period 2012 to 2023, for all 180 countries with data available.
(82), Switzerland (82), the Netherlands
(79), Germany (78) and Luxembourg (78)
complete the top 10 this year. 28 34 118
Meanwhile, countries experiencing
con昀氀ict or with highly restricted
freedoms and weak democratic
institutions tend to score worst. This
year, Somalia (11), Venezuela (13),
Syria (13) and South Sudan (13) are
at the bottom of the index. Yemen
(16), Nicaragua (17), North Korea (17),
Haiti (17), Equatorial Guinea (17),
Turkmenistan (18) and Libya (18) are the COUNTRIES COUNTRIES COUNTRIES
next lowest performers. IMPROVED DECLINED STAYED THE SAME
MOST SIGNIFICANT MOVERS
Countries that the underlying data sources largely agree improved or declined over the period
2014 to 2023. A full list of all statistically signi昀椀cant changes is available in the CPI 2023 dataset.
2015
90
CPI 2023 BASELINE CPI SCORE CPI GLOBAL AVERAGE
80
-7
70
60
50
+7 2014
CPI SCORE
+10 +8 2015
40 2017
+10 +7 2016
+15 2017
2014
30 2015
-4 -6 -11
2015
2020
2014 -7
20 -9
2014
10
0
N
RE
IC
IT
KA
IA
EN
LA
EY
IN
NI
BO
TA
WA
OL
BL
RK
MA
OI
AN
ED
RA
ZA
K IS
PU
NG
GA
’I V
TU
KU
SW
IL
E
N
UK
AT
BE
RE
ED
TA
MO
SR
GU
UZ
N
T
CO
CA
NI
MI
DO
8
CORRUPTION
AND INJUSTICE
The United Nations Convention against Corruption requires
governments to strengthen integrity and prevent opportunities
for corruption among members of the judiciary and prosecution
services,8 while maintaining their independence.9 This explicit focus
on the justice system is not surprising, given that it plays a vital
role in applying anti-corruption legislation, protecting rights and
guaranteeing the rule of law.
Well-functioning justice systems may be a sign that corruption is that the e昀昀ects of corruption
are a precondition and a catalyst tolerated and protected. on access to justice are not felt
for addressing corruption equally across societies. It is
e昀昀ectively.10 When the justice The relationship between often poor and marginalised
system is weak, dysfunctional corruption and justice, however, groups that su昀昀er most from
or lacks independence to shield is more than one-directional. corruption when seeking justice.16
itself against external pressures, it While the declining levels of rule Vulnerable people also 昀椀nd
cannot uphold the law and ensure of law worldwide a昀昀ect e昀昀orts to themselves at a disadvantage
that it is applied equally to all. counter corruption, corruption when bribes or political
Under these circumstances, legal also contributes to the erosion of connections sway legal outcomes.
frameworks tend to lose their justice by restricting access and
power to dissuade people from threatening the basic principle of Recent studies also show that
engaging in corruption and other equality before the law.13 When there is a mutually reinforcing
criminal activities,11 and impunity corruption takes hold of the relationship between corruption
thrives.12 It is not surprising that justice system, the powerful and and social injustice. Corruption
countries where public o昀케cials wealthy can escape prosecution often results in discrimination,
and private actors are unlikely and conviction. as favours or privileges the
to be sanctioned for misconduct government grants to speci昀椀c
also score poorly on the CPI. A low At the same time, large segments groups, individuals or companies
likelihood of punishment sends of society may be excluded from tend to result in the deprivation of
the message that corrupt people accessing justice or face additional others with similar merit.17
can get away with their crimes and costs to do so.14,15 Research shows
Corruption worsens social injustice and disproportionately

a昀昀ects the most vulnerable. In many countries, obstacles
to justice for victims of corruption persist. It is time to
break the barriers and ensure people can access justice
e昀昀ectively. Everyone deserves fair and inclusive legal
systems where victims’ voices are heard at every stage.
Anything else is an a昀昀ront to justice.
Daniel Eriksson
Chief Executive Officer, Transparency International
Photo: Transparency International
9
FIGURE 1: CORRUPTION AND IMPUNITY
Countries with higher levels of corruption are less likely to sanction public o昀케cials for failing to adhere to existing rules
and ful昀椀l their responsibilities. The low likelihood of sanctions can also serve as an incentive to engage in corruption.
.9
.8
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE SANCTIONED FOR MISCONDUCT
.7
.6
(0- worst to 1- best)
.5
.4
.3
.2
.1
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
CPI 2023
(0-highly corrupt to 100-very clean)
Source: Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index and World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.
North Macedonia Venezuela
In September 2023, North Venezuela (13) is an example of

Macedonia’s (42) parliament grand corruption, where billions
signi昀椀cantly undermined its of dollars of public money have
judiciary. In a non-transparent been systematically embezzled,
and fast-tracked procedure, MPs bene昀椀ting a few powerful
amended the criminal code to individuals and exacerbating
reduce prison sentences and poverty and inequality. The grand
shorten the statute of limitations corruption schemes go hand
for the abuse of o昀케cial positions. with high-level o昀케cials’ capturing
This will cause roughly 200 legislative, regulatory, and justice
suspected corruption cases to be systems to build power and
dismissed, many of which involve evade punishment.
former high-level o昀케cials.
10
Existing patterns of Corruption also gives political, of justice systems to suppress

discrimination can increase some economic or other special opposition or other critical
people’s exposure to corruption interest groups the means to voices. These regimes often co-
and the harm they su昀昀er as a in昀氀uence or completely capture opt police forces, prosecutors
result.18 Gender inequality and justice institutions, rendering and courts, and use them to
power imbalances, for example, them ine昀昀ective and using them silence, disadvantage and jail
make women and girls more to bend the law to protect their those who raise their voices
vulnerable to certain types of interests. In the most extreme against them.
corruption, such as sextortion cases, grand corruption and
– the abuse of power for sexual state capture can turn justice
bene昀椀ts.19 Marginalised groups systems into tools of oppression.
are more likely to be preyed Corrupt elites may deploy their
on by corrupt actors and 昀椀nd in昀氀uence on the justice system
that the authorities are neither to bolster their hold on power
protecting them nor punishing and deprive the people of their
the perpetrators. rights, freedom and ability to
raise their voices against abuses.
Some governments make use
FIGURE 2: CORRUPTION AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Under most corrupt justice systems, the powerful and wealthy can escape prosecution and conviction,
while large segments of society are excluded from their rightful access to fair and e昀昀ective judicial services.
.9
.8
.7
PEOPLE CAN ACCESS AND AFFORD CIVIL JUSTICE
.6
.5
.4
.3
.2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
CPI 2023
11
FIGURE 3: CORRUPTION AND ABSENCE OF DISCRIMINATION
Where corruption is high, equal treatment before the law is not guaranteed
and there is more space to discriminate against speci昀椀c groups.
.9
.8
EQUAL TREATMENT AND ABSENCE OF DISCRIMINATION
.7
.6
.5
.4
.3
.2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
CPI 2023
Tunisia Democratic Republic Cambodia

of the Congo
In July 2021, President Saied Cambodia (22) has one of the
seized control of Tunisia’s The Democratic Republic of worst scores in the world for both
(40) judiciary and suspended the Congo (20) faces serious public sector corruption – at its
parliament. He continued to challenges in advancing equal grand and petty scales – and for
consolidate his power in 2022 access to justice. In many equal treatment and absence
through the election of a new instances, little progress is made of discrimination. Marginalised
parliament which constitutionally with investigating, prosecuting groups are more likely to be
remains under his control, further and convicting the powerful neglected or mistreated when
undermining the checks and and wealthy, while already interacting with public o昀케cials,
balances needed to e昀昀ectively marginalised groups of Congolese trying to access public services or
limit government powers. Other people are excluded from seeking justice.
concerning measures include the their rightful access to fair and
weakening of the anti-corruption e昀昀ective judicial services.
commission and the closing of
civic space for those willing to
speak up.
12
REGIONAL
HIGHLIGHTS
Among many other challenges, every region is struggling with
weakening justice systems and diminishing accountability for
public o昀케cials. This is enabling corruption to thrive with impunity,
and regions are either stagnant in their corruption e昀昀orts or
showing signs of decline.
Countries have improved their political integrity. Eastern Europe average of 38, re昀氀ecting ongoing
scores throughout the world, and Central Asia grapple with the struggles with political corruption
showing that progress is possible dysfunctional rule of law, rising and con昀氀ict. Asia Paci昀椀c shows a
in any environment. However, authoritarianism and systemic long stagnant average score of 45
regions with more countries that corruption, re昀氀ected in an average and countries historically at the
are improving than are declining score of 35. top backsliding.
are in a minority.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, despite Lack of judicial independence
Western Europe and the European improvement in some countries, and weak rule of law are enabling
Union (EU), while remaining the most maintain a low score. The widespread impunity in the
top-scoring region, experienced regional average is 33, the world’s Americas, which has an average
a drop in its average score to 65 lowest. Scores in the Middle of 43.
out of 100, re昀氀ecting weakened East and North Africa region
checks and balances and eroding show little improvement with an
PERCENTAGE OF COUNTRIES WITH SCORES BELOW 50 (BY REGION)
Most countries in all but one region have scores under 50, which strongly indicates
serious corruption problems in their public sectors.
95%
EASTERN EUROPE
13% & CENTRAL ASIA
Score below 50
WESTERN EUROPE Top: Georgia (53/100)
& EU Bottom: Turkmenistan (18/100)
Score below 50
Top: Denmark (90/100)

Bottom: Hungary (42/100)
78%
66%
MIDDLE EAST
AMERICAS & NORTH AFRICA
Score below 50 Score below 50
Top: Canada (76/100) Top: United Arab Emirates (68/100)

Bottom: Venezuela (13/100) Bottom: Syria (13/100) 68%
90%
ASIA PACIFIC
SUB-SAHARAN Score below 50
AFRICA Top: New Zealand (85/100)
Score below 50
Bottom: North Korea (17/100)
Top: Seychelles (71/100)
Bottom: Somalia (11/100)
13
AMERICAS
With two-thirds of the countries The sense of impunity and the
in the region having a score
under 50 out of 100 on the
CPI, the Americas shows
considerable challenges in the
inability of prosecutors and
judges to proceed impartially and
guarantee fair trials and equality
before the law signi昀椀cantly
32
昀椀ght against corruption. The lack impacts public trust in the
of independence of the judiciary judiciary. This, in turn, discourages COUNTRIES
in the region is one of the main reporting, as the institution is
problems. It undermines the rule perceived as corrupt, unreliable
of law and promotes impunity for
the powerful and criminals, to the
detriment of the people and the
common good.
and unsafe. The most severely
a昀昀ected are the poorest and
most vulnerable groups, such as
women, indigenous people, Afro-
43
descendants, sexual minorities
In Latin America and the and migrants. These groups often AVERAGE SCORE
Caribbean, opacity and undue experience discrimination when
in昀氀uence renders many justice seeking justice.
systems across the region
incapable of applying the The Americas urgently needs more
law e昀昀ectively in an impartial robust and independent judiciaries
manner or exercising their to enhance justice, tackle
function as a check on other impunity and face the growth of
branches of government, which transnational corruption networks.
is fundamental for all well- Also, judicial and prosecutorial
functioning democracies. appointments and dismissals
must be transparent and based on
experience and performance to
prevent interference.
TOP SCORERS
LATEST IMPROVERS
CANADA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
76/100
35/100 (+7 points since 2020)
URUGUAY
LATEST DECLINERS
73/100
ARGENTINA
BARBADOS 37/100 (-8 points since 2019)
69/100 HONDURAS
23/100 (-6 points since 2018)
UNITED STATES
NICARAGUA
69/100
17/100 (-8 points since 2018)
VENEZUELA
BOTTOM SCORERS
HAITI
13/100 (-5 points since 2018)
17/100
NEW MAXIMUM SCORES
NICARAGUA
COLOMBIA 40 and
17/100 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 35
VENEZUELA NEW MINIMUM SCORES

13/100 CUBA 42, EL SALVADOR 31,
GUATEMALA 23, NICARAGUA 17,
PERU 33 and VENEZUELA 17
14
ASIA PACIFIC
As the Asia Paci昀椀c region faces and remains a focal point for
a big 2024 election year, the
2023 CPI reveals another year of
little to no meaningful progress
towards curbing corruption. For
geopolitical tensions between
China and the West. While there’s
a steady in昀氀ux of economic,
military or 昀椀nancial incentives
31
昀椀ve years in a row, the average to support its development
CPI score for the region stagnates and climate goals, many Paci昀椀c COUNTRIES
stubbornly at 45 out of a possible countries have weak governance
100. Very few countries show systems, which some donors
sustained turnarounds that
indicate signi昀椀cant changes
in corruption levels. Several
historically at the top are slowly
overlook, exposing these
substantial investments to
high risk of corruption. 45
declining. Transparency International’s
Global Corruption Barometer AVERAGE SCORE
Sixty-eight per cent of the revealed the prevalence of
countries across Asia and the corruption around election
Paci昀椀c have a CPI score below 50. processes in Asia and the Paci昀椀c.
These weak scores re昀氀ect the lack These 昀椀ndings show the serious
of delivery by elected o昀케cials on implications for the ability of
anti-corruption agendas, together elections to bring in governments
with crackdowns on civil society that can be trusted to e昀昀ectively
and attacks on freedoms of press, control and curb corruption.
assembly and association.
The Paci昀椀c continues to grapple

with the impact of climate change
TOP SCORERS
LATEST IMPROVERS
NEW ZEALAND
MALDIVES
85/100
39/100 (+10 points since 2019)
SINGAPORE NEPAL
83/100 35/100 (+4 points since 2018)
AUSTRALIA VIETNAM
75/100 41/100 (+8 points since 2018)

LATEST DECLINERS
HONG KONG
75/100 MYANMAR
20/100 (-9 points since 2018)
SRI LANKA
BOTTOM SCORERS
AFGHANISTAN 34/100 (-4 points since 2018)

20/100 NEW MAXIMUM SCORES
MYANMAR NEPAL 35 and TIMOR-LESTE 43
20/100 NEW MINIMUM SCORES

BANGLADESH 24, FIJI 52,
NORTH KOREA
NEW ZEALAND 85 and SRI LANKA 34
17/100
15
EASTERN EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA

The CPI paints a troubling picture Leaders urgently need to
of Eastern Europe and Central
Asia, an area struggling with
dysfunctional rule of law, rising
authoritarianism and systemic
strengthen the rule of law, rights
and democracy, but many are
systematically attacking them.
19
corruption. The average score The 2023 CPI shows that while
of 35 out of 100 makes it the most countries in Eastern Europe COUNTRIES
second lowest-scoring region in and Central Asia are not making
the world. progress against corruption,
Widespread democratic
backsliding and weakening justice
systems are undermining control
昀椀ve countries have signi昀椀cantly
improved their CPI scores over
the last 10 years. This shows that
despite the substantial challenges
35
of corruption, as institutions faced in much of the region,
like the police, prosecutors and change is possible. AVERAGE SCORE
the courts are often unable to
investigate and punish those The rest have stagnated in their
who abuse their power. In a anti-corruption e昀昀orts, except
region where war and in昀氀ation for Bosnia and Herzegovina (35),
are increasing poverty levels, Turkey (34) and Turkmenistan
it is crucial that leaders act for (18), which have declined. Turkey
the common good. There are, also reached its lowest score
however, countless examples to date on the CPI this year, as
of public o昀케cials systematically did Serbia (36), Russia (26) and
in昀氀uencing policies and Tajikistan (20).
institutions to increase their
power and steal public funds.
TOP SCORERS
LATEST IMPROVERS
GEORGIA
ARMENIA
53/100
47/100 (+12 points since 2018)
ARMENIA MOLDOVA
47/100 42/100 (+10 points since 2019)
UZBEKISTAN
MONTENEGRO
46/100 33/100 (+8 points since 2019)
LATEST DECLINERS
BOTTOM SCORERS
AZERBAIJAN TURKEY
23/100 34/100 (-7 points since 2018)

NEW MAXIMUM SCORES
TAJIKISTAN
KAZAKHSTAN 39, MOLDOVA 42,
20/100 UKRAINE 36 and UZBEKISTAN 33
TURKMENISTAN NEW MINIMUM SCORES

18/100 RUSSIA 26, TAJIKISTAN 20 and
TURKEY 34
16
MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

The loss of momentum in anti- commitments to justice and
corruption e昀昀orts across the
MENA region is diminishing public
trust. At the same time, adopting a
reactive, rather than preventative,
human rights. This is due to the
absence of proper infrastructure
and national integrity systems.
The combined CPI 2023 scores
18
approach to 昀椀ghting corruption of the Arab States amount to
impairs good governance. an average of 34 out of 100, COUNTRIES
demonstrating the long road
For over a decade, most countries ahead in assuring integrity and
in the region have failed to
improve their positions on the
CPI, and 2023 is no exception.
This trend is attributed to high
justice throughout the region.
Across the region, widespread

corruption signi昀椀cantly
38
levels of political corruption that undermines progress and many
undermine anti-corruption e昀昀orts states grapple with deeply rooted AVERAGE SCORE
across the region. Corruption social and structural injustices.
continues to hinder citizens’ These prevailing conditions
access to essential services, perpetuate various forms of
including health and education, inequality, including disparate
and in many cases, even access to essential services
threatens their right to life. and resources. This not only
exacerbates social inequalities
With only seven years to go but also severely impedes the
to achieve the Sustainable pursuit of the SDGs.
Development Goals (SDGs), the
Arab States struggle to ful昀椀l their
LATEST IMPROVERS
TOP SCORERS
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

KUWAIT
68/100
46/100 (+6 points since 2019)
ISRAEL
LATEST DECLINERS
62/100 LEBANON
QATAR 24/100 (-6 points since 2012)

58/100 SYRIA
13/100 (-13 points since 2012)
BOTTOM SCORERS
YEMEN
LIBYA
18/100 16/100 (-7 points since 2012)
NEW MAXIMUM SCORES
YEMEN
(No new maximum scores)
16/100
NEW MINIMUM SCORES
SYRIA
IRAN 24, and OMAN 43
13/100
17
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
This year’s CPI shows mixed social and economic issues
results in Africa, with signi昀椀cant
improvements in a few countries.
However, most African countries
experienced stagnation,
remains ine昀昀ective, often at the
expense of the most vulnerable
population. Corruption in
justice delivery mechanisms
49
maintaining the region’s disproportionately a昀昀ects the
consistently poor performance, poorest citizens and those who COUNTRIES
with an unaltered regional average depend primarily on public
score of 33 out of 100. Ninety per services, such as people living
cent of countries in Sub-Saharan
Africa scored under 50.
Despite a regional survey ranking

with disabilities or women
and children, hindering the
realisation of global and regional
development goals.
33
corruption among the most
important problems that Africans Despite adopting the African AVERAGE SCORE
want their governments to Union Convention on Prevention
address, the 2023 CPI shows that and Combatting Corruption
countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (AUCPCC) two decades ago,
have a long way to go in their impunity of public actors, a
昀椀ght against corruption. weakened civic space and public
access to justice and information
The region’s persistent challenges continue to be critical issues that
stem from decades of severe threaten the rule of law in the
underfunding in public sectors, region. Anti-corruption e昀昀orts are
exacerbated by corruption and therefore necessary at all levels
illicit 昀椀nancial 昀氀ows siphoning and by multiple stakeholders
resources away from basic within the justice network.
public services. Addressing
LATEST IMPROVERS
TOP SCORERS
SEYCHELLES
ANGOLA
71/100
33/100 (+14 points since 2018)
CABO VERDE
LATEST DECLINERS
64/100 LIBERIA
BOTSWANA 25/100 (-7 points since 2018)

59/100 NEW MAXIMUM SCORES
CABO VERDE 64, COTE D’IVOIRE 40,
SEYCHELLES 71, SIERRA LEONE 35
BOTTOM SCORERS
EQUATORIAL GUINEA and TANZANIA 40

17/100
NEW MINIMUM SCORES
SOUTH SUDAN GABON 28, LIBERIA 25 and
13/100 SOUTH AFRICA 41
SOMALIA
11/100
18
WESTERN EUROPE & EUROPEAN UNION

The average CPI score of 65 out (72) and the United Kingdom
of 100 has dropped for the 昀椀rst
time in a decade in Western
Europe and the EU. Despite
remaining the top-scoring region
(71), have recorded their lowest-
ever scores. Notably, the UK has
experienced a six-point decrease
over the past 昀椀ve years. Denmark
31
in the CPI, robust anti-corruption (90), Finland (87) and Norway (84)
measures continue to be top the CPI ranking, while the COUNTRIES
undermined by the weakening of lowest-performing countries—
checks and balances. The erosion re昀氀ecting substantial weaknesses
of political integrity contributes
to diminishing public trust in
countries’ ability to tackle the
region’s ongoing challenges.
in the rule of law— include
Hungary (42), Romania (46) and
Bulgaria (45). 65
Weak accountability and political
The 2023 CPI reveals that anti- corruption are undermining AVERAGE SCORE
corruption e昀昀orts have stagnated the rule of law in a region
or declined in more than three- where people are losing trust
quarters of the countries in the in their institutions. In the
region. Among the 31 countries most alarming cases, narrow
assessed, only six have improved interest groups have too much
their score, while eight have control over political decision
declined since 2012. making. In others, governments
are targeting journalists,
Several high-ranking whistleblowers and other
democracies, including Sweden watchdogs.
(82), Netherlands (79), Iceland
LATEST IMPROVERS
TOP SCORERS
DENMARK
ESTONIA
90/100
76/100 (+6 points since 2016)
FINLAND ITALY
87/100 56/100 (+9 points since 2016)
NORWAY LATEST DECLINERS
84/100 AUSTRIA
71/100 (-6 points since 2019)
POLAND
BOTTOM SCORERS
ROMANIA
46/100 54/100 (-6 points since 2018)
UNITED KINGDOM
BULGARIA 71/100 (-9 points since 2018)
45/100
NEW MAXIMUM SCORES
HUNGARY BULGARIA 45, ESTONIA 76,
42/100 LATVIA 60 and SLOVAKIA 54
NEW MINIMUM SCORES

ICELAND 72, NETHERLANDS 79,
POLAND 54, SWEDEN 82 and
UNITED KINGDOM 71
19
METHODOLOGY
The CPI aggregates data from + Considers only the 3. Calculate the average. For a
several di昀昀erent sources that assessments of country country or territory to be included
capture perceptions among experts or businesspeople in the CPI, a minimum of three
businesspeople and country sources must assess that country.
experts of the level of corruption + Is updated regularly (at least A country’s CPI score is then
in the public sector. Transparency every two years). calculated as the average of all
International takes the following standardised scores available for
steps to calculate the CPI: The CPI is calculated using 13 that country. Scores are rounded
di昀昀erent data sources from 12 to whole numbers.
1. Select data sources. Each data di昀昀erent institutions that have
source used to construct the CPI captured perceptions of corruption 4. Report the measure of
must ful昀椀l the following criteria to within the past two years. uncertainty. The CPI score is
qualify as a valid source: accompanied by a standard error
2. Standardise data sources and con昀椀dence interval. This
+ Quanti昀椀es risks or to a scale of 0-100. This captures the variation across
perceptions of corruption in standardisation is achieved by the data sources available for a
the public sector subtracting the mean of each country or territory.
source in the baseline year from
+ Is based on a reliable and each country score, then dividing
valid methodology by the standard deviation, of that
source in the baseline year. This
+ Comes from a reputable subtraction and division using
organisation the baseline year parameters,
ensures that the CPI scores are
+ Allows for su昀케cient variation comparable year on year since
of scores to distinguish 2012. After this procedure,
between countries the standardised scores are
transformed to the CPI scale by
+ Ranks a substantial number multiplying them with the value
of countries across more of the CPI standard deviation in
than one region 2012 (20) and adding the mean
of the CPI in 2012 (45), so that the
dataset 昀椀ts the CPI’s 0-100 scale.
20
ENDNOTES
1 World Justice Project, Rule of Law 5 Only CPI results from 2012 11 United Nations, Report of
Index: 2023 Insights, Washington, DC: onwards can be compared. the Special Rapporteur on the
World Justice Project, 2023. https:// independence of judges and lawyers,
worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law- 6 Zuniga, N., Examining State A/HRC/44/47. New York: United
index/downloads/WJPInsights2023.pdf Capture: Undue In昀氀uence on Nations, 2020. https://www.ohchr.
Lobbying and the Judiciary in the org/en/documents/thematic-reports/
2 The justice system comprises the Western Balkans and Turkey. Berlin: ahrc4447-independence-judges-and-
various agencies, establishments Transparency International, 2020. lawyers-report-special-rapporteur;
and institutions tasked with 2020_Report_ExaminingStateCapture_ Kugler, M., Verdier,T. and Zenou,
administering or enforcing the law. English.pdf (transparencycdn.org) Y., “Organized crime, corruption
The judiciary is the system of courts and punishment”, Journal of Public
and tribunals that adjudicates legal 7 Transparency International, Global Economics 89: 9–10, 1639-1663,
disputes and interprets, applies and Corruption Report 2007: Corruption 2005. https://www.sciencedirect.
defends the law. in Judicial Systems, p.21, Cambridge: com/science/article/abs/pii/
Cambridge University Press, 2007. S0047272704000787
3 World Justice Project, “Human
Rights Declined in 3 out of 4 Countries 8 UNCAC Article 11, Paragraph 1. 12 United Nations, Report of
since a Global Rule of Law Recession the Special Rapporteur on the
Began in 2016”. Washington, DC: 9 United Nations O昀케ce on Drugs independence of judges and lawyers,
World Justice Project, 2023. https:// and Crime, The United Nations A/HRC/44/47, New York: United
worldjusticeproject.org/news/wjp- Convention against Corruption: Nations, 2020. https://www.ohchr.
rule-law-index-2023-global-press- Implementation Guide and Evaluation org/en/documents/thematic-reports/
release Framework for Article 11. Vienna: ahrc4447-independence-judges-and-
United Nations, 2015. lawyers-report-special-rapporteur
4 Vrushi, J., and Martinez Barranco
Kukutschka, R., “Why 昀椀ghting 10 Martinez Barranco Kukutschka, 13 Mijatović, D., “Corruption
corruption matters in times of R., “The long arm of the law versus undermines human rights and
COVID-19”. Berlin: Transparency the invisible hand of the market?” the rule of law”. Human Rights
International, 2021. https://www. in Heywood, P. and Mungiu-Pippidi, Comments. Strasbourg: Council of
transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020- A. A Research Agenda for Studies of Europe, 2021. https://www.coe.int/
research-analysis-why-昀椀ghting- Corruption. Cheltenham, UK: Edward nl/web/commissioner/-/corruption-
corruption-matters-in-times-of- Elgar Publishing, 2019. undermines-human-rights-and-the-
covid-19 rule-of-law
21
14 Pepys, 2003. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2023.
15 Pedersen, K.H. and Johannsen, L., 18 McDonald, E. and Jenkins, M.,

“When corruption hits the judiciary: A Defying Exclusion: Stories and insights
global perspective on access to justice on the links between corruption and
and corruption”, Oñati Socio-Legal discrimination, Berlin: Transparency
Series 13:4, 2023. https://opo.iisj.net/ International, 2021. https://www.
index.php/osls/article/view/1504 transparency.org/en/publications/
defying-exclusion-corruption-
16 Bullock, J. and Jenkins, M., discrimination
“Corruption and Marginalisation”,
Transparency International Anti- 19 Transparency International,
Corruption Helpdesk Answer, Berlin: Breaking the silence around
Transparency International, 2020. sextortion: The links between
https://knowledgehub.transparency. power, sex and corruption, Berlin:
org/assets/uploads/helpdesk/ Transparency International, 2020.
Corruption-and-marginalisation.pdf https://www.transparency.org/en/
publications/breaking-the-silence-
17 Mungiu-Pippidi, A., Rethinking around-sextortion
Corruption, p.59, Cheltenham, UK:
22
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Transparency International is a global movement with

Cover image: Till Lukat

2024 Transparency International. Except where otherwise noted, this

Map and Results Regional Highlights Methodology

7-8 Sub-Saharan Africa

Global Highlights Western Europe and

The perceived levels of public sector corruption

39 India 34 Ecuador 28 Mali 21 Eritrea

AVERAGE CPI 2023 SCORE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF GOVERNMENT*

Strong democracies vastly outperform 昀氀awed ones and authoritarian regimes

FULL FLAWED NON-DEMOCRATIC

meant to detect, investigate, of capture, interference or lack of

Corruption will continue to thrive until justice systems

Photo: Transparency International

STRENGTHEN THE INDEPENDENCE MAKE JUSTICE MORE TRANSPARENT

INTRODUCE INTEGRITY AND

IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE

HIGHEST SCORING REGION LOWEST SCORING REGION

WESTERN EUROPE & SUB-SAHARAN

For the sixth year in a row, Denmark

MOST SIGNIFICANT MOVERS

Corruption worsens social injustice and disproportionately

Photo: Transparency International

FIGURE 1: CORRUPTION AND IMPUNITY

North Macedonia Venezuela

In September 2023, North Venezuela (13) is an example of

Existing patterns of Corruption also gives political, of justice systems to suppress

FIGURE 2: CORRUPTION AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

FIGURE 3: CORRUPTION AND ABSENCE OF DISCRIMINATION

Tunisia Democratic Republic Cambodia

PERCENTAGE OF COUNTRIES WITH SCORES BELOW 50 (BY REGION)

Top: Denmark (90/100)

Top: Canada (76/100) Top: United Arab Emirates (68/100)

VENEZUELA NEW MINIMUM SCORES

The Paci昀椀c continues to grapple

75/100 41/100 (+8 points since 2018)

AFGHANISTAN 34/100 (-4 points since 2018)

MYANMAR NEPAL 35 and TIMOR-LESTE 43

20/100 NEW MINIMUM SCORES

EASTERN EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA

23/100 34/100 (-7 points since 2018)

TURKMENISTAN NEW MINIMUM SCORES

MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

Across the region, widespread

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

QATAR 24/100 (-6 points since 2012)

Despite a regional survey ranking

BOTSWANA 25/100 (-7 points since 2018)

EQUATORIAL GUINEA and TANZANIA 40

WESTERN EUROPE & EUROPEAN UNION

NEW MINIMUM SCORES

14 Pepys, 2003. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2023.

15 Pedersen, K.H. and Johannsen, L., 18 McDonald, E. and Jenkins, M.,

Your donation will help us provide support to thousands of

Phone: +49 30 34 38 200

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