List of the Most Corrupt Countries in 2024: Pakistan Among the Worst, India’s Ranking Revealed
The Transparency International has released the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 180 countries based on the level of public sector corruption. This index is a key indicator of how corruption is perceived worldwide. The results for 2024 highlight persistent corruption in many regions, with some countries showing significant deterioration.
Key Highlights of the Corruption Perceptions Index 2024
- Pakistan remains among the most corrupt nations in the world.
- India’s ranking has declined slightly but remains significantly better than Pakistan’s.
- Denmark continues to be the least corrupt country globally.
- Corruption remains a widespread issue, with two-thirds of countries scoring below 50 on a scale of 0 to 100.
Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
The CPI ranks countries on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 represents the highest level of corruption, and 100 represents the lowest level of corruption. The ranking is based on public perception, expert assessments, and various data sources that measure corruption in the public sector.
The Least Corrupt Countries in 2024
Despite global corruption concerns, some nations have maintained their positions as the least corrupt. These countries have strong governance, transparent institutions, and effective anti-corruption mechanisms.
Top 10 Least Corrupt Countries:
| Rank | Country | CPI Score (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmark | 90 |
| 2 | Finland | 88 |
| 3 | Singapore | 84 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 83 |
| 5 | Luxembourg | 81 |
| 6 | Norway | 81 |
| 7 | Switzerland | 81 |
| 8 | Sweden | 80 |
| 9 | Netherlands | 79 |
| 10 | Germany | 78 |
Denmark has retained its top position for the seventh consecutive year, followed closely by Finland and Singapore. These countries have strong institutional frameworks that prevent corruption at all levels of government.
The Most Corrupt Countries in 2024
At the bottom of the index, the most corrupt countries are characterized by weak governance, political instability, and a lack of transparency.
Top 10 Most Corrupt Countries:
| Rank | Country | CPI Score (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 180 | South Sudan | 8 |
| 179 | Somalia | 9 |
| 178 | Venezuela | 12 |
| 177 | Syria | 13 |
| 176 | Yemen | 13 |
| 175 | Libya | 13 |
| 174 | Eritrea | 13 |
| 173 | Equatorial Guinea | 13 |
| 172 | Nicaragua | 14 |
| 171 | North Korea | 16 |
South Sudan ranks as the most corrupt country in 2024, with a CPI score of only 8. Somalia and Venezuela follow closely behind, with scores of 9 and 12, respectively. These countries have high levels of bribery, political corruption, and weak law enforcement.
India and Pakistan’s Corruption Rankings in 2024
India and Pakistan, two major South Asian nations, have shown different trends in corruption rankings.
Pakistan: A Declining Position
- Pakistan ranks 135th on the list, with a CPI score of 27.
- This marks a decline from the previous year, indicating rising corruption levels.
- Pakistan is now on par with nations like Mali, Liberia, and Gabon, which also scored 27.
India: A Mixed Performance
- India ranks 96th globally, with a CPI score of 38.
- Though India’s score is higher than Pakistan’s, it declined by one point from the previous year.
- The drop in India’s score reflects challenges in governance, political funding transparency, and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Other South Asian Countries:
| Country | CPI Score (2024) | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| China | 42 | 76 |
| Sri Lanka | 32 | 121 |
| Bangladesh | 23 | 151 |
| Afghanistan | 17 | 165 |
China, despite being ranked better than India, continues to face corruption concerns, particularly in state-run enterprises. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Afghanistan remain among the most corrupt nations in South Asia.
Why Do Some Countries Struggle with Corruption?
Several factors contribute to high corruption levels in the worst-performing countries:
- Weak law enforcement and lack of accountability.
- Political instability, allowing corrupt leaders to thrive.
- Poor economic conditions, leading to bribery and unethical practices.
- Lack of transparency in government processes.
What Can Countries Do to Reduce Corruption?
Nations seeking to improve their rankings must implement stronger anti-corruption policies and promote transparency. Some key measures include:
- Strengthening Anti-Corruption Laws: Introducing strict penalties for corruption-related offenses.
- Improving Transparency: Making government spending and decision-making public.
- Encouraging Whistleblowers: Protecting those who expose corruption.
- Strengthening Independent Institutions: Ensuring courts and watchdog agencies can operate without political interference.
- International Cooperation: Preventing money laundering and cross-border corruption.
Final Thoughts: The Fight Against Corruption Must Continue
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption worldwide. While some nations, like Denmark and Finland, have successfully built transparent institutions, others, like South Sudan and Pakistan, still struggle with deep-rooted corruption.
For countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the key to improving rankings lies in enhancing governance, strengthening anti-corruption agencies, and increasing public awareness.
Only with sustained efforts, political will, and international cooperation can nations hope to reduce corruption and improve their global standing.
