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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several countries are currently grappling with unsolved economic issues, and corruption is a prominent concern. This issue poses a significant threat to economic growth at the national level since it causes poverty, obstructs development, and drives away investment, as quoted from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Data from the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) revealed that more than two-thirds of countries scored poorly, below 50 out of 100, and the average global score only showed 43. This is alarming since it suggests that many continue to face challenges in addressing corruption, either due to the weakening of justice systems or the influence of corrupt leaders.
In this article, we explore some of the most corrupt countries in the world based on the 2023 CPI. Read on to learn more about where the highest levels of corruption persist.
List of the Most Corrupt Countries in the World
The CPI ranked 180 countries and territories across the globe, and the following are nations sitting at the bottom of the list with scores below 20 out of 100.
1. Somalia (CPI: 11)
To date, Somalia is the most corrupt country in the world, scoring only 11 out of 100 in the CPI. The East African country creates a fertile breeding ground for corruption largely due to the absence of a functional central government and weak leadership structures.
Not to mention that, according to the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, Somalia seemingly struggles to effectively provide financial support to public officials.
2. Venezuela (CPI: 13)
Venezuela battles severe economic crises exacerbated by corruption. The country's reliability in oil appears to be a primary cause, given its history of oil-related fraud and corruption, as cited by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
3. Syria (CPI: 13)
The Middle East remains highly corrupt, and Syria is no exception. With a poor performance of 13 in the CPI, Syria continues to battle corruption as a result of years of civil war.
Not to mention, the Syrian Association for Citizens’ Dignity notifies that corruption also occurs in the everyday lives of Syrians themselves. This is evidenced by low-level bribery and the use of personal relationships and networks of influence to access their rights as citizens.
4. South Sudan (CPI: 13)
As one of the youngest countries in the world, the government of South Sudan faces numerous governance challenges, including corruption. The latter is pervasive and has infected nearly every level of government and economic sectors, according to the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre.
5. Yemen (CPI: 16)
Yemen ranks 176th with a low score of 16, making it among the most corrupt countries in the world. Corruption manifests both at the government level, where political leaders exploit state institutions for personal gains, and the public, as indicated by low-level bribery and favoritism, as cited from Rethinking Yemen’s Economy.
6. North Korea (CPI: 17)
Authoritarianism dominates North Korea, fostering a culture of corruption. The government strictly limits the citizens' civil liberties and rights, while state officials wield significant power over the people, posing a constant threat to personal freedom.
Many North Koreans resort to bribery as a means of resolving disputes with state officials. Those who lack the financial means to pay bribes often face detention, as reported by the United Nations News.
7. Nicaragua (CPI: 17)
Corruption remains a serious problem in Nicaragua. This is reflected in how poorly the country performs in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. With a score of 17, Nicaragua ranks 172nd out of 180 countries.
8. Haiti (CPI: 17)
The ongoing corruption in Haiti has precipitated a series of crises on a national scale. This includes armed gang violence, taking the lives of 4,000 people in 2024, and the pervasive impunity in the country’s justice systems, according to Transparency International Defence and Security.
9. Equatorial Guinea (CPI: 17)
Despite its oil wealth, Equatorial Guinea is plagued by corruption. Elites often commit high levels of corruption, such as failing to effectively manage public funds, says the Human Rights Watch.
10. Turkmenistan (CPI: 18)
Much like people from other countries on the list, Turkmens suffer from the need for bribery in their daily lives. Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty reported that this is primarily due to state officials abusing their power to extract funds.
Where is Indonesia in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index?
According to the 2023 CPI, Indonesia sits in the 115th position, scoring 34 out of 100, along with Ecuador, Malawi, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Such a figure remains relatively low and is not comparable to that of Malaysia and Singapore, which reveal 50 and 83, respectively.
While Indonesia is nowhere to be found on the top 10 list of the world’s most corrupt countries, corruption remains an alarming issue in the country.
While these countries continue to face challenges related to corruption and other economic issues, others have evolved into technologically advanced economic powerhouses. Find the top 10 most technologically advanced countries here in Tempo.
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