Global Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 Shows Decline in Average Score: Read Here All Data

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 released by Transparency International presents a worrying picture. The global average score has declined, and fewer countries now fall into the “very clean” category. In the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, Denmark once again leads, while conflict-affected nations dominate the bottom ranks.

Corruption Perceptions Index 2025: Global Trend Turns Negative

• The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 evaluated 182 countries based on perceived public sector corruption.
• Scores range from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
• This year’s findings indicate a global average score of 42, the lowest in more than a decade.
• Notably, 122 countries scored below 50, highlighting that corruption concerns remain widespread.
• Transparency International also observed that the number of countries scoring above 80 has sharply declined over the years.
• This signals governance challenges even in traditionally strong democracies.

Least Corrupt Countries in Corruption Perceptions Index 2025

According to the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, Denmark retained the top rank with a score of 89, extending its impressive streak. The top performers include,

1. Denmark – 89 (Maintaining Its 8 Years Streak to Sit at Top)
2. Finland – 88
3. Singapore – 84
4. New Zealand – 81
5. Norway – 81

These countries are recognized for strong institutions, transparency, and low levels of public sector corruption.

However, the report clarifies that even high-scoring nations are not corruption-free, as some have shown declining trends in recent years.

Most Corrupt Countries in Corruption Perceptions Index 2025

At the bottom of the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, countries facing conflict, instability, and weak governance structures dominate,

• South Sudan – Score 9 (Rank 181)
• Somalia – Score 9 (Rank 181)
• Venezuela – Score 10 (Rank 180)

Low scores typically reflect fragile state institutions, political instability, and restricted civil liberties. Such countries often struggle with rule of law and accountability mechanisms.

CPI 2025 India Rank: Where Does India Stand?

In the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, India ranked 91st globally, securing a CPI score of 39 out of 100. This marks a slight improvement compared to the previous year. While India remains below the global average of 42, the ranking suggests incremental progress in governance and transparency reforms.

• India Rank: 91
• India Score: 39
• Scale: 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean)

Questions on India’s CPI rank frequently appear in SSC, Banking, UPSC, and State PCS exams.

Countries Showing Long-Term Improvement

Transparency International highlighted that around 31 countries have reduced corruption levels since 2012. Examples include,

• Estonia – Rank 12 (Score 76)
• Bhutan – Rank 18 (Score 71)
• South Korea – Rank 31 (Score 63)

These improvements are linked to consistent anti-corruption policies, digital governance, and institutional reforms.

Top 10 Least Corrupt Countries – CPI 2025

Rank	Country	CPI Score 2025
1	Denmark	89
2	Finland	88
3	Singapore	84
4	New Zealand	81
5	Norway	81
6	Sweden	80
7	Switzerland	80
8	Luxembourg	78
9	Netherlands	78
10	Germany/Iceland (Tied)	77

Bottom 10 Most Corrupt Countries – CPI 2025

Rank	Country	CPI Score 2025
181	South Sudan	9
180	Somalia	9
179	Venezuela	10
178	Yemen	13
177	Libya	13
176	Eritrea	13
175	Sudan	14
174	Nicaragua	14
173	Syria	15
172	North Korea	15

About Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

• Published by: Transparency International
• Measures: Perceived public sector corruption
• Data sources: Expert assessments & business surveys
• Score interpretation: Higher score = cleaner governance

Question

Q. Which country topped the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025?

A. Finland
B. Singapore
C. Denmark
D. New Zealand