Corruption remains a significant challenge worldwide, affecting governance, economic development, and social trust. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) provides an annual snapshot of perceived public sector corruption across 180 countries, scoring them from 0 to 100. In this article we will know about the top-10 most corrupt countries in the by 2025.
What is the Corruption Perception Index?
The Corruption Perception Index measures corruption levels in different countries. It gives each country a score between 0 and 100. A score of 0 means the country is highly corrupt, while a score of 100 means it is very clean. The ranking is based on data from experts and business leaders.
Why is Corruption Harmful?
Corruption creates many problems, such as:
- Weak governance: Governments fail to provide proper services.
- Poverty and inequality: The rich benefit while the poor suffer.
- Political stability: Corrupt leaders often stay in power unfairly.
- Poor economic growth: Businesses struggle to grow in a corrupt system.
Most Corrupt Country in the World 2025
As of 2025, South Sudan is considered the most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International. It has a very low score on the Corruption Perceptions Index. Weak government, mismanagement of funds and lack of law enforcement have led to extreme corruption. This has made life difficult for people, causing poverty and instability.
Top-10 Most Corrupt Countries in the World by 2025
South Sudan, with a score of 8 as per Corruption Perception Index, stands as the most corrupt country in the world by 2025, followed by Somalia, Venezuela and Syria.
Here is the list of top-10 most corrupt countries in the world 2025:
Rank | Country | Score |
1. | South Sudan | 8 |
2. | Somali | 9 |
3. | Venezuela | 10 |
4. | Syria | 12 |
5. | Equatorial Guinea | 13 |
6. | Eritrea | 13 |
7. | Libya | 13 |
8. | Yemen | 13 |
9. | Nicaragua | 14 |
10. | North Korea | 15 |
India’s Position on the Corruption Index
India ranks 96th in the 2024 CPI with a score of 38. Corruption remains a problem in many sectors, including politics and business. The government has taken steps to reduce corruption, but challenges like bureaucracy and lack of transparency still exist.