The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories based on their perceived level of public sector corruption, with scores ranging from 0 (very corrupt) to 100 (very clean). In CPI-2023, Denmark (Score 90) has topped the index for the sixth consecutive year. Finland and New Zealand occupied second and third place with 87 and 85 points respectively. Somalia ranks last, with other low-ranking countries including Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen, all of which are affected by protracted crises, primarily armed conflict.
Commenting on India’s score dropping from 40 to 39 in the current index results, Transparency International said: India’s score fluctuations are so small that we cannot draw firm conclusions about any significant changes. However, in the run-up to elections, India sees the space for its citizens becoming even more narrow, with the passing of a bill (the Telecommunications Bill) that could pose a “grave threat to fundamental rights.”
Transparency International notes that the CPI-2023 results show that most countries have made little or no progress in tackling public sector corruption. The global average CPI score has remained unchanged at 43 for the 12th consecutive year, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. In the Asia-Pacific region, including India, average CPI has increased for the fifth consecutive year. India’s score of 39 is below this average. Top scores in Asia Pacific include New Zealand, which ranks third with a score of 85. Singapore and Australia with scores of 83 and 75 occupied 5th and her 14th place respectively in CPI-2023. India’s neighbor Pakistan ranks 133rd with 29 points, while China ranks 76th with 42 points.
Transparency International notes that several high-ranking democracies are performing at historic lows this year. This includes the United Kingdom (score 71) and the Netherlands (score 79). These countries were ranked 20th and 8th, respectively. Transparency International notes that the UK continues to regress, with its score dropping by two points, marked by persistent lobbying scandals and instances of abuse of public office for private gain. In the Netherlands, judges and prosecutors are reportedly facing increasing threats from organized crime groups.