Transparency International publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index, a yearly ranking of 180 countries based on perceived levels of public corruption. To compile the index, Transparency International uses data from international institutions, business professionals, and experts. According to the 2019 ranking, more than two-thirds of countries show no clear improvement in fighting corruption.
The top 10 least corrupt countries are:
1. Denmark and New Zealand (tied)
2. Finland
3. Singapore
4. Sweden
5. Switzerland
6. The Netherlands
7. Germany
8. Luxembourg
9. Norway
10. Iceland
These countries have good institutions, transparency, and a strong rule of law, which contributes to their low levels of corruption.
On the other hand, the top 10 most corrupt countries are:
1. Somalia
2. South Sudan
3. Syria
4. Yemen
5. Venezuela
6. Sudan
7. Equatorial Guinea
8. Afghanistan
9. North Korea
10. Libya
These countries often have weak institutions, conflict, and a lack of transparency, which contributes to high levels of corruption.
The video also highlights that corruption is inherent in human nature and social life, but it can be limited with good institutions and transparency. To reduce corruption, it's recommended to increase transparency, control the financing of electoral campaigns, separate powers, and involve civil society.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Transparency International publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) annually, ranking 180 countries by their perceived corruption levels.
2. The CPI uses data from various international institutions, which gather information through surveys and consultations with business professionals and experts.
3. More than two-thirds of countries show no clear improvement in their fight against corruption, according to the 2019 CPI.
4. The top 10 least corrupt countries in the world are: Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, Finland, Denmark, and New Zealand.
5. These countries have strong institutions and high levels of transparency, which contribute to their low corruption levels.
6. Even in the least corrupt countries, corruption still exists, as seen in cases like Iceland's Samherji Group and Sweden's Ericsson.
7. The top 10 most corrupt countries in the world are: Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Venezuela, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Afghanistan, North Korea, and Libya.
8. These countries often experience war scenarios, have weak institutions, and lack transparency, making them more prone to corruption.
9. Equatorial Guinea has the highest GDP per capita in Africa, but the majority of its population lives in absolute misery due to corruption and poor governance.
10. Latin America's most corrupt countries, according to the ranking, are Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
11. Mexico's corruption is particularly striking, despite its high level of development and proximity to the United States.
12. Reducing corruption requires greater transparency, measured control of electoral campaign financing, separation of powers, and increased civil society participation.