Corruption is a worldwide issue that plagues the transparency of governments and public offices across the globe. But while most countries have to face a certain degree of corruption, other nations can serve as an example for the rest of the world. Following, we would like to present you with a list we have compiled of the least corrupt countries in the world, according to the statistics issued in late 2013 by Transparency International.
Transparency International, a survey agency based in Germany, evaluates 176 countries and territories across the globe and ranks them according to their perceived level of corruption. Corruption, as defined by the experts at Transparency International, represents the misuse of public power, typically for personal gains. The score, called CPI (Corruption Perception Index) ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Each year, according to the scores received, Transparency International ranks the countries in order. Based on their list, we have selected the top 7 least corrupt countries in the world.
Curious to see which countries have made it on the list? Let’s take a look at the countdown.
No. 7: Switzerland
CPI score: 85
A list about the least corrupt countries in the world would have been incomplete without Switzerland, Europe’s famous neutral power. Swiss authorities take bribery very serious as they have ranked it as a criminal offence.
No. 6: Singapore
CPI score: 86 (tie)
Even though Singapore’s score has slowly decreased over the past few years, it is still considered to be the least corrupt country on the Asian continent. Singapore’s reputation of being a transparent and clean country remains intact in 2013.
No. 5: Norway
CPI score: 86 (tie)
In 2013, Norway received a CPI of 86, which does place a little bit behind its neighboring countries, but it’s still a high score compared to the rest of the world. This country’s score can be explained by the efforts to redistribute wealth, the workforce benefits, as well as by the high transparency of Norway’s public offices.
No. 4: Sweden
CPI score: 89 (tie)
Like its fellow Nordic countries, Sweden follows a sound and transparent welfare model. The country’s efforts to encourage gender equality, promote workforce involvement, and the numerous benefits offered to Swedes, all account for the high score Sweden received in 2013.
No. 3: Finland
CPI score: 89 (tie)
Finland’s score of 89 landed it in the top three least corrupt countries in the world. One explanation for the country’s high CPI is its welfare system, which was set up as means to encourage social mobility and enhance individual autonomy.
No. 2: New Zealand
CPI score: 91 (tie)
New Zealand’s score of 91 ties with the Denmark for the title of the least corrupt country in the world. The progress made by New Zealand over the past 20 years is impressive to say the least: this nation has slowly and steady transitioned from a country based on agrarian economy to a highly industrialized free market. In addition, the experts at Transparency International also appreciated this nation’s welfare system which takes into account the citizen’s needs.
No. 1: Denmark
CPI score: 91 (tie)
Denmark has historically been considered one of the least corrupt countries in the world, but this year’s score of 91 places it at the very top. So makes Denmark so squeaky clean? Well, for one, it follows the Nordic welfare model, which is considered to be one of the best in the world. In addition, unlike its neighboring countries, Denmark has also made steps to involve its private sector in welfare services.
