Denmark Named Least Corrupt Country, South Sudan the Most, While Nepal Struggles at 107th Position

Denmark has once again been recognized as the least corrupt country in the world, while South Sudan remains the most corrupt, according to the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International. The report, which evaluates corruption levels in 180 countries, ranks Denmark at the top for the seventh consecutive year, reflecting its strong governance and transparency in public administration. South Sudan, plagued by instability and political turmoil, finds itself at the bottom of the index, highlighting the severe governance crisis it faces.

Nepal ranks 107th in the global index, signaling persistent issues with corruption. The CPI uses a scale where a lower score indicates higher corruption, and Nepal’s position suggests significant governance challenges. Transparency International Nepal has emphasized that countries scoring below the global average require urgent reforms to improve public accountability and anti-corruption efforts.

The South Asian region presents a mixed picture in the CPI rankings. Bhutan remains the least corrupt country in the region, demonstrating strong institutional integrity and governance. Afghanistan ranks as the most corrupt in South Asia, struggling with weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws and ongoing political instability. India and the Maldives find themselves in a similar position, while Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh continue to grapple with governance concerns. China, Nepal’s northern neighbor, scores slightly above the global average but remains under scrutiny for corruption risks.

The findings indicate that nations facing prolonged political instability, conflict, or weak institutional frameworks tend to rank poorly. The report also points out that countries leading global efforts on issues like climate change often struggle with internal corruption, raising concerns about transparency in international policies and funding.

Madan Krishna Sharma, Chairperson of Transparency International Nepal, has called for urgent action to strengthen anti-corruption measures in the country. The CPI results serve as a reminder of the importance of enforcing stricter accountability in public institutions, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and ensuring that corruption does not hinder Nepal’s development. Without significant reforms, Nepal’s struggle against corruption is likely to continue, impacting governance, public trust, and economic progress.