The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International indicates a global decline in anti-corruption efforts, with the average score falling for the first time in over a decade. The report specifically highlights a notable deterioration in several established democracies, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The United States recorded its lowest-ever score on the index since its methodology was relaunched in 2012.
Overall Index Findings: A Decade's Decline
Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, which evaluates public sector corruption, reports that the global average score has declined to 42, marking the first drop in more than ten years. Over two-thirds of the 182 countries surveyed scored below 50, indicating widespread serious corruption issues. The number of countries scoring above 80, previously a benchmark for clean governance, has reduced from 12 a decade ago to five this year.
Transparency International attributed the global weakening of anti-corruption efforts to a lack of "bold leadership," with some governments reportedly deprioritizing the fight against corruption. The organization stated that concentrated and secretive power often correlates with higher abuse of power and systemic corruption.
Concerns were also raised regarding political interference with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including crackdowns and funding cuts. This was particularly noted in Georgia, Indonesia, and Peru, where such actions hinder independent oversight.
Top Performers: Consistent Clean Governance
Denmark maintained the highest score at 89 for the eighth consecutive year. Finland followed with a score of 88, and Singapore with 84, ranking as having the second and third lowest perceived public sector corruption, respectively.
It was noted that the CPI focuses on public sector corruption, and high scores do not necessarily indicate low corruption levels across all sectors. For example, the private sectors in high-ranking Switzerland and Singapore have faced scrutiny for facilitating illicit financial flows.
Notable Declines in Western Democracies
Several Western democracies experienced significant drops in their CPI scores, contributing to the overall global decline.
United States
The US recorded its lowest-ever score of 64, representing a 10-point decrease from 2016. Its position fell one spot to 29th out of 182 countries, tying with the Bahamas and ranking below Lithuania, Barbados, and Uruguay.
Factors cited by Transparency International include a deteriorating political climate, ethics concerns within the US Supreme Court, practices such as the use of public office to restrict independent voices, normalization of conflicted politics, politicization of prosecutorial decisions, and actions that affect judicial independence.
Specific actions attributed to former President Trump, including dismantling public broadcasters, weaponizing government agencies, and revising the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, were mentioned as aligning with these concerns. This also involved a temporary freeze and weakening of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act's enforcement, and cuts to US aid for overseas civil society.
United Kingdom
The UK experienced the largest drop in the West over the decade, falling 11 points to a record low of 70. Despite this, its 20th position remained unchanged. This decline was linked to failures in enforcing ethical standards for public officials, controversies surrounding COVID-19 procurement contracts, significant political party donations, and public appointments.
Other Western Nations
New Zealand's score decreased by nine points to 81. Sweden's score fell by eight points to 80, and Canada's by seven points to 75. France's score fell by four points to 66, with concerns over declining corruption enforcement and increased risks of collusion between officials and private interests. Germany's score saw a modest four-point decline to 77 over the decade, though it rose two points from the previous year. The report also noted that the EU's Anti-Corruption Directive has been weakened.
Broader Global Trends and Persistent Challenges
Since 2012, 50 countries have seen significant drops in their rankings, including Turkey, Hungary, and Nicaragua. This trend is attributed to democratic backsliding, weak institutions, and cronyism. The report warned that organized crime is increasingly infiltrating Latin American politics, affecting countries previously considered strong democracies like Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Countries scoring under 25 are frequently impacted by conflict and repressive regimes, such as Libya, Yemen, and Eritrea (all 13), and Somalia and South Sudan (both 9). Russia remained near the bottom with a score of 22.
Glimmers of Progress: Countries Making Gains
Despite overall declines, some countries demonstrated notable progress. Ukraine's anti-corruption framework was noted for surfacing cases and prosecutions, despite defense-sector scandals, with its score rising to 36 (up seven points over the decade).
Other countries showing progress from the lowest ranks towards the middle include Albania, Angola, the Ivory Coast, Laos, Senegal, and Uzbekistan. Nations with already high scores, such as Estonia, South Korea, Bhutan, and Seychelles, also showed long-term gains.