Corruption is often categorized as an extraordinary crime due to its highly destructive and widespread impact across multiple aspects of life, including the economy, politics, society, and law. Nevertheless, corruption remains prevalent in many countries around the world.

According to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, South Sudan has been ranked as the most corrupt country globally.

The CPI evaluates 180 countries and territories based on perceptions of public sector corruption in 2024, using a scale ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

At the other end of the spectrum, Denmark ranked as the cleanest country, scoring 90. Following closely, Finland scored 88, while Singapore—Indonesia’s neighboring country—scored 84, securing a spot among the least corrupt nations.

François Valerian, Chair of Transparency International, emphasized: “Corruption is a growing global threat that not only undermines development but also serves as a major driver of democratic decline, instability, and human rights abuses.”

The report further highlighted that corruption is deeply connected to one of humanity’s greatest challenges today: climate change.

“Millions of people worldwide are suffering from severe global warming because funds intended to help countries cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable populations are being stolen or misused,” Valerian added.

Here are the 10 most corrupt countries according to CPI 2024:

1. South Sudan (score 8)

2. Somalia (score 9)

3. Venezuela (score 10)

4. Syria (score 12)

5. Yemen (score 13)

6. Libya (score 13)

7. Eritrea (score 13)

8. Equatorial Guinea (score 13)

9. Nicaragua (score 14)

10. Sudan (score 15)

So, where does Indonesia stand?

Indonesia ranked 37th in the 2024 CPI, reflecting the country’s ongoing struggles against corruption. However, this ranking shows a slight improvement compared to the previous year when Indonesia was placed 34th.

Still, compared to its neighbors, Indonesia lags behind. Singapore scored 84, securing its position among the world’s top three cleanest countries. Meanwhile, Malaysia was ranked 50th and Vietnam 40th.