Globally, governance varies widely, but some countries stand out as paragons of integrity and transparency. The least corrupt countries exemplify the highest standards of ethical governance, ensuring that public resources are managed with accountability and fairness.
These nations not only enforce stringent no-corruption laws but also foster a culture of openness and civic participation, leading to robust institutions and trust in government. This article delves into the top countries renowned for their minimal levels of corruption, highlighting the policies and practices that set them apart on the global stage.
In this article, we will guide you through the least corrupt countries in the world, and explore what makes these countries exemplars of clean governance.
How a Corruption Report is Compiled
Transparency International is a leading organization that annually publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) to measure the level of corruption globally. This index is a comprehensive tool designed to gauge perceived levels of public sector corruption in different countries around the world, taking into account several factors.
The CPI is based on data from various sources, including assessments and surveys of experts and business executives. These sources are compiled by reputable institutions such as the World Bank, World Economic Forum, and private risk and consulting companies.
To ensure comparability between different sources, Transparency International standardizes the data on a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 indicates a highly corrupt country, and 100 indicates a very clean one. The standardized scores from the various sources are then averaged to produce a final score for each country, reflecting the perceived level of corruption in that country’s public sector.
Several of the countries in the top 10 also made it into our Global Intelligence Unit’s 2024 report on US Retirement Trends, highlighting some excellent destinations when considering a move abroad for your golden years.
Top 10 Least Corrupt Countries in the World
The CPI is widely recognized as one of the leading indicators of public sector corruption, providing valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations aiming to combat corruption. According to data from Transparency International, here are the 10 least corrupt nations in the world:
1. Denmark
Another Scandinavian country, Denmark, is comprised of various islands. The country is geographically small, with fewer people but has an excellent standard of living.
Be it culture, politics, judicial system, healthcare, or education, Denmark excels on all fronts. The country has an aggressive zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption, and it ensures that it applies to all, including public sector institutions, leaders, and ministers. This shows that the country is actively curbing all illegal practices to make it the least corrupt country.
Previously, Denmark had already achieved the title of the least corrupt nation four times in a row. But due to certain cases that involved malpractices carried out by ministers, the country slipped down from the top position.
But that being said, currently, the country is making significant progress in making sure that the nation is corruption free.
2. Finland
With a population of over 5.6 million, Finland is a country with a good Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI score.
With efforts from the public and private sectors, the government has kept corruption down to a minimum level and therefore has achieved the title of the least corrupt nation over the years.
Although corruption cases have been lodged, especially in 2016, by the NGO Transparency International, there can be no country with a perfect CPI score.
3. New Zealand
In the last ten years, New Zealand has secured the top position of being the least corrupt country in the world eight times. But a recent study by Panama Papers indicates the country has also been involved in the Saudi sheep deal and Skycity casino. This reflects the fact that much like Denmark, New Zealand has become content as it has already achieved the coveted title many times.
But in spite of that, you must note that the government of New Zealand has initiated various anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws. Moreover, the country also has revaluated its extradition protocols to make its policies free from any manipulation.
4. Norway
Norway consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries in the world, according to the CPI. With a CPI score often exceeding 85 out of 100 (it scored 84 in 2023), Norway is perceived as having a very clean public sector, characterized by high levels of transparency, integrity, and robust anti-corruption mechanisms.
The country’s strong legal and institutional frameworks play a crucial role in maintaining low corruption levels. Norway’s public administration is known for its efficiency, accountability, and strict adherence to ethical standards. The judiciary is independent and effectively enforces anti-corruption laws, ensuring that corruption cases are prosecuted without bias.
Additionally, Norway’s free press and active civil society contribute to its high CPI ranking by holding government officials accountable and fostering a culture of openness. The Norwegian government also prioritizes transparency in public spending and procurement processes, further minimizing opportunities for corruption.
5. Singapore
In 2023, Singapore was ranked as the second least corrupt country. This success is attributed to the city-state’s robust legal and institutional frameworks. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) plays a key role in independently investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. Singapore’s stringent laws, such as the Prevention of Corruption Act, act as a strong deterrent against corrupt activities.
Transparency and accountability are deeply ingrained in Singapore’s public administration. Government officials are held to high ethical standards, and there are rigorous checks and balances in place to prevent abuse of power. The public procurement process is transparent, with strict guidelines to ensure fairness and competitiveness.
Singapore also emphasizes the importance of a merit-based civil service, where appointments and promotions are based on ability and integrity, reducing the likelihood of nepotism and favoritism. Additionally, the country’s efficient and impartial judiciary ensures that corruption cases are swiftly and fairly adjudicated.
Read our Global Intelligence Unit's report on US Retirement Trends
6. Sweden
Sweden is a charming and corruption-free country situated on the Scandinavian peninsula in the northern part of Europe. The country has the reputation of having one of the highest standards of living in the world – be it educational opportunities, healthcare facilities, or entertainment options, it is reputed to have world-class infrastructure.
To curb corrupt practices in the country, Sweden has also formed an anti-corruption unit and is working to ensure maximum transparency as per Swedish ideology and international standards. Although the private sector of Sweden has been subjected to investigations owing to the presence of significant private sector companies, the country’s public sector has been mostly out of controversies related to malpractices.
7. Switzerland
Apart from being one of the world’s most beautiful countries, Switzerland is also known for its fairness and transparency.
The country is famous for being a righteous nation and is very strict regarding its anti-bribery policies. For instance, as per Switzerland’s criminal code, giving and taking bribes is a criminal offense. But that said, there are certain flaws in the country’s legal ecosystem.
Since the government is also the headquarters of FIFA, Switzerland comes under scrutiny for various malpractices. There is also inevitable unrest in the country with regard to the nation’s elite class, as most natives of Switzerland don’t trust the country’s ruling elite class.
Since the elites in the country dominate most of the businesses across the nation, most Swiss people cannot trust their bosses, as they seem to have molded everything at their convenience. But all these factors are not enough to undermine the safe and corruption-free ecosystem that Switzerland has.
8. The Netherlands
Several key factors contribute to The Netherlands annually ranking high in the CPI. The Netherlands has a robust legal framework that enforces stringent anti-corruption laws, supported by an independent judiciary that effectively prosecutes corruption cases. Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of Dutch public administration, with open and competitive public procurement processes that minimize opportunities for corruption.
Additionally, the Netherlands benefits from a vibrant civil society and a free press, both of which play crucial roles in monitoring and exposing corrupt activities. High ethical standards are expected from public officials and civil servants, reinforced by strict codes of conduct and regular training.
The country also has effective anti-corruption agencies, such as the National Integrity Office, which promotes integrity and transparency within public administration. These combined efforts ensure that the public sector in the Netherlands operates with a high degree of integrity, maintaining its reputation as one of the world’s least corrupt nations.
9. Germany
Some key factors contribute to Germany’s strong annual performance. The country has a robust legal framework that rigorously enforces comprehensive anti-corruption laws, imposing stringent penalties to ensure accountability and deterrence. The judiciary is independent and effective in prosecuting corruption cases, reinforcing public trust in the legal system.
Transparency and accountability are high priorities in German public administration. The government ensures that public procurement processes are transparent and competitive, minimizing opportunities for corrupt practices. Furthermore, Germany benefits from a vibrant civil society and a free press, both of which play critical roles in monitoring and exposing corruption. Investigative journalism is robust, and civil society organizations actively advocate for anti-corruption measures.
High ethical standards are expected of public officials and civil servants in Germany. Regular training and strict codes of conduct are in place to ensure adherence to these standards. Additionally, Germany has several institutions dedicated to combating corruption, such as the Federal Ministry of the Interior, which oversees anti-corruption policies and initiatives.
10. Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s success in fighting corruption is backed by a strong legal framework enforcing strict anti-corruption laws, ensuring accountability, and discouraging corrupt practices. The judiciary is independent and efficient, effectively handling corruption cases and upholding public trust in the legal system.
The public administration in Luxembourg prioritizes transparency and accountability. Government operations, including public procurement processes, are designed to be open and competitive, significantly reducing opportunities for corruption. The country benefits from an active civil society and a free press, both of which play vital roles in monitoring and exposing corruption. Investigative journalism is strong, and civil society organizations actively promote anti-corruption measures.
Ethical standards for public officials and civil servants are high in Luxembourg. Regular training and strict codes of conduct are implemented to ensure adherence to these standards. Additionally, the country has dedicated institutions to combat corruption, such as the Luxembourg Anti-Corruption Agency, which oversees and enforces anti-corruption policies and initiatives.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Least Corrupt Countries
What are the least corrupt countries in Asia?
As per CPI scores, the top five least corrupt countries in Asia are:
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Bhutan
- Taiwan
Which are the least corrupt countries in Africa?
The least corrupt African countries are:
- Seychelles
- Botswana
- Cape Verde
- Rwanda
- Mauritius
Which is the least corrupt country in Europe?
According to the Corruption Perceptions Index, published by the global NGO Transparency International, Denmark is the least corrupt country in Europe.
Is New Zealand the least corrupt country in the world?
According to the Corruption Perceptions Index 2023, New Zealand ranks at number 3, just after Finland. But it occupied the number one in the ranking previously for several years. Therefore it can be hailed as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
