Corruption Perceptions Index Score 2017

The Corruption Perceptions Index Score for 2017 was led by New Zealand with a score of 89, while the global range spanned from a minimum of 9.00 to a maximum of 89.00. The median score across the 179 countries surveyed was 38.00, providing insight into the global perception of corruption during that year.

Global Leaders in Transparency

In 2017, countries like New Zealand and Denmark topped the Corruption Perceptions Index with scores of 89 and 88, respectively. These high scores are indicative of robust governance structures and a strong rule of law. Switzerland, Norway, and Finland each scored 85, reflecting similar systemic attributes. These nations typically have transparent public sectors and effective anti-corruption measures, contributing to higher scores. For instance, New Zealand's consistent legal enforcement and public access to information have bolstered its standing.

Struggles with Corruption

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Somalia scored a mere 9, the lowest in the 2017 index. Other countries such as South Sudan and Syrian Arab Republic also reported low scores of 12 and 14, respectively. These nations are often plagued by internal conflict, weak institutional frameworks, and limited governmental transparency, which contribute to their low rankings. In Afghanistan and Sudan, scores of 15 and 16 further highlight the challenges posed by political instability and lack of effective governance structures.

Significant Movers in 2017

The year 2017 saw notable changes in the Corruption Perceptions Index scores for several countries. Barbados experienced the most significant improvement with an increase of 7.00 points, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance transparency and governance. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Arab Emirates saw increases of 6.00 and 5.00 points, respectively. These improvements can often be attributed to reforms in public administration and increased anti-corruption initiatives.

Conversely, countries like Bahrain and Liberia experienced declines of 7.00 and 6.00 points, respectively. Such decreases may result from political unrest or the rollback of previously established anti-corruption measures. In Finland and Sweden, both dropping by 4.00 points, the changes might be attributed to emerging corruption scandals or perceived inefficiencies in governance.

Analyzing the Average and Median Scores

The global average Corruption Perceptions Index score in 2017 was 43.09, suggesting that many countries still face significant challenges in combating perceived corruption. The median score of 38.00 indicates that more than half of the countries fall below the average, highlighting widespread issues with transparency and accountability worldwide. This discrepancy between high and low scorers underscores the diverse political and economic contexts in which these countries operate. Countries like Singapore and Canada, with scores of 84 and 82, respectively, exemplify how effective policy and governance can lead to higher scores, while others struggle to overcome entrenched corruption issues.