Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Corruption Rates in the World

Norway is a highly developed, modern country with a small but powerful economy. Its GDP per capita is among the highest in the world, driven by decades of success in the oil industry and other world-class sectors like shipping, shipbuilding, and aquaculture. Corruption in Norway is among the lowest globally. It ranks 4th in the world for having the least corruption according to the corruption assessment of 180 countries. Norway is a safe and straightforward place for business.

Several cities are actively combating corruption, with well-established reporting channels and proactive oversight committees. Public trust in the government in Norway is higher than in most OECD and Scandinavian countries, with 77% of Norwegians trusting their government in 2021, compared to 47% across the OECD. Norwegians consider their public institutions to be reliable. Trust in Norway is a cornerstone of its political-administrative culture and has remained high across various institutions such as the police, judicial system, and parliament. Satisfaction with democracy is also very high: over the past five decades, more than 80% of Norwegians have expressed satisfaction with their democracy. This reflects the strong belief that democracy is the best political system for the country.

CPI 2024: 84 points.

The 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International ranks Singapore 5th among 180 countries, reflecting the low level of perceived corruption in the country’s public sector. According to the "Government Anti-Corruption Index", the sectors most at risk of corruption are "Operations" and "Finance". Business executives surveyed in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2014–2015 indicated that doing business in Singapore presents no significant challenges.

Today, Singapore is renowned for its high integrity standards. The nation's success in combating corruption is the result of an effective anti-corruption framework, built on four main pillars: legislation, judiciary, enforcement, and public administration, all reinforced by political will and leadership. With its strong commitment to anti-corruption, Singapore has developed a culture of zero tolerance toward corruption that is deeply ingrained in the mindset and lifestyle of its people. Singapore relies on two key laws to combat corruption: the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (CDSA).

CPI 2024: 83 points.

A 2011 Europe-wide study by Transparency International found that corruption in Sweden is extremely low. The 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from Transparency International ranks Sweden with a score of 83 out of 100. In the global rankings, Sweden is 6th out of 180 countries. Sweden’s legal framework and institutions are highly regarded for their effectiveness in combating corruption, with government agencies known for their transparency, integrity, and accountability. According to surveys, 40% of Swedes believe corruption is widespread in their country (EU average: 76%), and 12% feel personally affected by corruption in their daily lives (EU average: 26%).

The low levels of corruption in Sweden are due to an efficient public administration system, comprehensive high-quality services for both citizens and businesses, a long-standing tradition of openness and transparency in Swedish institutions and society, and a deep respect for the rule of law, according to a report from the Committee. A 2013 study by Brå showed that the number of reported cases, prosecutions, and the amounts involved have remained stable over time. The study revealed that corruption in Sweden is often relatively minor in nature, involving smaller sums, such as conference travel or meals.

CPI 2024: 83 points.

In the 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from Transparency International, Switzerland scored 82 out of 100. Ranking 7th out of 180 countries, Switzerland is considered to have one of the most honest public sectors in the world. However, the country’s score dropped by one point from 85 to 82 in 2024, making it the only country in the top 10 to experience a decline. Switzerland has a legal framework in place to combat corruption, and several institutions are tasked with reducing corruption, especially within Swiss financial organizations.

However, Switzerland's banking sector is often criticized for its lack of transparency due to privacy laws that may enable tax evasion, money laundering, and the concealment of illegally obtained wealth. Furthermore, political party financing in Switzerland is poorly regulated and susceptible to abuse. The country is also a center for corruption in sports, as many international sports organizations are based there. With a series of legal and financial privileges, around 53 international sports organizations have their headquarters in Switzerland.

CPI 2024: 82 points.

Corruption in Netherlands is uncommon across key sectors such as judiciary, police, business, and politics, making it one of the least corrupt countries in the European Union. According to Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perception Index, the Netherlands ranks as the 8th least corrupt country in the world. The country has built strong foundations, such as an independent judiciary, effective anti-corruption mechanisms, and a high level of public trust, creating a society where corruption is not seen as a major issue.

The Netherlands government has worked diligently to maintain low levels of corruption; however, there are still challenges in certain areas. The public sector is regarded as free from corruption, and transparency within the sector is safeguarded by strict codes of conduct for civil servants, with a particular focus on integrity in their roles. The Netherlands is a global leader in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and most companies operating within the country have established internal codes of conduct and mechanisms to detect and prevent bribery.

CPI 2024: 80 points.

Germany scored 79 points on Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perception Index. Ranking 9th out of 180 countries, Germany is regarded as one of the least corrupt countries, with its public sector being one of the most honest. According to Freedom House, Germany has a sufficiently robust system to maintain integrity and prevent corruption in government institutions due to its well-established institutions.

German law provides a strong anti-corruption framework. Offering, suggesting, or promising bribes, as well as receiving, demanding, or accepting them, are criminal offenses. Even small gifts or hospitality provided to public officials can lead to criminal charges depending on the circumstances, the value of the gift, and the intent of the giver. Enforcement of anti-corruption measures abroad has significantly increased in recent years, with many prominent German companies and their representatives facing successful prosecution.

CPI 2024: 79 points.

Ireland ranks 10th globally in terms of least corruption, surpassing countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This is the first time the Republic of Ireland has made it into the top 10 in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index since its introduction in 1995. This means Ireland has now outperformed Australia (13th), Canada (14th), and the United Kingdom (20th).

Ireland's score of 77 marks a significant improvement from its 74 points in 2021, based on an aggregate of data from various international sources on experts' perceptions of public sector corruption in each country. Ireland has seen relatively few corruption-related scandals in the past five years. Following initial corruption and bribery law reforms, proposals have been made for new legislation, including sentences of up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines for any government or public official involved in corrupt practices.

CPI 2024: 77 points

For the 8th consecutive year, Denmark has been ranked as the least corrupt country in the world according to Transparency International’s Annual Corruption Perception Index. The key to fighting corruption in Denmark lies in the integrity of its political system. Denmark’s high ranking is attributed to its robust press freedom, easy access to public spending information, high standards of integrity among government officials, and an independent judicial system that ensures fairness, regardless of wealth or status.

Denmark boasts a strong economy and a well-functioning judiciary, placing it at the forefront of anti-corruption rankings for the past two decades. Generations of experience have proven that trust fosters collaboration and motivates individuals to perform at their best. This is one of the reasons why Denmark is often regarded as an attractive place to do business. In the 2021 rankings, Denmark shared the top spot with Finland and New Zealand, but by 2024, Denmark emerged as the nation with the most honest public sector.

CPI 2024: 90 points

Corruption in Finland remains relatively low, according to global standards and reports. Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index rated Finland with a score of 87 out of 100. Finland’s low corruption level is the result of nearly two centuries of development. The country has transitioned from a largely illiterate, impoverished agricultural society under foreign imperial rule to a modern, industrialized, and highly educated information society with an independent democratic republic.

According to a 2013 survey by Transparency International, the majority of Finns reported never encountering any corruption involving public officials or institutions in their lifetime. Today, corruption tends to be structural, emerging from networks of wealthy individuals who favor each other in business; private companies are not required to disclose such activities. Some government-related corruption cases involve decisions regarding state investments, political donations, and election funding. Other common forms of non-traditional corruption in Finland include tax evasion, bribery, gifts, hospitality, and conflicts of interest.

CPI 2024: 87 points

In the 2024 Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International, New Zealand secured the third spot globally, just behind Denmark and Finland, with a score of 87 out of 100. This marks the sixth consecutive year that New Zealand has achieved this ranking. Renowned for its low corruption levels, New Zealand enjoys high public trust in the government, built on a foundation of transparency. The government has implemented numerous measures, including new anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws. Furthermore, New Zealand has revisited its extradition protocols and ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

Among the criteria used to determine rankings are press freedom, public access to official information, basic rights, and minimal corruption. New Zealand has excelled in nearly all of these areas, which helped it claim a top spot among 176 countries. However, Transparency International has warned that even countries with the cleanest records could still do more to combat corruption, as seen with New Zealand and other nations.

CPI 2024: 87 points.