Singapore has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against global corruption. Singapore has been ranked as the least corrupt country in Asia-Pacific, as well as the third least corrupt country in the world. According to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the island-state tops the list for the first time since 2010, overtaking New Zealand, which held the top position within the Asia-Pacific region for 14 years. Find out what we know below the corruption report:
Least corrupt country – Singapore
The CPI ranked 180 countries based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption. Singapore achieved its highest position on the CPI scale report since 2020, with a score of 84 out of 100, and even climbed two spots on the global ranking. Zero represents high corruption and 100 indicates a very clean public sector according to the report.
Singapore’s ranking as the third least corrupt country worldwide and the no.1 least corrupt country in Asia-Pacific can be attributed to many factors. For instance, the country’s robust anti-corruption framework, strong enforcement mechanisms, cultural integrity, and strict police force is the reason for its success in combating corruption. Meanwhile, The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) highlighted that the nation’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption and willingness to prosecute offenders – regardless of position of power – is pivotal.
These are the Top 10 least corrupt countries worldwide:
- Denmark (score: 90/100)
- Finland (88/100)
- Singapore (84/100)
- New Zealand (83/100)
- Luxembourg (81/100)
- Norway (81/100)
- Switzerland (81/100)
- Sweden (80/100)
- Netherlands (78/100)
- Australia, Iceland, Ireland (77/100)
Denmark retained its position as the least corrupt country globally for the seventh year in a row. Meanwhile, Finland retains its position as the second least corrupt country worldwide, followed by Singapore at #3 for the first time knocking New Zealand to the #4 position. Additionally, the fifth spot is shared between Luxembourg, Norway, and Switzerland with a CPI score of 81 out of 100.
Interestingly, the report highlighted a worrying global trend because more than two-thirds of countries scored below 50 on the index. This indicates widespread corruption issues are becoming a problem. According to the report, the most corrupt countries in the world are South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, and Yemen. See the report.
SEE MORE: Singapore Is Ranked The Most Tired Country In The World According To Study