new zealand least corrupt transparency intl

The index, which scored 183 countries and territories from zero (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean), awarded the island a rating of 9.5. Scandinavian nations also fared well, with Denmark and Finland in joint-second place on 9.4, and Sweden ranked fourth on 9.3.

Singapore and Norway were the only other countries to receive scores of more than nine. At the bottom of the table were North Korea and Somalia, both of which received ratings of just 1.0 (see table).

Transparency International, a Berlin-based “global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption”, warned that ongoing civil unrest around the world reflects concerns from citizens that their leaders are neither transparent nor accountable enough.

Huguette Labelle, chair of Transparency International, said: “This year we have seen corruption on protestors’ banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government.”

The index, which was compiled with support from Ernst & Young, drew on assessments and business opinion surveys carried out by independent institutions. These included questions relating to the bribery of public officials, kickbacks in public procurement, embezzlement of public funds, and the strength and effectiveness of public-sector anti-corruption efforts.

A full copy of the report can be downloaded from the Transparency International website.