• Source:JND

Top 10 Countries With Least Corruption: Corruption is one of the biggest threats to the development of any country.” It damages public trust, steals money that is meant for the people and encourages unfair decisions that benefit only a privileged people. In countries with the highest corruption, common people are the victims who can not avail of equal chances, justice and quality public services. 

On the contrary, low or virtually non-corrupt countries look towards transparency, honesty and equality. Such countries are much more likely to spend money on education, health, infrastructure and digital services, and it’s harder to steal them with bribes or arbitrary power plays. On this International Anti-Corruption Day, it serves as a reminder that clean governance is more than an obligation - it is also a commitment to protecting human rights and the public good. 

Denmark is considered the least corrupt country in the world, followed by Finland, Singapore and others. The world’s least corrupt countries can offer examples to live up to, doing better by their citizens who deserve fair and responsible development for all. Here are the top 10 countries with the least corruption in the world. 

Rank Country Corruption Perception Index (2024) Score
1 Denmark 90
2 Finland 88
3 Singapore 84
4 New Zealand 83
5 Switzerland 81
6 Norway 81
7 Luxembourg 81
8 Sweden 80
9 Netherlands 78
10 Australia 77

Source:  Corruption Perception Index 2024,

Please note if the Score is 0 (highly corrupt) and 100 is (very clean)

1. Denmark (Score: 90)

Denmark is the least corrupt country because of its strict laws, transparent government, and strong public trust. Officials are accountable for their actions. Political decisions can be reviewed by the public. Citizens have equal access to services, which lowers the chances of bribery or favouritism.

2. Finland (Score: 88)

Finland comes in second place when it comes to the cleanest countries in corruption, due to honest government work and equal rights for everyone. The media can speak freely, and there are no limits on exposing wrongdoing. Finland’s welfare policies contribute to minimising inequality, which decreases the likelihood of corruption.

3. Singapore (Score: 84)

Singapore’s strict rules against corruption, along with harsh punishments for bribery, help keep the country one of the least corrupt globally. Here, the government hires staff because on skills and not based on political connections. Workers are paid well here, which eliminates the thought of taking bribes or abusing their authority.

4. New Zealand (Score: 83)

New Zealand emphasises equality and transparency in all political and financial transactions. The government works with people, encouraging open communication and community engagement. Bribery is prevented by strong legal structures, and those who denounce corrupt practices are protected.

 

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5. Switzerland (Score: 81)

Switzerland keeps its leaders in check with strict rules along with a transparent banking system. Citizens here are directly involved in decision-making through referendums, which stops the authority from misusing their power. The country’s strict monitoring of cash flows helps cut down money laundering activities and corruption across the board.

6. Norway (Score: 81)

Norway fights corruption through high public trust, fairness, and a solid democratic structure. The government here spends public money openly, hence people can easily see where tax cash goes. Digital services handle most tasks, so there’s less face-to-face interaction, cutting bribery chances.

7. Luxembourg (Score: 81)

Luxembourg maintains low corruption by closely watching banks while pushing honest trade rules. Its small population (6,82,000 as of early 2025) makes oversight easier for officials. Companies, along with government staff, stick to tough moral guidelines, which limit favouritism or shady arrangements.

8. Sweden (Score: 80)

Sweden’s clean governance comes from social equality and open public administration policies. Access to official data is so simple here that conduct rarely happens under the radar. Workers in government must focus on what helps everyone. This keeps corruption nearly nonexistent since penalties are strict.

 

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9. Netherlands (Score: 78)

The Netherlands' open government, along with strict rules, promotes transparency and corruption. The media can investigate unethical actions due to the freedom of the press allowed in the nation. The government focuses on digital systems that cut down chances for graft linked to paper trails or favouritism.

10. Australia (Score: 77)

Australia is also one of the least corrupt countries in the world because of its independent anti-corruption organisations that closely watch what the government does. Leaders are free to be questioned by the public and media, preventing abuse of authority. Public trust is maintained, and corruption is kept to a minimum via robust legal frameworks and accountability regulations.

Where India and Its Neighbour Countries Rank in Corruption?

India and its neighbouring countries still face moderate to high levels of corruption. According to the latest Corruption Perception Index, China ranks the highest among them with a better score, while Bangladesh ranks lowest due to weak governance systems. India stands in the middle at rank 96 with a corruption perception index score of 38 in 2025, showing progress but still needing stronger anti-corruption measures.

Rank Country Corruption Perception Index (2024) Score
76 China 43
96 India 38
107 Nepal 34
121 Sri Lanka 32
135 Pakistan 27
151 Bangladesh 23
 
 

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