Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index
Top-10 Least Corrupt Countries in the World 2025: Where Does India Stand?: The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is an annual report published by Transparency International, evaluating countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. It relies on expert assessments and business surveys to assign each nation a score between 0 (highly corrupt) and 100 (very clean). The CPI acts as a barometer for the credibility of institutions, transparency in governance, and public trust across nations.
Denmark: The World’s Least Corrupt Country
In the 2025 edition of the CPI, Denmark topped the chart once again with a score of 90, making it the least corrupt country globally. This Scandinavian nation is admired for its transparent governance, strict legal enforcement, and strong civic institutions. Public trust in the Danish system remains high, owing to accountability mechanisms and anti-corruption vigilance embedded in public policy.
Top-10 Least Corrupt Countries in 2025
The 2025 CPI list reflects a consistent pattern where Nordic and Western European nations dominate the top rankings. These countries benefit from long-established systems that promote integrity, rule of law, and minimal bureaucratic red tape.
Here is the list of the Top-10 Least Corrupt Countries in 2025:
- Denmark – 90
- Finland – 88
- Singapore – 84
- New Zealand – 83
- Luxembourg – 81
- Norway – 81
- Switzerland – 81
- Sweden – 80
- Netherlands – 78
- Australia – 77
These nations emphasize clean governance practices, public accountability, and independent watchdog institutions. Countries like Singapore stand out in Asia for their zero-tolerance policies and swift legal enforcement.
India’s Rank in the CPI 2025
India has been ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the 2025 CPI, with a score of 38. This represents a slight decline from the previous year’s score of 39 and rank of 93. The fall in ranking indicates ongoing struggles with corruption at various governance levels, especially within bureaucratic systems and political patronage networks.
Despite efforts like Digital India, e-Governance reforms, and institutional initiatives such as Lokpal and Vigilance Commissions, implementation remains a concern. India’s CPI score is below the global average of 43, reflecting challenges in institutional accountability and enforcement mechanisms.
Global Trends and What It Means for India
The CPI 2025 also signals the importance of building citizen trust, enabling transparency in government spending, and ensuring whistleblower protections. India’s performance, while improved in certain sectors like digital public services, still needs stronger actions against high-level corruption and better transparency in public procurement.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
| Topic | Details |
| Top Country in CPI 2025 | Denmark (Score: 90) |
| India’s Rank in CPI 2025 | 96th out of 180 countries |
| India’s CPI Score (2025) | 38 |
| India’s CPI Score (2024) | 39 (Rank: 93rd) |
| CPI Publisher | Transparency International |
| Global Average CPI Score | 43 |
| Countries with Highest CPI | Denmark, Finland, Singapore |
| Anti-Corruption Tool India | Lokpal, Vigilance Commissions, CVC |
| Related Exams | UPSC, SSC, TNPSC, Banking Exams |
