Corruption is defined by Transparency International, a nongovernmental organization located in Germany, as the abuse of public power for private gain. According to the organization’s most current Corruption Perceptions Index, the failure to effectively manage corruption drives a global democratic catastrophe.
In 2020, the Iraqi Commission of Integrity stated that 63 current and former government officials had been charged with 92 counts of corruption. According to a World Bank estimate from 2018, oil contributes over 90% of central government revenue. However, a newer generation of activists continues to challenge its reliance on oil, claiming that it promotes corruption.
The Most Corrupt Countries In The World 2021
10. Azerbaijan
Corrupt Rank: 10
Best Countries Overall Rank: 66
9. El Salvador
Corrupt Rank: 9
Best Countries Overall Rank: 77
8. Lebanon
Corrupt Rank: 8
Best Countries Overall Rank: 74
7. Kazakhstan
Corrupt Rank: 7
Best Countries Overall Rank: 72
6. Guatemala
Corrupt Rank: 6
Best Countries Overall Rank: 69
5. Russia
Corrupt Rank: 5
Best Countries Overall Rank: 24
4. Brazil
Corrupt Rank: 4
Overall Best Countries Rank: 26
3. Mexico
Corrupt Rank: 3
Best Countries Overall Rank: 31
2. Colombia
Corrupt Rank: 2
Best Countries Overall Rank: 54
1. Iraq
Corrupt Rank: 1
Best Countries Overall Rank: 78
According to U.S. News 2021 Best Countries rankings, Iraq is regarded as the most corrupt country globally, based on a survey of more than 17,000 worldwide residents. Respondents were asked how closely they associated each country with the word “not corrupt,” with the specific definition left up to their interpretation.
The attribute is factored into The Most Corrupt Countries In The World rankings for transparency and the best countries to invest in and headquarter a corporation. Unfortunately, Iraq finished last among survey respondents.
The United States is ranked No. 24 in the world for not being perceived as corrupt, down two places from 2020. On the other hand, Denmark, Canada, and Germany are regarded as the most transparent countries in the Best Countries rankings for 2021. Read More about the Most Corrupt Countries In The World 2021 on Transparency International