The most transparent countries 2021 are among the world’s most robust democracies and prosperous nations, with open corporate and government processes, well-distributed political power, high levels of trustworthiness, and low levels of perceived corruption.
The anti-corruption organization Transparency International warns that it’s essential to pay attention to the link between corruption and inequality because the two “feed off each other to create a vicious circle between corruption, unequal distribution of power in society, and unequal distribution of wealth.”
According to the U.S. News 2021 Best Countries Rankings, these are the five most transparent nations based on a global perception-based survey.
The Most Transparent Countries In The World 2021
5. New Zealand
Survey respondents praised New Zealand’s honest government methods, evenly dispersed political power, and minor corruption. Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index is ranked No. 1 (tied with Denmark) out of 180 nations and territories polled and No. 9 in Reporters Without Borders’ 2020 World Press Freedom Index.
4. Netherlands
The Netherlands received good marks from survey respondents for its transparent corporate procedures and minimal levels of corruption. Reporters Without Borders’ 2020 World Press Freedom Index has the country at No. 5, and Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index places it at No. 8.
3. Germany
Poll respondents praised another European country for its well-distributed political authority and Germany’s transparent and open business practices. However, the government is ranked 11th in the Reporters Without Borders 2020 World Press Freedom Index and 9th in the Transparency International 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index (tied with Luxembourg).
2. Canada
According to Freedom House, Canada is one of the “most free” countries in the world, with “a long tradition of respect for political rights and civil liberties.” According to a U.S. News poll, the country is ranked second in the world for having well-distributed political authority. Reporters Without Borders’ 2020 World Press Freedom Index has the country at No. 16, and Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index places it at No. 11 (tie).
1. Denmark
Denmark has climbed two places since last year to become the world’s most transparent country. Survey respondents praise the Scandinavian country for its open government and corporate policies. Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked the country first (tied with New Zealand), and Reporters Without Borders’ 2020 World Press Freedom Index ranked it third.
The Most trusted countries in The World 2021
Rank | Countries | Population |
---|---|---|
1 | Denmark | 5.81 million |
2 | Canada | 37.6 million |
3 | Germany | 83.1 million |
4 | Netherlands | 17.3 million |
5 | New Zealand | 4.98 million |
6 | Australia | 25.4 million |
7 | Sweden | 10.3 million |
8 | Norway | 5.35 million |
9 | Switzerland | 8.58 million |
10 | Austria | 8.88 million |