Transparency International released its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) on Tuesday, ranking 180 countries and regions based on the perceived level of corruption in their public sectors. The CPI assigns scores ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating less corruption and lower scores reflecting greater corruption. The rankings were published by Transparency International in Berlin.

The CPI report highlights that corruption remains a significant global issue, with many countries still grappling with serious corruption problems. While 32 nations have made significant progress in reducing corruption since 2012, 148 countries have either stagnated or seen a decline during the same period. The global average score of 43 has remained unchanged for years, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. Approximately 6.8 billion people, or 85 percent of the world’s population, live in countries with a CPI score below 50, where corruption undermines lives and human rights.

Denmark has retained its position as the least corrupt country for the seventh consecutive year, scoring 90 points. Finland (88) and Singapore (84) follow closely behind, with New Zealand (83) and Luxembourg (81) also ranking among the least corrupt nations. Norway and Switzerland each scored 81 points, while Sweden earned 80 points.

On the other hand, Pakistan, struggling with economic challenges, ranks 135th with a score of 27, marking a two-place drop from 2023. This positions Pakistan alongside countries such as Mali, Liberia, and Gabon. India, despite a slight decline, holds a higher position than Pakistan in the rankings. India dropped three places compared to 2023, scoring 38 points and ranking 96th. In contrast, China ranks 76th with a score of 42.