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Somalia: Where Corruption Feels Inescapable
Somalia, once known for its vibrant coastal trade centuries ago, now sits at the very bottom of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 2025, earning a score of just 12 out of 100. This country has been plagued by decades of civil unrest, and the instability has made it nearly impossible to build strong institutions. Bribes are so common here that many Somalis see them as a normal part of life, whether they’re seeking healthcare, education, or business permits. Aid agencies report that corruption even seeps into humanitarian efforts, with resources frequently siphoned away before reaching people in need. The World Bank highlights that more than 70% of Somalia’s population lives in poverty, a problem worsened by widespread graft. Government officials are often accused of embezzling foreign aid, and attempts at reform are regularly derailed by power struggles. Even basic services, like water and electricity, can be subject to kickbacks or political favoritism.
South Sudan: A New Nation Trapped by Old Problems
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, stands as the second most corrupt nation in 2025, with a CPI score of 13. Since breaking away from Sudan in 2011, it has been mired in civil war, which has allowed corruption to fester at every level of government. International agencies, including the United Nations, have reported that funds meant for hospitals, schools, and food aid often vanish into the hands of corrupt officials. In rural areas, citizens sometimes have to bribe police or soldiers just to travel safely or access basic government services. The lack of a functioning justice system means very few are ever held accountable. This constant state of crisis has made it almost impossible for honest leaders or reformers to gain any ground. Ordinary people are left feeling helpless, as they watch national resources disappear while their country lags far behind its neighbors in human development.
Syria: Corruption Amidst Chaos
Syria, with a CPI score of 13 in 2025, continues to be ravaged by war and corruption. The Syrian civil war has destroyed institutions and created fertile ground for bribery and embezzlement, especially within military and government ranks. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, citizens often have to pay bribes for basic paperwork or to avoid arbitrary detention. War profiteering is rampant, with those close to the regime reportedly benefiting from smuggling and black-market deals. Humanitarian aid, desperately needed by millions, is frequently diverted by corrupt intermediaries before it reaches the intended recipients. The United Nations has highlighted the staggering scale of resource misallocation, which makes reconstruction efforts even harder. Everyday Syrians are forced to navigate a maze of corruption just to survive, deepening the nation’s suffering and prolonging the conflict’s devastation.
Yemen: Aid Stolen as People Starve
Yemen’s enduring crisis is amplified by its corruption, with a CPI score of 16 for 2025. The ongoing civil war has not only devastated infrastructure but has also made corruption a daily reality. Reports from the United Nations and humanitarian organizations reveal that aid shipments are routinely intercepted or diverted by armed groups and unscrupulous officials. This means that, even as millions face famine, food and medicine can end up in the wrong hands or sold for profit. Government salaries and contracts are often awarded based on favoritism rather than merit, and law enforcement is known to demand bribes. As the economy collapses, families find themselves forced to pay bribes for everything from electricity to medical treatment. The lack of transparency and accountability only makes the humanitarian disaster worse, robbing hope from those who need it most.
Venezuela: Oil Riches Lost to Graft
Venezuela has become a cautionary tale for how corruption can devastate a country, reflected in its CPI score of 16 in 2025. Once one of South America’s wealthiest countries thanks to its vast oil reserves, Venezuela’s economy has shrunk by over 75% since 2014, as reported by the International Monetary Fund. Much of the blame falls on corrupt officials and business leaders who have siphoned billions from state oil company PDVSA and other government enterprises. Everyday Venezuelans have grown used to paying bribes to obtain basic goods, like food and fuel, due to rampant shortages. Inflation has spiraled out of control, making the national currency nearly worthless for many. Powerful elites have been accused of laundering billions overseas, leaving public services to crumble. International watchdogs point out that anti-corruption reforms are often announced but rarely enforced, trapping the country in a cycle of poverty and graft.
Sudan: Stuck in Transition
Sudan’s CPI score of 16 in 2025 reflects its ongoing struggle with entrenched corruption. After the overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, hopes were high for reform, but progress has stalled. The World Bank notes that Sudan’s transitional government has struggled to root out old networks of patronage and bribery. Corruption is common in everything from land deals to public procurement, and ordinary citizens often have to pay bribes to access health care, education, or even police protection. Economic opportunities are frequently reserved for those with political connections, making it hard for honest entrepreneurs to succeed. Public trust in government remains at historic lows, with many Sudanese feeling that the revolution has yet to deliver real change. International donors have repeatedly called for stronger anti-corruption measures as a precondition for aid, but meaningful progress remains elusive.
Afghanistan: The Shadow Economy Rules
Afghanistan, with a CPI score of 19, continues to be plagued by corruption in 2025, especially since international forces withdrew in 2021. The power vacuum has allowed criminal networks and corrupt officials to exert enormous influence over daily life. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, bribery is rampant in the justice system, police force, and public administration. Aid money, meant to rebuild the country, often disappears into the pockets of those in power, leaving schools and hospitals underfunded. The economy is heavily reliant on the black market, with opium trafficking and illegal mining fueling corruption further. Many Afghans feel they have no choice but to pay bribes for basic documentation or to avoid harassment at checkpoints. These challenges have made it nearly impossible for Afghanistan to move forward, as corruption continues to undermine every attempt at reform.
Denmark: A Model of Public Trust
Denmark stands out on the world stage as one of the least corrupt countries, with a CPI score of 88 in 2025. The Danish system emphasizes transparency, open government, and a culture of public accountability. Laws require politicians and public officials to disclose conflicts of interest, and there is a strong tradition of investigative journalism. The World Bank credits Denmark’s robust institutions and independent judiciary for keeping corruption in check. Citizens rarely encounter bribery or favoritism in daily life, and public services are seen as fair and reliable. The government fosters trust by acting quickly on corruption allegations and keeping decision-making processes open to scrutiny. These practices have helped Denmark maintain a stable economy and a high standard of living.
New Zealand: Integrity in Every Corner
New Zealand, with its CPI score of 87, is admired globally for its honesty and low levels of corruption. The government operates on principles of openness, and public officials are held to high ethical standards. Laws and policies are designed to prevent conflicts of interest, and there is a strong culture of whistleblowing. Surveys consistently show that New Zealanders have high trust in their police, courts, and elected leaders. Transparency International notes that public procurement and budgeting are conducted in the open, making it hard for corruption to take root. The country’s small population and strong community bonds help ensure that wrongdoing is quickly spotted and addressed. This environment has made New Zealand a beacon for good governance and fairness.
Finland: Trust Through Transparency
Finland’s CPI score of 86 in 2025 highlights its reputation for clean government and effective anti-corruption policies. The Finnish public sector is known for its transparency, with detailed records of government spending available to anyone online. The OECD praises Finland’s commitment to citizen engagement, with regular consultations and open forums for discussing government decisions. Whistleblower protections are strong, encouraging people to report unethical behavior without fear. Politicians and civil servants are expected to maintain high ethical standards, and violations are dealt with swiftly. The justice system is independent and efficient, ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable. These factors combine to create a society where trust in government is the norm rather than the exception.
Marcel is a big travel lover and already visited more than 50 countries around the world. He loves to shares his experiences and explore new cultures and people.