Top 10 Most Corrupt Countries in 2026 Based on CPI

Corruption remains one of the biggest barriers to economic growth, governance, and public trust worldwide. At the start of 2026, the latest data from Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index CPI reveals the countries perceived to have the highest levels of public-sector corruption globally.

Transparency International released its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2025 in February 2026, highlighting persistent global corruption challenges. This index ranks 182 countries on perceived public sector corruption, scoring from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Experts note a worrying trend: corruption worsens worldwide, with declines in democracies and impunity in conflict zones. Sub-Saharan Africa faces the highest levels, while bold leadership lacks in many regions. This article draws from top-ranking sources to deliver fresh, accurate insights.

Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index

Transparency International compiles the CPI annually using surveys from experts and business leaders. The 2025 edition, published on February 10, 2026, shows 31 countries improved since 2012, but 23 declined significantly. Global average hovers at 43, with two-thirds of nations scoring below 50. Conflict and weak institutions fuel corruption in low-scorers, eroding public trust and economic growth.

Global Corruption Trends in 2026

Corruption rises amid leadership failures. Democracies like the US drop to historic lows, tying at 29th with score 66. The UK sinks to 20th. Eastern Europe and Central Asia lag with impunity issues. Sub-Saharan Africa averages 33, the lowest regionally. These trends signal urgent needs for accountability.

Top 10 Most Corrupt Countries in 2026

The following ranks the 10 most corrupt countries per the 2025 CPI, starting with the lowest scores. Data reflects perceived corruption levels.

1. South Sudan (Score: 8, Rank: 180)

South Sudan ranks last, plagued by civil war and resource mismanagement. Corruption diverts oil revenues, worsening poverty. The score dropped three points from prior years, signaling deepening crises.

2. Somalia (Score: 9, Rank: 179)

Somalia struggles with instability and clan-based graft. Weak governance allows aid embezzlement. Its score improved slightly by one point, yet remains critically low amid ongoing conflicts.

3. Venezuela (Score: 10, Rank: 178)

Venezuela faces economic collapse fueled by political corruption. Sanctions and mismanagement exacerbate issues. The score fell one point, reflecting eroded institutions under authoritarian rule.

4. Yemen (Score: 13, Rank: 173)

Yemen's civil war enables widespread bribery. Humanitarian aid often gets diverted. Tied with others at 13, its score shows no progress, highlighting conflict's role in sustaining corruption.

5. Libya (Score: 13, Rank: 173)

Libya grapples with factional rivalries and oil sector graft. Post-revolution chaos persists. Sharing a 13 score, it underscores how instability breeds unchecked corruption.

6. Eritrea (Score: 13, Rank: 173)

Eritrea's authoritarian regime stifles transparency. Forced labor and resource control fuel perceptions. At 13, it ties for severe corruption, with little international oversight.

7. Equatorial Guinea (Score: 13, Rank: 173)

Equatorial Guinea's oil wealth benefits elites amid poverty. Family rule dominates. The 13 score reveals entrenched nepotism, unchanged from recent years.

8. Nicaragua (Score: 14, Rank: 172)

Nicaragua sees suppression of dissent and fund misuse. Authoritarian shifts worsen graft. Scoring 14, it highlights regional declines in Central America.

9. North Korea (Score: 15, Rank: 170)

North Korea's isolation hides systemic corruption. State control over resources enables elite enrichment. At 15, it ties for high perceptions of graft.

10. Sudan (Score: 15, Rank: 170)

Sudan battles military coups and resource conflicts. Corruption hampers aid delivery. Sharing a 15 score, it reflects ongoing turmoil in East Africa.

Factors Driving Corruption in These Countries

Conflict zones dominate the list. Wars in South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen disrupt oversight, allowing embezzlement. Authoritarian regimes in Eritrea and North Korea suppress accountability. Resource-rich nations like Venezuela and Equatorial Guinea suffer "resource curse" effects, where wealth concentrates among elites. Economic sanctions and isolation compound issues.

Impacts of High Corruption Levels

Corruption stalls development. In these countries, it diverts funds from health and education, deepening inequality. Global estimates show corruption costs $2 trillion yearly. It also fuels migration and instability, affecting neighboring regions.

Steps Toward Improvement

Some nations show promise. Bold reforms, like anti-graft agencies, help. International pressure and aid conditions encourage change. Citizens demand transparency through activism.

Sources and Methodology

This analysis bases on verifiable data from Transparency International and related reports. Links: Transparency.org CPI 2025, Wikipedia CPI, World Population Review, Trading Economics, World Economics. Scores derive from expert surveys.