corruption perceptions index (cpi)
GLOBAL corruption RANKING
CORRUPTION AND INJUSTICE
Corruption is worsening globally, with even established democracies experiencing rising corruption amid a decline in leadership, according to Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This annual index shows that the number of countries scoring above 80 has shrunk from 12 a decade ago to just five this year.
The CPI ranks 182 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
The global average score stands at 42 out of 100, its lowest level in more than a decade, pointing to a concerning downward trend that will need to be monitored over time.
The vast majority of countries are failing to keep corruption under control: more than two thirds – 122 out of 180 – score under 50.
What we need
To tackle corruption and make our democracy more transparent and farier, the Australian government should:
- Strengthen protections for whistleblowers and establish a Whistleblower Protection Authority to protect those who challenge abuses of power;
- Strengthen laws to stop the flow of dirty money across our borders, which enriches criminals and corrupt regimes while impoverishing their people and distorting our economy;
- Bring greater transparency, accountability and oversight over politicians and government so that we can ensure open, trustworthy and fair decision-making; and
- Promote democracy through Australia’s aid program.
About the CPI
The CPI analyses the perceptions of public sector corruption in 182 countries and territories, drawing on 13 surveys of businesspeople and expert assessments.
The CPI uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. Usually, a score below 50 indicates serious levels of public sector corruption.
Watch this great 4-minute explainer video to learn how we calculate the CPI.
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