Top 50 Most Corrupt Countries in the World

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Top 50 Countries Facing the Worst Corruption in 2025

South Sudan 🇸🇸
South Sudan continues to top the list as the most corrupt country, plagued by ongoing conflicts and weak governance structures. Corruption remains entrenched at all levels of government, hampering development and fueling instability.
Somalia 🇸🇴
Despite international efforts, Somalia remains deeply suffering from corruption, with widespread bribery, abuse of authority, and lack of transparency undermining efforts to stabilize the nation’s fragile government.
Venezuela 🇻🇪
In the midst of economic crises and political turmoil, Venezuela’s corruption crisis worsened. State resources and public funds are often diverted, contributing to the nation’s ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Syria 🇸🇾
Prolonged conflict and authoritarian rule have created an environment where corruption flourishes. Illicit financial dealings and nepotism are common across public institutions.
Yemen 🇾🇪
War-torn and destabilized, Yemen faces rampant corruption, which hampers aid delivery and prolongs the humanitarian crisis facing millions of its citizens.
Libya 🇱🇾
Political fragmentation and ongoing conflict have made Libya a hotspot for corruption, with lucrative oil revenues siphoned off by authorities and militia groups alike.
Eritrea 🇪🇷
One of the most secretive nations, Eritrea’s government tightly controls economic activities, and corruption is widespread among officials who maintain strict oversight over citizens.
Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶
Rich in natural resources, Equatorial Guinea’s wealth is darkened by government corruption, with officials accused of embezzlement and abuse of power.
Nicaragua 🇳🇮
The current political climate has fostered corruption, with government officials accused of suppressing dissent while embezzling public funds.
Sudan 🇸🇩
Post-revolution Sudan struggles with corruption at all levels, with transitional authorities working to address the pervasive issues of bribery and resource misappropriation.

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North Korea 🇰🇵
An opaque regime controls all aspects of life, with corruption endemic among elites, and restrictions on transparency preventing any clear assessment.
Myanmar 🇲🇲
Ongoing political upheaval and military rule have fueled corruption, with illicit dealings in industries and government positions becoming routine.
Haiti 🇭🇹
Chronic instability, weak institutions, and poverty fuel corruption, leaving the country’s development hindered and its people suffering.
Turkmenistan 🇹🇲
An authoritarian state with limited transparency, Turkmenistan experiences widespread corruption linked to state-controlled industries and officials’ personal gain.
Burundi 🇧🇮
Post-conflict Burundi faces widespread corruption with significant abuse of power and mismanagement of national resources.
Afghanistan 🇦🇫
Despite international aid efforts, corruption persists, weakening governance, fueling insurgencies, and destabilizing the country.
Tajikistan 🇹🇯
The government maintains tight control, with corruption rampant among civil servants, with bribes often necessary for basic services.
Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩
Natural resource wealth often benefits a privileged few, while corruption undermines national stability and development.
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Economic collapse intertwined with corruption scandals involving top officials hampers recovery efforts.
Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼
Often embroiled in political crises, corruption corrupts everything from the military to civilian government operations.
Comoros 🇰🇲
Small island nation with significant corruption issues, notably in public administration and resource management.
Chad 🇹🇩
Widespread corruption in government institutions hampers economic progress and stifles public trust.
Cambodia 🇰🇭
Government officials heavily influence the judiciary and media, with corruption affecting every aspect of public life.
Russia 🇷🇺
Corruption is deeply embedded in political and economic systems, with oligarchs and officials benefiting from illicit arrangements.
Lebanon 🇱🇧
Despite being a regional financial hub, Lebanon faces systemic corruption aggravated by political deadlock and economic crisis.
Honduras 🇭🇳
Weak state institutions allow corruption, especially in law enforcement and political spheres.
Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
A resource-rich country where government officials often misuse oil and gas revenues, exacerbating inequality.
Iran 🇮🇷
Sanctions, economic mismanagement, and shadow economies fuel widespread corruption among officials and businesses.
Republic of the Congo 🇨🇬
Resource exploitation benefits a select elite, with corruption undermining development.
Bangladesh 🇧🇩
Corruption persists across sectors, including government procurement and law enforcement agencies.
Paraguay 🇵🇾
Weak institutions and political patronage lead to a high level of corruption in both public administration and the judiciary.
Central African Republic 🇨🇫
Ongoing conflict and governance challenges enable corruption to thrive amid instability.
Mozambique 🇲🇿
Natural resources and aid funds are often misappropriated by officials, complicating recovery efforts.
Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
Political volatility and economic struggles foster environments conducive to corruption.
Guatemala 🇬🇹
Corruption scandals have plagued politics, military, and law enforcement, limiting justice and economic development.
Uganda 🇺🇬
Widespread bribery and abuse of authority hinder efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency.
Nigeria 🇳🇬
Despite efforts, corruption remains deeply rooted in politics, oil, and public services, affecting millions.
Mexico 🇲🇽
Corruption in law enforcement, politics, and business sectors continues to challenge the country’s stability.
Madagascar 🇲🇬
Resource mismanagement and political interference lead to widespread corruption and stagnation.
Iraq 🇮🇶
Post-conflict reconstruction efforts are hindered by pervasive corruption at every level of government.
Cameroon 🇨🇲
Corruption hampers development efforts and fuels social unrest.
Pakistan 🇵🇰
Widespread corruption across federal and provincial governments adversely affects economic development.
Mali 🇲🇱
Ongoing conflict, combined with corruption, complicates peace and recovery initiatives.
Liberia 🇱🇷
Corruption continues to undermine democracy, development, and public trust.
Gabon 🇬🇦
Resource wealth is often diverted into private accounts rather than improving national infrastructure.
Eswatini 🇸🇿
Monarchical rule coupled with corruption scandals affects governance and development.
Guinea 🇬🇳
Resource-rich yet plagued by corruption, which hampers equitable development.
Bolivia 🇧🇴
Despite political changes, corruption remains a challenge, especially related to resource management.
Mauritania 🇲🇷
Corruption persists in government, affecting economic growth and social stability.
El Salvador 🇸🇻
Corruption scandals, particularly in public security and justice sectors, threaten the nation’s stability.

In 2025, the struggle against corruption remains a global challenge. Transparency, governance reforms, and citizen engagement are crucial steps toward creating more accountable and equitable nations. Efforts from international watchdogs like Transparency International continue to shine a light on these issues, but sustained local commitment is essential for lasting change.