Top Most Corrupt Countries in the World

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Top 49 Most Corrupt Countries in 2025: A Global Overview

The fight against corruption remains a critical challenge worldwide, impacting governance, economic development, and societal trust. According to the latest report by Transparency International in 2025, these nations continue to struggle with pervasive corruption issues, often rooted in political instability, weak institutions, and limited rule of law.

1. South Sudan: A Nation Struggling with Governance

South Sudan, the world’s newest country since its independence in 2011, remains at the top of the corruption list. Despite hopes for nation-building, ongoing conflict and fragile governance structures foster an environment where corruption flourishes. Officials are often accused of embezzling aid funds and manipulating resources meant for national development.

2. Somalia: Lawlessness and Economic Instability Fuel Corruption

Somalia’s prolonged civil unrest hampers efforts to establish a centralized authority. Corruption permeates through government institutions, military, and security agencies. International agencies report extensive bribery, illicit trade, and misappropriation of funds as common practices hampering efforts to stabilize the nation.

3. Venezuela: Economic Collapse Breeds Ethical Decay

Venezuela remains plagued by corruption amid an economic crisis marked by hyperinflation and shortages of essentials. Officials and elites are accused of embezzlement, money laundering, and political favoritism, which exacerbates social inequalities and stifles growth.

4. Syria: War and Corruption Intertwined

The ongoing Syrian conflict has devastated the country’s infrastructure and institutions. Corruption involves a wide network of government officials, military leaders, and business figures exploiting war-driven chaos for personal gain, impeding reconstruction efforts.

5. Yemen: Conflict and Corruption Hand-in-Hand

Yemen’s destabilization has created fertile ground for corruption across all sectors. From war profiteering to misallocation of humanitarian aid, corruption undermines attempts to deliver essential services amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

6. Libya: Fragmentation and Corruption Prevail

Libya’s political fragmentation has fostered corruption at multiple levels. Warlords, militias, and government officials often operate beyond regulatory oversight, controlling lucrative resources like oil, leading to significant revenue theft.

7. Eritrea: Repressive Regime Sustains Corruption

With a tightly controlled political environment, Eritrea’s corruption is mostly hidden but deeply rooted. State officials are reportedly involved in illicit dealings, including illicit trading and nepotism, within a highly centralized authority.

8. Equatorial Guinea: Wealth and Corruption Go Hand-in-Hand

Despite its oil wealth, Equatorial Guinea ranks high for corruption, where leadership has been accused of siphoning off national revenues and engaging in nepotistic practices, leaving the country with immense income disparities.

9. Nicaragua: Political Climate Encourages Bribery

In Nicaragua, the political atmosphere fosters corruption, with authorities allegedly suppressing opposition through bribery, coercion, and misuse of power. Transparency International notes a steep decline in anti-corruption efforts here.

10. Sudan: Transitioning but Still Troubled

Following recent political upheavals, Sudan is attempting reform, yet corruption remains widespread. Officials frequently engage in illicit dealings, undermining efforts for democratization and peace.

(Below is an image illustrating the global corruption landscape in 2025)

11-20: The Next Tier of Struggling Nations

11. North Korea: Secrecy and strict control mask widespread illicit activities. A closed economy driven by regime interests fosters corruption at every level.
12. Myanmar: Despite recent political upheavals, corruption persists in military and government circles, impeding development.
13. Haiti: Political instability and poverty drive corruption, especially in customs and law enforcement.
14. Turkmenistan: State-controlled economy and authoritarian rule perpetuate nepotism and bribery.
15. Burundi: Post-conflict challenges include high corruption rates among officials managing scarce resources.
16. Afghanistan: Ongoing instability and insurgencies enable corruption, especially in security and aid sectors.
17. Tajikistan: An authoritarian regime allows corruption practices to thrive with little oversight.
18. DR Congo: Rich in resources but plagued by corruption, resource theft, and illicit smuggling.
19. Zimbabwe: Political corruption and economic decay intertwine, impacting daily life.
20. Guinea-Bissau: Known for political instability and drug trafficking, corruption is deeply embedded.

21-30: Countries Facing Significant Challenges

21. Comoros: Limited governmental oversight leads to prevalent corruption.
22. Chad: Political unrest and resource scarcity foster corrupt practices.
23. Cambodia: Authoritarian tendencies facilitate corruption within government institutions.
24. Russia: Corruption at high levels, especially involving oligarchs and political figures.
25. Lebanon: Economic crisis worsens corruption, especially in public services.
26. Honduras: Organized crime and weak institutions promote widespread bribery.
27. Azerbaijan: Political and economic elite engage in extensive corruption.
28. Iran: Sanctions and economic challenges sustain corrupt practices.
29. Congo: Resource-rich but plagued by corruption and conflict.
30. Bangladesh: A mix of political patronage and bureaucratic corruption.

31-40: Countries Navigating Turbulence

31. Paraguay: Corruption in politics and judiciary is a barrier to progress.
32. Central African Republic: Post-conflict instability fosters corruption.
33. Mozambique: Oil and gas discoveries have increased corruption risks.
34. Kyrgyzstan: Post-revolution reforms face corruption challenges.
35. Guatemala: Organized crime and politics intersect with corruption.
36. Uganda: Partly characterized by patronage politics and resource misappropriation.
37. Nigeria: Oil wealth correlates with high-level corruption and economic inequality.
38. Mexico: Drug cartels and political corruption influence public life.
39. Madagascar: Political instability and resource exploitation lead to corruption.
40. Iraq: War aftermath and sectarian divides impact governance and corruption.

41-49: Countries with Ongoing Struggle

41. Cameroon: Security and political issues foster corrupt practices.
42. Pakistan: Political instability and military influence contribute to corruption.
43. Mali: Security threats complicate anti-corruption measures.
44. Liberia: Post-Ebola recovery marred by corruption allegations.
45. Gabon: Oil wealth often benefits a small elite with limited broad development.
46. Eswatini: Monarchic rule sustains corruption and nepotism.
47. Guinea: Resource revenues are often misused.
48. Bolivia: Political turmoil and resource management issues influence corruption.
49. Mauritania: Political instability and resource wealth contribute to corruption.

As global nations continue to grapple with endemic corruption, increased transparency, strengthened institutions, and civil society vigilance remain crucial. The 2025 report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to foster accountability and equitable development worldwide.

Source: Transparency International 2025

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