# CPI 2020: Global highlights URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-global-highlights Type: News Published: 2021-01-28 Updated: 2025-05-26 --- 180 Countries. 180 Scores. How does your country measure up? ![Collage showing a map of the world in yellow and red on a black background, with protest signs layered over it](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Global-highlights.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=2360&h=1327.5) *(Image: © Transparency International)* 28 January 2021 This year’s [Corruption Perceptions Index](https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2020) (CPI) paints a grim picture of the state of corruption worldwide. While most countries have made little to no progress in tackling corruption in almost a decade, more than two-thirds of countries score below 50. Our research shows corruption not only undermines the global health response to COVID-19, but also contributes to a continuing crisis of democracy. *Externally hosted content may include ads. These aren't endorsed by or reflect Transparency International's views.* > COVID-19 is not just a health and economic crisis. It’s a corruption crisis. And one that we’re currently failing to manage. **Delia Ferreira Rubio** Chair, Transparency International [Post this](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=COVID-19%20is%20not%20just%20a%20health%20and%20economic%20crisis.%20It%E2%80%99s%20a%20corruption%20crisis.%20And%20one%20that%20we%E2%80%99re%20currently%20failing%20to%20manage.&url=https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-global-highlights%3Futm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dshare-button) ## In a nutshell The index, which ranks **180 countries and territories** by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and businesspeople, uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. Like previous years, more than two-thirds of countries score below 50 on this year’s CPI, with an average score of just 43. The data shows that despite some progress, most countries still fail to tackle corruption effectively. ### The CPI uses a scale of 0 to 100 43/100 Average country score 50/100 More than 2/3 of countries score below 50 ## Results The top countries on the CPI are Denmark and New Zealand, with scores of 88, followed by Finland, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland, with scores of 85 each. The bottom countries are South Sudan and Somalia, with scores of 12 each, followed by Syria (14), Yemen (15) and Venezuela (15). Since 2012, 26 countries improved their CPI scores, including Greece, Myanmar and Ecuador. In the same period, 22 countries decreased their scores, including Lebanon, Malawi and Bosnia & Herzegovina. *\*In these six examples, we report the year between 2012 and 2020 from which the score change is statistically significant.* ## COVID-19 and corruption Corruption undermines an equitable response to COVID-19 and other crises, highlighting the importance of transparency and anti-corruption measures in emergency situations. *Externally hosted content may include ads. These aren't endorsed by or reflect Transparency International's views.* [Reports show corruption is prevalent across the COVID-19 response](https://www.transparency.org/en/citizens-report-covid-19-corruption), from bribery for COVID-19 tests, treatment and other health services, to public procurement of medical supplies and overall emergency preparedness. ### [Working in one of the world’s most dangerous hospitals during COVID-19](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/working-in-one-of-the-worlds-most-dangerous-hospitals-during-covid-19) An illustrated story of corruption in Venezuela during a global pandemic [Explore](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/working-in-one-of-the-worlds-most-dangerous-hospitals-during-covid-19) Our analysis reveals that countries that perform well on the index invest more in health care, are better able to provide universal coverage and are less likely to violate democratic norms or the rule of law when responding to a crisis. [Read more.](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/working-in-one-of-the-worlds-most-dangerous-hospitals-during-covid-19) ### Corruption and health spending Countries that perform well on the CPI invest more in health care. Each dot represents a country’s average CPI score (2012-2017) compared to average health expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2012-2017)\* ### Corruption and COVID-19 democratic violations Countries that perform well on the CPI are less likely to violate democratic norms and institutions. Each dot represents a country’s CPI 2020 score, and the circles represent the average CPI score for that category of [democratic violation](https://www.vdem.net/en/our-work/research-projects/pandemic-backsliding/)\* - [Read the full research analysis](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-research-analysis-why-fighting-corruption-matters-in-times-of-covid-19) ## Regional results The highest scoring region is Western Europe and the European Union with an average score of 66. The lowest scoring regions are Sub-Saharan Africa (32) and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (36). ![A protester with a mask holds a sign at the end of a line of riot police in Cusco, Peru.](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Americas_shutterstock_1858215442.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Americas](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-americas) ![Protestors hold up their phones showing the word “democracy” In front of Bangkok’s democracy monument.](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Asia_Pacific_shutterstock_1797819832.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Asia Pacific](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-asia-pacific) ![A large crowd protesting in the street waves red and white flags, some wear masks](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Belarus_CPI_shutterstock_1801305055.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Eastern Europe & Central Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-eastern-europe-central-asia) ![A group of people, some with masks, stand in front of a collapsed industrial building by the sea and two large Lebanese flags](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/MENA-shutterstock_1793481289.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Middle East & North Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-middle-east-north-africa) ![A Graffiti in Johannesburg reads “Recover with integrity?”](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Sub-Saharan-Africa-Regional-content.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Sub-Saharan Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-sub-saharan-africa) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/WEEU-shutterstock_1706032141.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Western Europe & the European Union](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-western-europe-eu) ## Trouble at the Top Even countries with higher scores on the CPI have had their share of corruption challenges, including a lack of transparency in public spending in response to COVID-19. ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/TATT03_Cover.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) ### [Trouble at the Top - Top 25 countries & their main corruption issues](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-trouble-in-the-top-25-countries) [Read more](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-trouble-in-the-top-25-countries) ![An illustration of a man in a suit, seen from above, bathing in a pool of crumpled red bank notes, some fall from the sky](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/TATT02_Cover.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) ### [Trouble at the Top - An analysis](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-trouble-at-the-top) [Read more](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-trouble-at-the-top) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Trouble-at-the-Top-COVER.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) ### [Trouble at the Top - Five dirty corruption cases in "clean" countries](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-trouble-at-the-top-cases) [Read more](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-trouble-at-the-top-cases) ## Recommendations To fight COVID-19 and curb corruption, it is essential for countries to: ### 1. Strengthen oversight institutions The COVID-19 response exposed vulnerabilities of weak oversight and inadequate transparency. To ensure resources reach those most in need and are not subject to theft by the corrupt, anti-corruption authorities and oversight institutions must have sufficient funds, resources and independence to perform their duties. ### 2. Ensure open and transparent contracting Many governments have drastically relaxed procurement processes. These rushed and opaque procedures provide ample opportunity for corruption and the diversion of public resources. Contracting processes must remain open and transparent to combat wrongdoing, identify conflicts of interest and ensure fair pricing. ### 3. Defend democracy, promote civic space The COVID-19 crisis exacerbated democratic decline, with some governments exploiting the pandemic to suspend parliaments, renounce public accountability mechanisms and incite violence against dissidents. To defend civic space, civil society groups and the media must have the enabling conditions to hold governments accountable. ### 4. Publish relevant data, guarantee access The publication of disaggregated data on spending and distribution of resources is particularly relevant in emergency situations, to ensure fair and equitable policy responses. Governments should also ensure people receive easy, accessible, timely and meaningful information by guaranteeing their right to access information. ## CPI - [2020](https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2020) ## Regions - [Global](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/global) For any press inquiries please contact ### You might also like... ## [Anti-corruption gaps are leaving democracy in Europe exposed](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/anti-corruption-gaps-leaving-democracy-europe-exposed) News • 15 September 2026 Too many European countries are failing to effectively implement and enforce their anti-corruption laws, while several are rapidly backsliding. ## [COP Talks: Formal Delegations, Informal Access](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cop30-formal-delegations-informal-access) News • 14 September 2026 Our analysis of EU delegations found 63 fossil fuel-linked representatives accredited through nine EU Member States at COP30, raising concerns over transparency and influence in… ## [Transparency International 2025: while corruption spreads, here's proof change is possible](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/transparency-international-2025-while-corruption-spreads-heres-proof-change-is-possible) News • 17 July 2026 Corruption still involves envelopes of cash under tables in many countries. 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