Corruption is the misuse of public power for private gain, and it exists in various forms in every country. Corruption can take the form of bribing public officials, embezzlement of public funds, fraud and tax evasion. The most corrupt countries in the world are those in which corruption is the most pervasive, affecting both the public and the private sector regularly. There are numerous studies and reports of international organizations devoted to identifying and tracking the most corrupt countries.
This article will look at some of the most corrupt countries in the world according to a number of sources, what forms corruption might take in these countries and what measures have been taken to combat it.
The List of the 10 Most Corrupt Countries
The list of the 10 most corrupt countries in the world, derived from surveys and ratings performed by multiple sources, is as follows:
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- North Korea
- Afghanistan
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Libya
- Iraq
- Venezuela
- Guinea-Bissau
The Forms of Corruption in these Countries
Corruption can take on many forms, including bribery and embezzlement.
Somalia
In Somalia, corruption is rampant, largely fueled by clan-based politics. High levels of bribery, favoritism and nepotism are common. In 2013, Somalia ranked as the most corrupt country in the world.
South Sudan
South Sudan has been plagued by corruption for years. In 2017, the World Bank found that 12 percent of government funds were lost due to corruption and mismanagement. Bribery is a common way for public officials to solicit bribes from private citizens.
North Korea
According to Transparency International’s 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index, North Korea is the second most corrupt country in the world. Corruption and bribery are common practices in business, public service and the military.
Afghanistan
Corruption is rampant in Afghanistan, particularly in the government sector. A variety of forms of corruption are prevalent, including bribery, embezzlement, fraud and nepotism. In 2016, the World Bank estimated that approximately 40 percent of government resources are lost to corruption.
Sudan
In Sudan, corruption is rampant and extends across all tiers of society. A World Bank report estimated that 14 percent of GDP is lost due to corruption. Bribery, fraud and nepotism are common practices.
Yemen
Yemen is considered to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Bribery and favoritism are prevalent, particularly in the government and public sector. In 2016, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Yemen as the eighth most corrupt country in the world.
Libya
Libya is plagued by corruption and bribery. In some cases, bribes are even accepted from foreign entities in the form of contracts, goods and services. In 2012, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Libya as the 163rd most corrupt country in the world.
Iraq
Corruption is pervasive in Iraq, and bribery is one of the most common forms of corruption. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Iraq is the sixth most corrupt country in the world.
Venezuela
Venezuela has been plagued by corruption since the Chavez era. Bribery, embezzlement, fraud and nepotism are allegedly rampant in the public and private sectors. In 2017, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index ranked Venezuela as the third most corrupt country in the world.
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau is considered to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Corruption is reportedly rampant at all levels of government, with bribery and favoritism among the most common forms. In 2017, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index ranked Guinea-Bissau as the 23rd most corrupt country in the world.
Measures Taken to Combat Corruption
There are several measures that have been taken to combat corruption in some of the world’s most corrupt countries.
Somalia
The Somali government has taken a number of steps to combat corruption. The 2013 Somali anti-corruption law was put in place to deter and punish those who engage in corrupt activities. In addition, the Somali government has ratified a number of international conventions aimed at combating corruption.
South Sudan
South Sudan has made several attempts to combat corruption, including the adoption of the 2013 Public Service Act, which requires public officials to disclose their financial interests and assets. Additionally, the government has signed a number of international conventions and treaties aimed at combating corruption.
North Korea
The North Korean government has taken a number of steps to combat corruption, including adopting a number of anti-corruption measures and laws. The government has also signed a number of international agreements and ratified international conventions aimed at curbing corruption.
Afghanistan
The Afghan government has taken several steps to combat corruption, including the adoption of anti-corruption legislation and the ratification of international treaties and conventions aimed at curbing corruption. Additionally, the government has implemented a number of internal controls, such as financial reporting, to combat corruption.
Sudan
The Sudanese government has adopted a number of anti-corruption laws and regulations, as well as signed international treaties and conventions aimed at curbing corruption. The government has also implemented a number of internal controls, including financial reporting and public audits, to combat corruption.
Yemen
The Yemeni government has taken several steps to combat corruption, including adopting anti-corruption legislation and enacting anti-corruption measures. Additionally, the government has signed international treaties and conventions and implemented financial reporting and public auditing measures to combat corruption.
Libya
The Libyan government has adopted a number of anti-corruption measures and signed international treaties and conventions aimed at curbing corruption. The government has also implemented financial reporting and public auditing measures to combat corruption.
Iraq
The Iraqi government has taken a number of steps to combat corruption, including the adoption of anti-corruption legislation and the ratification of international conventions and treaties aimed at curbing corruption. In addition, the government has implemented a number of internal controls, including financial reporting and public auditing, to combat corruption.
Venezuela
The Venezuelan government has taken a number of steps to combat corruption, including the adoption of a number of anti-corruption measures and the ratification of international conventions and treaties aimed at curbing corruption. Additionally, the government has implemented financial reporting and public auditing measures to combat corruption.
Guinea-Bissau
The Guinea-Bissau government has adopted a number of anti-corruption measures, as well as signed international treaties and conventions aimed at curbing corruption. Additionally, the government has implemented financial reporting and public auditing measures to combat corruption.
Corruption is a global problem that affects many countries, including those identified as the most corrupt in the world. While different countries have different levels of corruption, there are a number of steps that can be taken to combat it, such as the implementation of anti-corruption legislation, signing of international conventions and treaties and the adoption of internal controls, such as financial reporting and public auditing. Although corruption remains a problem in many countries, international organizations, such as Transparency International, can help to identify and track the most corrupt countries in the world, as well as provide information about the steps those countries are taking to combat corruption.
