Strictly speaking, there are no countries with absolutely zero corruption. However, there are countries where its level is perceived as extremely low, almost zero. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2025, published by Transparency International, Denmark has been the leader on this list for eight years in a row. Top 5 Cleanest Countries According to CPI 2025 The index evaluates 182 countries on a scale from 0 (high level of corruption) to 100 (very clean country). Here are the leaders. Rank Country Points Key Factor 1 Denmark 89 Strict laws, high transparency, active media, culture of trust. Gifts or trips paid for by companies are considered a bribe. 2 Finland 88 Strong social policy, low inequality, high ethical standards of officials. There is no separate law on corruption, but there are articles in the Criminal Code. 3 Singapore 84 Corruption Prevention Act of 1960 and an independent Corruption Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). No immunity for officials of any rank. 4 New Zealand 81 Effective and fast public service system (licenses in a day), which reduces the possibility of abuse. Severe punishment for all. 5 Norway 81 Decentralized system of control: different departments are responsible for auditing, administration, and funding of policies, creating a system of checks and balances. Important nuance: even leaders are losing ground It is worth noting a worrying trend: the number of countries scoring over 80 points has decreased from 12 to 5 over a decade. Transparency International warns that even in these prosperous states, signs of regression are observed due to the weakening of independent checks and balances. Conclusion Thus, if looking for a role model in the fight against c ...
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