Synonyms: dissolution, immorality, rot, putrefaction, foulness, pollution, contamination.

Transparency International just released its annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption in a given country. With the latest release, the disturbing link between poverty, failed institutions and graft is made. For 2008, Denmark, New Zealand, and Sweden shine as the cleanest countries, while Iraq, Myanmar, and Somalia fall as the most corrupt countries of the 180 countries surveyed.

A little on the method behind the figures: data is collected over the span of two years. In the case of the 2008 survey, figures from 2008 and 2007 are included. The CPI is calculated using data from thirteen sources originated from 11 independent institutions. All of the sources measure the overall extent of corruption (frequency and/or size of bribes) in the public and political sectors and all sources provide a ranking of countries. Please see Transparency International’s webpage for a complete definition of methodology behind the CPI.

Transparency International, has uncovered some very interesting information in its research. In both high and low income countries, accountability of societal and governmental institutions needs to be checked. Poor countries often times suffer from corrupt judiciaries and ineffective parliamentary oversight, while the private sector in wealthy countries shows signs of corruption.

Looking at the figures it is clear which countries struggle with corruption, and which countries have kept it in check. While many countries have maintained their CPI level from 2007 to 2008, some have made great strides both positive and negative. Here is a look at the countries that have deteriorated the most from only one year ago:

Bulgaria, Burundi, Finland, France, Italy, Macao, Maldives, Norway, Portugal, Somalia, Timor-Liste, and the United Kingdom have experienced actual changes in perceptions regarding deterioration during the past two years.

On the other hand, a few countries have experienced a more positive growth, including: Albania, Bahrain, Benin, Cyprus, Dominica, Georgia, Indonesia, Jordan, Mauritius, Nigeria, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Korea, Tonga, and Turkey.

To view the full interactive maps on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index visit Maker!

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