World’s Least Corrupt Countries - Top 10 Corruption Free Countries

Here is a list of the world’s least corrupt countries according to Corruption Perception Index report of 2010. India currently ranks at position 87. Since 1995, Transparency International (TI) publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) annually ranking countries by their perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys. The CPI generally defines corruption as "the misuse of public power for private benefit." As of 2010, the CPI ranks 178 countries on a scale from 10 (very clean) to 0 (highly corrupt). The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index is based on 13 independent surveys. However, not all surveys include all countries.

Top 10 Corruption Free Countries

Let us see which of the countries are on top of the list i.e. which are corruption free countries.

Denmark (Rank: 1)

The Scandinavian nation has set an example for others to follow. Denmark has scored a proud 9.3 to top the Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index in 2010. The economy is balanced because of the highest level of income equality in the country. The Danish follow the ’Jante Law’ where modesty, equality and punctuality are the key virtues for every citizen.

New Zealand (Rank: 2)

Apart from its handsome cricketers and a favourite with Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, the country’s also known its transparent economy and government. New Zealand has two law enforcement agencies that keep a check on corruption - The New Zealand Serious Fraud Office and the New Zealand police.

Singapore (Rank: 3)

If you haven’t already received the SMS or email forward yet, you should know that Singapore introduced an ombudsman model way back in 1982 for which India is struggling today. Singapore’s counter-corruption office comes under the Prime Minister’s purview and awareness against corruption is also made a compulsory part of the syllabus in schools.

Finland (Rank: 4)

The Nordic countries squeaky clean image earned it the number 4 spot on the list of least corrupt nations. Finnish leaders have chartered steady economic growth and its citizens are among some of the most satisfied in the world.

Sweden (Rank: 5)

Finland is tied at position four with its neighbour Sweden that is looked up to by other European nations for its meteoric economic growth. The country has many anti-corruption strategies in place such as offering rewards to folks who toe the line. Even though some scandals have been unearthed recently concerning major Swedish companies, the country is still better off than some.

Canada (Rank: 6)

The country has the highest standard of living and has implemented a noteworthy act called the ’Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act’ which helps to keep a tab on government officials. Canada has also signed the UN Convention against Corruption, thereby working with the world body to bring more transparency to its economical and political decision making.

Netherlands (Rank: 7)

The Dutch government has a zero-level tolerance level against social evils, and thus keeps corruption at bay with an iron fist. In 2005, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the Anti-Corruption Task Force (TFAC) which effectively looks after the country’s administration by bringing mischief makers to task.

Australia (Rank: 8)

Guess there’s more to learn from the Aussies than cricket alone! The country has laid down a new anti-corruption measure which includes a code of conduct for ministers and lobbyists. Australia also hires all its public servants on merit and the policy of reservation is non-existent.

Switzerland (Rank: 9)

Switzerland is a favourite not only for Yash Raj films but also for folks who want to live an honest life. Even though it’s ironic that our politicians and businessmen hide their black money in Swiss banks, the country still comes out on top when it comes to domestic practices. Their citizens are also a content lot, given that the average per capita income is among the highest in the world.

Norway (Rank: 10)

Yet another Nordic country makes the list of least corrupt nations. The country has implemented strict rules to discourage tax-evasion and also strives for clarity regarding foreign trade. Norway has a system in place to keep a check on the flow of development funds which ensures transparent administration in the country.