Hi there,

Earlier this week we launched the Corruption Perceptions Index 2017. The index shows that countries across the world are making little to no progress in ending corruption – a trend that, with your help, we are trying to change!

Below, you'll see our in-depth research analysis of the results, which finds higher rates of corruption in countries where activists and journalists struggle to speak out. A free press and civil society are vital for exposing corruption and holding governments to account.

Also, don’t miss our regional analyses to find out why your region or country performed the way it did, and how it can improve.

Digging deeper into corruption, violence against journalists and active civil society

To mark the release of the CPI 2017, we analysed corruption levels around the world and looked at how they relate to civil liberties – specifically, the ability of citizens to speak out in defence of their interests and the wider public good.

A redefining moment for Africa

The CPI 2017 provides a good baseline for the African Union (AU) anti-corruption efforts in 2018. This year’s theme for the AU is “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.” As the AU rolls out its plan, this is an important moment for Africa to take stock of the current situation

Perceptions remain unchanged despite progress in the Americas

In the last few years, Latin America and the Caribbean made great strides in the fight against corruption. However, according to the CPI 2017, the region continues to score poorly for corruption. How can we explain this contradiction?

Rampant corruption in Arab states

In a region stricken by violent conflict and dictatorships, corruption remains endemic in the Arab states while assaults on freedom of expression, press freedoms and civil society continue to escalate. In this environment, it is no surprise that 19 of 21 Arab states score below 50 in the CPI.

Slow, imperfect progress across Asia Pacific

This year’s results of the CPI continue to show a high variance in public sector corruption across the Asia Pacific region. From top-scorers like New Zealand and Singapore, to some of the worst-scorers like Cambodia, North Korea and Afghanistan, more than half of the countries in the Asia Pacific score less than 50 on the index. In fact, on average, the region scores just 44.

Europe and Central Asia: more civil engagement needed

In 2017, authoritarianism rose across Eastern and South East Europe, hindering anti-corruption efforts and threatening civil liberties. Across the region, non-governmental organisations and independent media experienced challenges in their ability to monitor and criticise decision-makers.