Corruption persists in many countries around the world, according to Transparency International’s 2011 Corruption Perception Index.
“This year we have seen corruption on protestors’ banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government,” said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International, in a statement released with the index on Dec. 1.
Using data from 17 surveys that looked at factors such as enforcement of anti-corruption laws, access to information and conflicts of interest, the index scored 183 countries and territories from 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean).
Ukraine ranked 152nd, with a score of 2.2. In contrast, New Zealand, Denmark and Finland topped the list, with scores of 9.5, 9.4 and 9.4, respectively.
Two thirds of countries scored below 5.
The index shows most Arab Spring countries scoring below 4.
The United States, ranked 24th, scored 7.1.