In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International, Cyprus was placed 21st among the 27 European Union member states.

This marks a slight improvement, with Cyprus scoring 53 points in 2023, up from 52 in 2022. This score places Cyprus on par with Georgia, Grenada, and Rwanda.

Denmark continues to lead the index with 90 points, maintaining its top position for the sixth consecutive year, followed closely by Finland and New Zealand with scores of 87 and 85, respectively.

The top-ranking countries, including Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand, are also recognized for the efficient functioning of their judicial systems, contributing to their high standings in the Rule of Law Index.

Conversely, the bottom of the index is occupied by Somalia (11 points), Venezuela (13 points), Syria (13 points), South Sudan (13 points), and Yemen (16 points), indicating significant challenges in these regions.

Since 2018, twelve countries have recorded a notable decline in their scores on the Corruption Perceptions Index. This list includes both low and middle-income economies like El Salvador (31 points), Honduras (23 points), Liberia (25 points), Myanmar (20 points), Nicaragua (17 points), Sri Lanka (34 points), and Venezuela (13 points). Additionally, upper/middle and high-income economies such as Argentina (37 points), Austria (71 points), Poland (54 points), Turkey (34 points), and the United Kingdom (71 points) also showed a decrease in scores.

In contrast, eight countries have improved their positions in the same period. These include Ireland (77 points), South Korea (63 points), Armenia (47 points), Vietnam (41 points), the Maldives (39 points), Moldova (42 points), Angola (33 points), and Uzbekistan (33 points).

Since its inception in 1995, the Corruption Perceptions Index has become the leading global indicator of public sector corruption.

The Index rates 180 countries and territories worldwide based on perceptions of corruption in the public sector. It utilizes data from 13 external sources, including the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, private risk assessment companies, consultancy firms, think tanks, and others. The scores reflect the views of experts and business people.

The methodology for calculating the Corruption Perceptions Index is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains as robust and cohesive as possible.