10 of World's Most Corrupt Nations/Countries 2010

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index defines corruption as the abuse of public office for private gain, and measures the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among a country's public officials and politicians.

Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by private persons or corporations not directly involved with the government. An illegal act by an officeholder constitutes political corruption only if the act is directly related to their official duties.

Forms of corruption vary, but include bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, patronage, graft, and embezzlement. While corruption may facilitate criminal enterprise such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking, it is not restricted to these activities.

Here is the ranking of 10 Most Corrupt Nations in 2010 according to Transparency.org:

1 - Somalia

Corruption Score: 1.1





2 - Myanmar

Corruption Score: 1.4





3 - Afghanistan

Corruption Score: 1.4





4 - Iraq

Corruption Score: 1.5





5 - Uzbekistan

Corruption Score: 1.6






6 - Turkmenistan

Corruption Score: 1.6





7 - Sudan

Corruption Score: 1.6




8 - Chad

Corruption Score: 1.7





9 - Burundi

Corruption Score: 1.8





10 - Equatorial Guinea

Corruption Score: 1.9







Notable among decliners over the past year are some of the countries most affected by a financial crisis precipitated by transparency and integrity deficits. Among those improving in the past year, the general absence of OECD states underlines the fact that all nations need to bolster their good governance mechanisms.

The message is clear: across the globe, transparency and accountability are critical to restoring trust and turning back the tide of corruption. Without them, global policy solutions to many global crises are at risk.