Transparency International has published its annual list of the world’s most corrupt countries. It’s the only list of its kind and scores countries on a scale of 0 to 100, based on survey scores from experts and businesspeople and their confidence in the public sector for investment. Below are the world’s 23 worst countries for corruption.
Democratic Republic of Congo
An expert panel led by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan looked at five deals over previous minerals struck between 2010 and 2012, and compared the amount for which the government-owned mines were sold, with independent appraisals of their values. Annan's report found a gap of $1.36 billion, double the Congo Republic's state annual budget for health and education.
Thomas Mukoya / Reuters / Reuters
Tajikistan
Tajikistan's government is characterized by "cronyism and corruption," according to a WikiLeaks cable written by former U.S. Ambassador Richard E Hoagland. President Emomali Rakhmon runs a "corrupt, alcohol-sodden fiefdom" in which his family controls the country's major businesses. Most recently Rakhmon appointed his son to head the country’s Customs Service, a lucrative position that will help group the 26-year-old to be Rakhmon's successor.
Handout / Reuters
Burundi
Burundi's lack of economic freedom has left its small economy in the hands of a small group of elites. According to the International Crisis group, "The monopolization of public and private resources risks derailing the peace-building process based on development and economic growth bolstered by efficient state machinery and driven by foreign investment."
Darrin Zammit Lupi / Reuters
Myanmar
Myanmar internal corruption, known as "tea money" culture, largely stems from the prevalence of bribery and a lack of a legal framework and political will to confront it.
No one apart from high-ranking government officials knows how much public revenue Myanmar collects. Every level of public official, especially those in departments regulating mining, oil, and gas, have been accused of transferring public revenue to their private overseas bank accounts.
Minzayar / Reuters
