Narayan AmmachchiUruguay has emerged as the least corrupt nation in Latin America, ranking 13th globally with a score of 76 in Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). It outperformed major global economies like Germany, Japan, and the UK, showcasing its strong institutions and commitment to transparency.
The Caribbean nations of Barbados (68) and the Bahamas (65) have also demonstrated significant progress in combating corruption, while Chile recorded a score of 63, positioning itself among the region’s better-performing countries.
In contrast, Venezuela remains the most corrupt country in Latin America, scoring just 10 points — the lowest in its history. Other nations struggling with high levels of corruption include Brazil (ranked 107th globally), Mexico (140th), and Argentina, which remains stagnant at 39 points for the second consecutive year.
The United States and Canada scored 65 and 75, respectively, reflecting moderate corruption concerns compared to top-ranking nations. Both countries experienced slight declines in their scores from 2023, with the U.S. dropping by four points and Canada by one.
Uruguay’s consistent improvement in the CPI is attributed to its long-standing policies on public information access and open data, introduced in 2008. As a member of the Open Government Partnership since 2011, Uruguay has strengthened transparency and accountability, fostering greater public trust in governance.
Transparency International warns that corruption not only undermines governance and economic stability but also worsens environmental crises, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change.
The CPI scores are derived from at least three data sources among 13 global corruption surveys and assessments, based on insights from experts and business leaders.
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