KATHMANDU: Corruption in Nepal has worsened in recent times, according to the latest ‘Corruption Perceptions Index 2024’ released by Transparency International (TI) on Tuesday.
The report, which evaluates corruption levels in 180 countries, ranks Nepal at 107th place, marking a decline from last year’s 106th position in terms of good governance.
Among South Asian nations, Bhutan remains the least corrupt, scoring 72 points, while India and the Maldives each scored 38 points.
Nepal, with 34 points, ranks above Sri Lanka (32 points), Pakistan (27 points), Bangladesh (23 points), and Afghanistan (17 points). China, Nepal’s northern neighbor, scored 43 points in the index.
The report underscores Nepal’s growing governance challenges and calls for urgent anti-corruption measures. It highlights that globally, two-thirds of countries scored below 50, with the average score remaining at 43. Conflict-affected and fragile nations continue to struggle with corruption, while even countries leading international efforts on climate change have scored poorly.
Denmark remains the least corrupt country for the seventh consecutive year with 90 points, whereas South Sudan ranks as the most corrupt with just 8 points.
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