While several countries in the world are popular for their breathtaking views and historic sites, others are known for numerous human rights abuses and poverty. Corruption can be found in every country, but it is widely spread in countries in Tajikistan, Cambodia, and others for some reasons.
Let us know about corrupt countries, their rankings, and political scandals.
It is a country in South Africa and a founding member of Mercosur, the Organizations of American States, and the Lima group. The majority of people here are mestizo and speak dialects of the Guarani language with Spanish.
It is infamous for drug smuggling, crime, and money laundering. Transparency International's 2016 Corruption Perception Index ranks the country at 123rd place out of 176 countries. It is a safe country to visit but has many dangers in the form of corrupt police and violent crime.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country in Central Africa. With a population of 105 million, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the populous Francophone country in the world and the 4th populous country in Africa. The country is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, COMESA, United Nations, and African Union. It achieved independence from Belgium on 30th June 1960 under the Republic of Congo.
It is rich in natural resources but suffers from a lack of infrastructure, political instability, and colonial extraction. After being at the center of Africa’s World War, the Democratic Republic of Congo suffered from several humanitarian crises.
Corruption in Zimbabwe has increased within the private and central sectors. It ranked 160th out of 180 countries in the 2016 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index. Also, thousands of people reported corruption in Zimbabwe since the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a landlocked country in South Africa and is known for its landscape and diverse wildlife.
The country is safe to travel, but solo travelers should be careful of crime and scams. Across all sectors, corruption is at high risk for companies operating in Zimbabwe. It is also high for businesses acquiring public licenses and permits.
Nearly 25-30% of locals agreed to pay bribes to receive a document or electrical connection. Over 40% of Zimbabweans find it difficult how the government uses tax revenues and indicates a lack of transparency in the tax system.
Officially the Syrian Arab Republic is a country in Western Asia bordering Lebanon to the southwest. It is a unitary republic consisting of 14 governorates and is the only country that espouses Ba’athism. Bribery, illegal power, and political parties are the main reasons for corruption in Syberia.
Bribery is widespread in public sectors in the country. Bribery like accepting gifts on duty is the most common in the judicial system and security services. People with powers exploit their connection with decision-makers and trap their victims in several ways.
Corruption affects the political system negatively and challenges political development. However, some people claim that corruption reduces the cost of cutting red tape and also distorts the commercial field.
Haiti is the Western hemisphere’s poorest country and is plagued by corruption, drug trafficking, and crime. Above 60% of the population lives below the national poverty line, and over 25% lives in extreme poverty. It is a widespread problem in the country and was rated the world’s fourth most corrupt country in the world. Haiti’s corruption perception index is 25.44 and is ranked at 157th place out of 180 countries.
In 2015, FIFA vice president and CONCACAF president Jack Warner was accused of diverting $750,000 in 2010 Haiti Earthquake funds into his account. There is a high level of crime in the country. There is a danger of violent crime everywhere, and this includes armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, and murder. With beautiful beaches and wonderful waterfalls, the country is also the first to throw Colonization and unique Caribbean culture.
Serious violent crimes can happen in Haiti at any time. However, it is believed that kidnapping rates have been declined since 2006. Also, criminals keep a watch on travelers arriving at the airport and then threaten them for money. Crime rates increase during the time of fest and Carnival when the crowd comes on the street and carries weapons.
Yemen is experiencing the world’s most humanitarian crisis. In 2013, the Transparency International Government Defence Anti-corruption Index ranked Yemen’s defense establishments as one of the world’s most corrupt. Bribes are considered a necessity in Yemen and also a salary for officials.
In Yemen, if a person doesn’t have a passport, they can get one in exchange for a bribe. This might create a problem for those having a genuine passport and want to work in other countries. Despite having a significant amount of oil and gas resources, the country is one of the poorest of the world’s low-income countries.
Iraq can be considered as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Public Survey from Transparency International describes that a majority of people are not satisfied with the government’s current efforts in fighting corruption.
The 2018 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Iraq 168 out of 180. Political parties and servants are considered corrupt, and corruption is institutionalized in Iraqi society. The Corruption Rank in Iraq is decreased to 160 in 2020 from 162 in 2019.
Corruption in Afghanistan is a growing problem in Afghan society. Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Index ranks the country at 177th place out of 180 countries. A UN survey listed corruption and insecurity as the biggest issues of concern to Afghans as of 2012. In Afghanistan today, corruption has taken the form of bribes in public and private sectors.
There can be other forms of corruption, including nepotism and illegal transfers. There have been several anti-corruption initiatives in Afghanistan, but the level has been unremarkable. According to a UN report, Afghanistan has made progress in reducing the level of corruption in the public sector between 2009 to 2012. In 2012, the figure dropped to 50% in comparison to 2009.
North Korea is another most corrupt country in the world. It is ranked 175 out of 177 countries in Transparency International’s 2013 Corruption Perception Index.
The country’s state media admitted corruption in North Korea. The statement mentions deviation of materials, securing funds, and selling resources and land. The government and security agencies extract unpaid labor from its citizens, including prisoners and women.
The country has the worst corruption in the world. A report by the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre determines the types of corruption in South Sudan as bureaucratic corruption and political corruption. A February 2012 report by the Sudan Tribe described the Dura Saga as the most costly corruption scandal in South Sudan since 2005.
Also, over 80 companies had been involved in the scandal that was posted online in January 2013. Other incidents showed over $1 billion had disappeared without a trace from 2005 to 2006. Corruption covers all sectors of the economy and different levels of state apparatus through multiple forms.
Insecurity is the major issue in Somalia. Corruption is the leading cause of political instability in Somalia and has been ranked bottom of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index every year since 2006. Corruption occurs in public and private sectors and is visible to everyone.
Businesses in Somalia face high corruption risks when dealing with courts. In 1991, Somalia’s institution witnessed the collapse and rebuild of the country’s public administration. The Tax administration is not present in Somalia. The majority of business here operates in the informal sector and goes untaxed. Businesses face corruption in the customs sector, and bribery is common when clearing goods through the port.
The level of corruption in the country is high. A severe shortage of medicines and food may leave Venezuelans unable to feed their families and access essential healthcare. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the country’s economy experienced growth and attracted several immigrants.
Earlier, the United States and Venezuela were trading partners. American exports to Venezuela included agricultural products, machinery, and cars. The Bolivarian government’s failure to concentrate on healthcare for the country and government corruption affected medical practices in Venezuela, causing avoidable deaths with the emigration of healthcare professionals to other countries.