Transparency International's Index scores 177 countries and territories on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
The index is based on a variety of metrics that register popular perceptions of public sector transparency. Last year Finland came in at number one, with a score of 90 out of 100. This year a one point drop in the Finnish score – to 89 – was enough to see the country overtaken by Denmark and New Zealand, who both scored 91 to share the top spot.
According to Finnish Transparency’s chair, Erkki Laukkanen, the data doesn’t explain why Finland has slipped in the rankings. However, he does remark that Finland's situation is good, considering how little emphasis has been placed in public sector anti-corruption measures.
The comparison measures perceived corruption in public services, the judiciary, police and political parties.
The most corrupt countries were Somalia, North Korea and Afghanistan, all of which scored only 8 points from 100.
Transparency International has in the past warned that public awareness of corruption in Finland is on the decline.
Least corrupt nations:
1. Denmark
1. New Zealand
3. Finland
3. Sweden
5. Norway
5. Singapore
7. Switzerland
8. The Netherlands
9. Australia
9. Canada
Most corrupt nations:
168. Syria
168. Turkmenistan
168. Uzbekistan
171. Iraq
172. Libya
173. South Sudan
174. Sudan
175. Afghanistan
175. North Korea
175. Somalia