Who would have thought that this list of the most corrupt countries in the world seems to give a new definition to the term “borderless corruption”.
While some countries are busy building the future, these countries are still struggling with extreme kleptocratic practices.
Here are the seven most corrupt countries in 2025:
Somalia (CPI: 11)
Kleptocracy Without Borders
This country holds the record as the world’s champion of corruption. Every sector, from the police to the judiciary, is like a big secret society.
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed suspended Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble in 2021 on corruption charges, highlighting the deep problems in the government.
Syria (CPI: 13)
War + Corruption = False Hope Investment
Here, corruption is not just a practice – it has become a business model.
Civil war only adds more ‘investment opportunities’ for extortion and illegal trade.
International aid funds for the people are diverted to local authorities.
Ironically, aid is ‘channeled’ into the pockets of leaders much faster than it is sent to war victims.
South Sudan (CPI: 13)
Rich Countries, Richer Own Pockets
Oil is supposed to bring prosperity. Here? Oil wealth is ‘mined’ straight into the bank accounts of government officials and the military.
Scandals like Cash Grab and Dura Saga illustrate the kleptocratic nature of the government, with oil wealth mismanaged and stolen.
Venezuela (CPI: 13)
A Cow Milked Dry
While the people queue for food, the leaders continue to ‘milk’ the country mercilessly.
If there was a corruption monopoly competition, PDVSA and the CLAP food program would win big.
PDVSA lost up to $500 billion to corruption. Meanwhile, CLAP program officials diverted subsidized food for their own profit.
The result? The people remained hungry, but they were twice as full.
Yemen (CPI: 16)
Oil Deals and International Corruption
Yemen’s oil is more profitable for those who are good at giving bribes than for those who actually work.
Schlumberger is accused of paying large bribes to local agents for oil contracts, another chapter in the ‘international corruption manual’.
North Korea (CPI: 17)
Police Control, But Corruption Still Rampant
A country known for its strict controls? Corruption still permeates! Government offices are like service centers for those who can afford it.
Jang Song-thaek was accused of embezzling funds and abusing power, but he ended up ‘paying’ with his own life.
Nicaragua (CPI: 17)
Government Licensed Corruption Fest
Under President Ortega, every branch of government, from the courts, to the police, and politics, has been turned into ‘investments’.
Pay the right bribes, and you don’t have to worry about the law.
Drug cartels pay large bribes to the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) for control of the courts.
In these countries, corruption is not just an option – it is normalized.
Don't be surprised if one day, they put an entry fee on corrupt investors!
