Uzbekistan ranks 124th in global corruption index as institutional challenges persist

With a score of 31 points, Uzbekistan showed minor shifts in its ongoing efforts to curb bribery and institutional misconduct. Despite structural initiatives aimed at improving domestic transparency, the index underlines that significant regulatory and oversight challenges continue to impact the country's broader institutional climate.

The regional landscape across Central Asia shows a highly fragmented picture in terms of transparency. Kazakhstan achieved the strongest ranking in the immediate region, securing 96th place with a score of 38 points. In contrast, other neighboring countries placed considerably lower in the global standings. Kyrgyzstan ranked 142nd with 26 points, followed by Tajikistan at 166th place with 19 points, and Turkmenistan, which recorded the lowest regional result at 167th place with 17 points.

On a global scale, the overall findings paint a bleak picture of international anti-corruption efforts. The global average score fell to 42 points, and more than two-thirds of all surveyed countries failed to reach this baseline.

Denmark continues to lead the world as the least corrupt nation, earning the top spot with 89 points. The highest echelons of the list are dominated by Nordic and island nations, with Finland following closely at 88 points, Singapore at 84 points, and both New Zealand and Norway securing 81 points. Sweden rounded out the leading group with a score of 80 points.

Conversely, the lowest positions on the index are predominantly occupied by nations navigating long-term internal crises, armed conflicts, and severe instability. South Sudan recorded the lowest score globally, ranking 181st with just 9 points. International experts compiling the report emphasized that a widespread lack of judicial independence coupled with fragile democratic mechanisms remain the primary drivers fueling public sector corruption worldwide.