Transparency International, the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption, published a report on "Corruption Perception Index 2011" in December 2011. The report shows some governments failing to protect citizens from corruption, be it abuse of public resources, bribery or secretive decision-making. Transparency International warned that protests around the world, often fuelled by corruption and economic instability, clearly show citizens feel their leaders and public institutions are neither transparent nor accountable enough. “This year we have seen corruption on protestors’ banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government,” said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International.

The index scores 183 countries and territories from 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean) based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. It uses data from 17 surveys that look at factors such as enforcement of anti-corruption laws, access to information and conflicts of interest.

Two thirds of ranked countries score less than 5. New Zealand ranks first, followed by Finland and Denmark. Somalia and North Korea (included in the index for the first time), are last.

The Corruption Perceptions Index is composed from 17 different surveys and assessments. A country’s scores in one year cannot be compared to its score in a previous year. Information on how the index is prepared is available in the FAQs.

Source: http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2011/press/

The Western Balkan countries rank as follows among the 183 countries assessed:

country - rank - score (maximum score =10)