Corruption Perceptions Index

Since 1995, Transparency International (TI) has published an Annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) The organization defines corruption as "the abuse of entrusted power for private gain".

The 2003 poll covered 133 countries; the 2007 survey, 180. A higher score means less (perceived) corruption. The results show seven out of every ten countries (and nine out of every ten developing countries) with an index of fewer than 5 points out of 10.

Methods and interpretation

Transparency International commissioned Johann Graf Lambsdorff of the University of Passau to produce the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The CPI 2005 draws on 16 different polls and surveys from 10 independent institutions. The institutions who provided data for the CPI 2005 are: Columbia University, Economist Intelligence Unit, Freedom House, Information International, International Institute for Management Development, Merchant International Group, Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, World Economic Forum and World Markets Research Centre. Early CPIs used public opinion surveys, but now only "experts" are used. TI requires at least three...
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