The global network Transparency International has released its key findings for 2010 in this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index where countries are rated and subsequently ranked on the perceived levels of corruption found in their society.
What is corruption?
Transparency International (TI) defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Of course this abuse of power hurts everyone and has severe repercussions on the most in need, namely the poor. The definition that TI uses encompasses corrupt practices in both the public and private sectors.
Corruption in South America according to Transparency International’s report
Given that there is a vast divide in South America between rich and poor although these two social strata may live alongside one another, for example the favelas and luxury apartments in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and that with a huge underclass of displaced people such as in Colombia, South American nations are always going to be found wanting in this index.
TI has singled out Ecuador for praise as the Andean nation has climbed up the rankings with fewer cases of institutional corruption and a greater emphasis on straightforward business proceedings. Chile remains the most stable and reliable country in South America with Uruguay close behind.
Position in South America (actual placing in brackets)
1. Chile (21)
2. Uruguay (24)
3. Brazil (69)
4. Colombia (78) 4. Peru (78)
6 Argentina (105)
7 Bolivia (110)
8 Ecuador (127)
9 Paraguay (146)
10 Venezuela (164)
Of course this table does not mean that Venezuela is the most corrupt nation in South America and it should not be interpreted this way, only that it is perceived to be where public sector corruption is the greatest.
What is the Corruption Perceptions Index?
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks countries according to the perception of corruption in the public sector. The CPI is a cumulative gauge that combines different sources of information about corruption, making it possible to compare countries. TI has been producing this index since 1995 and its yearly publication certainly creates some waves and keeps this polemic topic at the fore of international news.
In layman’s terms, the surveys and assessments used to compile the index include questions relating to bribery of public officials, kickbacks in public procurement, embezzlement of public funds, and questions that probe the strength and effectiveness of public sector anti-corruption efforts. For this reason overall first place for being perceived as the least corrupt nations on earth is shared between Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore.
Richard McColl - I am a freelance writer from deepest darkest London but for the past 10 years or so I have been maintaining my extended "writing break" in ...
