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Graphic Truth: Corruption in Canada and the US
The United States is larger, more powerful, and — these days — unfriendlier than Canada. But it’s also seen to be way more corrupt. According to Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index, Canada ranks as the 15th most transparent government in the world. The US, meanwhile, languishes at 28th.
But both countries have seen industry and expert perceptions of transparency and the rule of law deteriorate steadily in the 13 years that the study has been done. The US notched its lowest-ever score in the new report, partly based on perceptions of declining ethical standards in the judiciary during the Biden administration. Here’s a look at how Canada and the US have stacked up on the index since its inception in 2012.
A polar bear statue is pictured during a blizzard in Churchill, Manitoba.
Hard Numbers: Bear of a joke, BC’s snowpack slacks, US more corrupt than ever, US buyers wary of Canadian M&A, Americans ❤️Valentine’s Day
28: Average snowpack in British Columbia is currently 28% below normal levels for this time of year. Since the snow ultimately melts in spring and summer, the low levels now raise the risk of drought later this year.
65: The United States got its lowest score ever on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions index, dropping four points to 65 out of 100 on the annual measure of public sector corruption and graft. The index, which has run since 2012, went public earlier this week. Among all countries in the world, the US now ranks 28th. Denmark yet again took the top spot. The score reflects views through the end of 2024 and does not include perceptions of the US since then.
22: Merger and acquisition activity involving US buyers in Canada hit a 22-year low in January as President Donald Trump’s tariff threats left prospective buyers worried about their bottom lines. While US buyer acquisitions in Canada had grown 72.4% over the past five years, with 50 such deals in January 2024, this January saw only 19 deals.
27.5 billion: Americans are feeling the love: They plan to spend a record-breaking amount this year on Valentine’s Day gifts, including flowers, candy, and fancy nights out. According to the National Retail Federation, the nationwide total spend could hit a whopping $27.5 billion. In Canada, meanwhile, Cupid has shot slightly fewer people this year than in recent years. While more than a third of Canadian shoppers will make Valentine’s related purchases this year — at 37% — that is down 2 percentage points from last year and a heartbreaking 11 points from 2023.
Naming names: The nonprofit tracking corruption around the world
What is the least corrupt country in the world? According to a Berlin-based nonprofit called Transparency International, that would be Denmark. Finland is close behind. At the very bottom of the list is Somalia, dead last out of 180 nations.
Founded in 1993 by a retired World Bank Official, Transparency International operates in more than 100 countries, promoting accountability and exposing public sector corruption.
The team, led by CEO Daniel Eriksson, attended the 2024 Munich Security Conference last week with a warning about the rise of “strategic corruption,” a geopolitical weapon involving bribes and disinformation to attain a political goal in another nation.
“Our definition of corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain,” Eriksson told GZERO’s Tony Maciulis.
This year is critical for democracy as dozens of countries head to the polls for elections that could determine policy and politics for the remainder of the decade. Among other projects aimed at rooting out political corruption, Eriksson’s team tracks foreign funding meant to influence the outcomes of campaigns or get certain candidates elected.
Check out the complete rankings list for 180 countries published yearly in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
See more coverage of the Munich Security Conference from Global Stage.
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- The Graphic Truth: Where corruption is rising, falling ›
The Graphic Truth: Where corruption is rising, falling
We didn't make much progress on ending global corruption in 2022 — thanks to political instability and armed conflicts, major contributors to graft worldwide. For instance, kleptocrats in Russia have long been cozy with Vladimir Putin and unsurprisingly did nothing to stop him from invading Ukraine. The war also hampered anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelensky recently fired multiple senior officials suspected of pocketing military procurement funds. So, which nations were the most and least corrupt last year? We take a look at Transparency International's ranking of perceived graft.