Hong Kong rises to 12th in 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index

Hong Kong climbed five places to rank 12th globally in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index with a score of 76, up from 74 last year, while the global average fell to a record low of 42.

Transparency International released its 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, assessing public sector corruption across 182 countries and territories. Hong Kong scored 76 points, placing 12th, an improvement of five positions and two points from the previous year.

Denmark retained the top spot but saw its score drop by two points. China remained unchanged at 43 points and 76th place for the second year. South Sudan stayed at the bottom.

The report warned that corruption remains a severe global threat despite some progress in a few countries. The worldwide average score hit a historic low of 42, with over two-thirds of countries scoring below 50, considered failing.

It urged leaders to address power abuse and the erosion of democratic checks and balances. The index highlighted weakening institutional safeguards and attacks on independent civil society as key drivers of worsening corruption.

Transparency International noted that corruption ultimately harms ordinary people, damaging public services like healthcare and infrastructure, while eroding young people’s hope and future prospects.

The CPI scores range from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).