In a remarkable turnaround, Bhutan has vaulted to 18th place in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), a dramatic rise from its 26th rank last year. The small Himalayan kingdom achieved a score of 72 out of 100—an improvement from the stagnant 68 points it had maintained since 2019.
Dr. Rinzin Rinzin, executive director of the Bhutan Transparency Initiative, hailed the new score as a historic milestone. “Our improved ranking reflects the collective commitment of key institutions and the growing space for civil society and media to operate freely,” he remarked. Dr. Rinzin noted that previous restrictions on these groups contributed to lower scores, but recent policy changes have ushered in a new era of openness and accountability.
The CPI 2024, which compares 180 nations using data from 13 independent sources, gauges public sector integrity on a scale where 0 indicates extreme corruption and 100 represents exemplary cleanliness. Bhutan’s surge is attributed to vigorous anti-corruption measures, including robust integrity vetting, the implementation of a model public service code of conduct, lifestyle audits of public officials, intelligence-driven investigations, and proactive regulatory oversight.
Bhutan’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) emphasized that the country’s upward trajectory is the result of multifaceted strategies aimed at curbing the abuse of executive power, promoting transparency in public expenditure, and engaging the private sector, media, and civil society in the fight for integrity. The ACC urged continued cooperation among stakeholders, stressing that institutions like the Royal Audit Authority must intensify efforts to sustain this progress.
Globally, the CPI highlights stark contrasts. The five least corrupt nations in the report are Denmark (90), Finland (88), Singapore (84), New Zealand (83), and Luxembourg (81). On the opposite end, countries such as South Sudan (8), Somalia (9), Venezuela (10), Syria (12), and Yemen (13) face overwhelming challenges. Within South Asia, Bhutan stands out as the region’s least corrupt nation, a notable contrast to India and its neighbors, where rankings range from 96th in India and Maldives to as low as 165th in Afghanistan.
Yet, despite these positive developments, the global fight against corruption remains an uphill battle. The CPI report reveals that since 2012, only 32 countries have significantly reduced corruption levels, while 148 have either stagnated or deteriorated. With the global average lingering at 43 points, billions of people continue to suffer the detrimental effects of corruption—a factor that, according to the report, is deeply intertwined with the urgent challenge of climate change. Funds meant to support initiatives against global warming are often misappropriated, undermining both environmental protection and human rights.
Bhutan’s dramatic rise in the CPI rankings not only marks a significant domestic achievement but also offers a potential blueprint for other nations seeking to foster transparency and accountability. As its institutions adapt and strengthen, Bhutan is setting an inspiring example in the global effort to eradicate corruption.
