2005 Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International has released its annual Corruption Perception Index. According to the report, corruption is still rampant in 70 countries.
More than two-thirds of the 159 nations surveyed in Transparency International’s 2005 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) scored less than 5 out of a clean score of 10, indicating serious levels of corruption in a majority of the countries surveyed.
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“Corruption is a major cause of poverty as well as a barrier to overcoming it,” said Transparency International Chairman Peter Eigen. “The two scourges feed off each other, locking their populations in a cycle of misery. Corruption must be vigorously addressed if aid is to make a real difference in freeing people from poverty.”
Armenia still holds its head up high over most of its neighbors with a CPI of 2.9 placing it 88th in the list although its score is worse than last year, perhaps indicating that corrupt practices are indeed increasing in the republic. Last year, it was 82nd with a CPI of 3.1.
In contrast, Georgia is 130th with a CPI of 2.3, up from last year’s score of 2.0, when it was 133rd. Azerbaijan also did better considering. This year, it has a score of 2.2. placing it 137th after being relegated right to the bottom in 2004 with a score of 1.9, placing it last.
Regarding Armenia’s two other neighbors, Iran scored the same as Armenia and Turkey is at 65th place with a score of 3.5. Nothing to be proud of for any of the countries, to be honest, but interesting to note that the CPI recognizes a trend of increasing corruption in Armenia.
Talking of Georgia, off there in 45 minutes. More when I return.
