Your country, your say

By Michael Sidwell on 9 December 2010 in Measurement and Research

We asked more than 91,500 people around the world about their perceptions and experiences of corruption. You’ve seen the results, now we would like to hear from you. Have you paid a bribe? Do you think corruption in your country is increasing? Use this page to let us know.

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About Michael Sidwell

Michael Sidwell is Editor of Print and Online Publications at Transparency International.

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39 Responses to Your country, your say

Rbaoui 9 December 2010 at 11:38 am #

Corruption scandals are piling up in Algeria and the Gov. won’t fight corruption
Roslyn Moore 9 December 2010 at 12:23 pm #

I have paid several bribes to the police in Nairobi, Kenya for fictional traffic offences. You can pay the bribe or spend half your day at the station followed by time at the court.

I have also paid bribes at Juba aiport, South Sudan to the military just to have access to the airplane. They charge $60 a time!
Beso Elbakidze 9 December 2010 at 1:11 pm #

One does not need to pay bribes in Georgia. Georgia has significantly reduced its levels of corruption over the past six years. Now Georgia is one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
Denica De Foy 9 December 2010 at 1:45 pm #

The entire U.S.A. justice system is a bribe, set up to let the rich go free while the corporations make more money off of the squalor of poverty.
I was arrested one night after I put my disabled sister to bed in California. I had forgotten to pay a traffic ticket that hadn’t shown up till now. So after I was pulled over in the middle of the night and this creepy old man (Monterey County Sheriff) frisked me several times, grabbing my breasts under my bra. (I demanded SEVERAL times that a woman please come instead – which was ignored)
After this I was taken to a filthy over crowded glass and ‘concrete’ cell, with no way to contact my family. The phone in the cell only worked if you somehow memorized a bail bonds-man’s phone number – while in this nightmare I was denied the right to make a phone call for at least 10 hours but that’s not all Folks. The MALE officers came up to the glass and talked openly about which female kidnap victims they would ****. I had to turn my face toward the back wall or I had to view a male inmate down the hall masturbating. When I was finally able to call for help, I was released on “BAIL.” One of the rich women in the crowded cell with me asked a guard when she could give him her CREDIT CARD to GET OUT. So long story short there is no justice in my country, The United States of America. I literally get a PTSD reaction to the cars of the Sheriff now. I reported this to the Sheriff, the ACLU, the local papers and even the Rape Crisis Center. I received no help, only intimidation and a “you deserved it attitude.” I guess because I was a young poor woman taking care of someone else in the middle of the night I did? >Nah
adorcip 9 December 2010 at 2:06 pm #

Many Years ago, you had to give bribes to the customs officers in Turkey.
or traffic police as well. but now They can’t to accept a bribe.
I think, authors of this report
they don’t know anything about the current times.

I am not saying do not bribecvin Turkey, much reduced compared to the past.

But if you compare with europe to turkey, yes we’ve still corruption in Turkey or USA or China or all Eastern countries …
albert Insinger 9 December 2010 at 2:11 pm #

Paying a bribe is one thing and in Thailand where I am at present I can understand it. Because it supliments the very low wages that government workers recieve. Yet I am from Holland and I recently had a very unpleasant experience with a Notary who was totally corrupt. Now Corrupt notaries in Holland do not get punished and it is hardly even registered. So for offical figures it doesn t exist in Holland and yet it is very present. I have so far spent 3 years persuing this corrupt Notary and about 40.000 Euro’s on lawyers and still nothing happenes in Holland.
Reggie Dominique 9 December 2010 at 3:14 pm #

Are you guys coocoo? Waht about the Caribbean?
There is a small English speaking country in the Caribbean called Dominica. There is more corruption there than soil!!!!
Indira 9 December 2010 at 3:56 pm #

Yes… I had to, just to get my driver’s license.
But here in the Dominican Republic the government has made corruption it’s standard M.O. They even make changes to the constitution to cover it and/or simply justify it.
Ayisha Sheik 9 December 2010 at 6:03 pm #

In India, corruption is huge. I recently went with my mom to the property registration office and this was to file papers in my mother’s name for her property she inherited from her father. For this simple task, the officials there said we have to pay 8000rs or else they will not convert the name and they will create complications. This was in a simple city of Tanjore, Tamil Nadu. More than this, in Chennai, the corruption rate is more. Everyone from Traffic policeman [they charge heavily] to constables, everyone should be bribed or they will make our lives a hell. India is the most corrupted country next to Haiti and Fiji
john doe 9 December 2010 at 6:29 pm #

I was transported to this site by an article written by the BBC on corruption levels by country and region. And im stupified by the way this organization ( Transparency International ) gathers this type of info. To use hearsay and anecdote is a half assed way of truly measuring this insideous problem. To anyone reading this response, please don’t think i am against a public forum in order for people to voice their stories but for Transparency International to release a report, not a serious study, saying that north america and the E.U. are the least prone to corruption is downright laughable, irresponsible and most of all, criminal. The developed world is rife with corrupt officials, corporations and goverment intitutions. Their entire economic system rides on the principle of ” greed is good “. The ” undeveloped ” world has corruption, i don’t disagree, but at the same time we must look at the real cause for this afliction. I wonder where this people get their funding in order to produce this type of misinformation?. And what purpose does it serve?. To anyone reading this, please trust your own judgement and spring your own conclusions. The information presented in this site is terribly biased and askewed. Take it with a grain of salt.
Penny Bright 9 December 2010 at 10:32 pm #

CORRUPTION REALITY CHECKLIST – NEW ZEALAND

1. Has NZ ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption ? NO

2. Does NZ have an independent anti-corruption body tasked with educating the public and PREVENTING corruption? NO

3. Do NZ’s laws ensure transparency in the funding of candidates for elected public office and political parties at central government level? NO

4. Do NZ Members of parliament have a ‘Code of Conduct’? NO

5. Do NZ Local Govt elected reps have a ‘Code of Conduct’? YES

6. Is it an offence for NZ Local Govt reps to breach the ‘Code of Conduct’? NO

7. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly-available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Local Govt reps? NO

8. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly-available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Central Govt staff responsible for procurement? NO

9. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly-available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Local Govt staff responsible for procurement? NO

10. Is there a lawful requirement for details of ‘contracts issued’ – including the name of the contractor; scope, term and value of the contract to be published in NZ Central Govt Public Sector, and Local Govt (Council) Annual Reports so that they are available for public scrutiny? NO

11. Is it a lawful requirement that a ‘cost-benefit analysis’ of NZ Central Govt public finances be undertaken to substantiate that private procurement of public services previously provided ‘in-house’ is cost-effective for the public majority? NO

12. Is it a lawful requirement that a ‘cost-benefit analysis’ of NZ Local Govt public finances be undertaken to substantiate that private procurement of public services previously provided ‘in-house’ is cost-effective for the public majority? NO

13. Does NZ have a legally-enforcable ‘Code of Conduct’ for members of the NZ Judiciary? NO

14. Are all NZ Court proceedings recorded, and audio records made available to parties who request them? NO

15. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly-available NZ Judicial ‘Register of Interests’? NO

16. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly-available NZ ‘Register of Lobbyists’ at Central Govt Ministerial level? NO

17. Is there a legal requirement at NZ Central and Local Govt level for a ‘post separation employment’ quarantine period, from the time officials leave the public service to take up a similar role in the private sector? NO

18. Is it a lawful requirement that it is only a binding vote of the public majority that can determine whether public assets held at NZ Central or Local Govt level are sold; or long-term leased via Public Private Partnerships? NO

19. Is it unlawful in NZ for politicians to knowingly misrepresent their policies prior to election at central or local government level? NO

20. Do NZ laws promote and protect individuals, NGOs and community-based organisations who are ‘whistle-blowing’ against conflicts of interest and corrupt practices at central and local government level and within the judiciary? NO

Prepared by Penny Bright –for Transparency International 14th Conference 7/11/2010
IACC ID D – 1198
http://waterpressure.wordpress.com

Media Spokesperson
Water Pressure Group
Judicially recognised Public Watchdog on water and Auckland regional governance matters.
2010 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
“Anti-corruption campaigner”
Attendee: Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference 2009
Attendee: Transparency International 14th IACC
2010
Douglas MacNeill 9 December 2010 at 11:04 pm #

Maybe Canadian citizens aren’t in the habit of paying bribes to get less harsh treatment from police officers. However, the Canadian government more than makes up for the honesty of Canadian citizens. Copy and paste this into your web browser if you don’t believe me:

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/canada/Feds+under+fire+over+health+warnings+cigarette+packages/3953322/story.html
Jeff Mwanza 10 December 2010 at 1:42 am #

The battle against corruption is far from being won in most countries of Africa. As a Zambian, my experience has been so surreal such that in this modern time, the Zambian government is failing to account for monies provided for by donors and let alone, tax payers’ monies. In Zambia, hospitals hardly have medicine, equipment, etc. The road sector is the worst corrupt entity and the country is constantly repairing roads due to unprofessional works done by unqualified contractors.
Mark and Merejen Borders 10 December 2010 at 4:45 am #

I am an American living in the Philippines. I live in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, on the island of Mindanao. Three and a half years ago I came here to set up some businesses which I thought could help the local economy, while also providing my wife (a Filipina) a livable income. The business required that we go through a Government Agency the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), they being in charge of such things as Sawmill, Lumber Transportation, etc.

Time after time I have been asked to pay Graft to get my documents and permits processed, they call it SOP. I have repeatedly told them that since that is considered illegal here by their laws, and since I am trying to become a Permanent Resident, there is no chance that I will be involved with something illegal.

I have learned that certain of the people I had working for me, have indeed paid these despicable corruption payments against my wishes. Those that I discover get fired immediately, but how can you ever know if there is no receipt and only physical cash money is allowed. I can not even pay our electric bill with a check. Everything is only on a cash basis.

I would be happy to provide a list of what I have discovered so far, or you can visit my blogsite “Barangay Saint Christine”, where much of my story is available, or you can visit with me on facebook as “Mark and Merejen Borders”. I would be happy to work with anyone to bring this corruption to the public eye.
Grace Haden 10 December 2010 at 5:57 am #

New Zealand is the least corrupt but I have proof of a person writing legislation for his own business plan to set up a law enforcement agency . Through his public office he then uses the resources and staff to paid for by public funds to obtain money from the public which is then bank into a private bank account controlled by the author of the legislation .

In nearly 5 years of question this serious matter no Politian , or government authority has taken action . Either we have people being paid off at the highest level or we have high level acceptance of corruption. http://anticorruptionnz.wordpress.com/
Ivan Atuyambe 10 December 2010 at 7:06 am #

In Uganda, corruption is growing day by day. There is now reasons to believe corruption is more than individuals. Parliament discusses scandles involving government officials but no action on recommendations.

Of recent, I have concluded that it is not enough for government to declare policy and or legal frameworks for fighting corruption. Such policy and legal frameworks ought to be accompanied by strong enforcement mechanisms. The fight against corruption should be a collective fight in which all stakeholders affected by it are involved. Corruption the machinery used by the rich and privileged to exploit the poor and less privileged. It is a crime committed by the minority against the majority. The only silver bullet to end corruption as a matter of fact is the poor and less privileged massively rising against the rich and privileged.

In some instances jobseekers (especially those with limited qualifications) have themselves
been reported to have exhibited apparent willingness to use sex to obtain a job or service.
A number of employing officials have been suspected ad alleged, with few or non being prosecuted and charged for Sexual Harassment for having engaged in sexual corruption.
Ivan Atuyambe 10 December 2010 at 7:10 am #

Stamping out corruption and strengthening corporate integrity is a challenging agenda, but one with ample opportunities for engagement. This is the uphill task of our time.

The lesson from daily analysis is clear:
Business needs to recognize that corruption risks start with bribery and go beyond, requiring an integrated approach to corporate integrity.

Governments need to take advantage of new generation of innovative tools and thereby put much more emphasis on regulatory capabilities, actual enforcement and international cooperation.

Civil Society needs to become fully aware of how corruption in business is at the core of many social, development and environmental challenges, and forge much broader and more effective partnerships to support corporate integrity.

Stakeholders -from business owners, executives and workers to auditors, investors, regulators and anti-corruption activists have to acknowledge that corporate integrity is a multi-stakeholder effort that requires collective action across sectors, borders and institutional boundaries.

The evidence presented by the Transparency International Global Corruption Report 2009 is conclusive and troublesome: corruption is a central and growing challenge for business and society, from informal vendors in the least developed countries to multinational companies in industrialized ones, for citizens, communities and nations, all over the world.
cp 10 December 2010 at 7:13 am #

yes, This is high time to fight against corruption. It can be done through mass
awareness.
Isaac Newton Kinity 10 December 2010 at 8:05 am #

Kenya which was once the shinning star in Africa is today far away behind many countries in Africa due to the rampant corruption which has developed deep roots. The probabilities of positive change with the same leaders are equal to none. But a lot of causion is necessary so that those who have messed Kenya, are not replaced with similar individuals. Unlike before, there should be a background check foy any would be leader of Kenya
Chukwudike Abraham 10 December 2010 at 11:38 am #

Corruption is a deadly disease more dangerouse that HIV/ AIDS.Nigeria is one of the most blessed Country on earth, yet remains one of the poorest becouse of corruption.The World will never win the war against extreme poverty and hunger or achieve MDGs when corruption is on the increase.So therefore, the World needs to put hands together and kill corruption in order to have a world free of poverty, hunger and diseases.Chukwudike Benson Abraham, President, Society Against Poverty and Hunger SAPH, 64/ 66 Ojuelegba Road, Surulere Lagos Nigeria.
Ms Joyce IROKA 10 December 2010 at 12:38 pm #

Il y a 50 ans, en 1960, les quatorze colonies françaises d’Afrique noire devenaient indépendantes. Mais, indépendance ne signifie pas liberté : le général de Gaulle confie à Jacques Foccart la mise en place d’un système qui vise à garder, par tous les moyens, légaux et illégaux, le contrôle de nos anciennes colonies dont les matières premières sont vitales pour la France. Ce système va s’appeler la Françafrique. Pendant plus d’un an, Patrick Benquet a enquêté avec l’aide précieuse d’Antoine Glaser, spécialiste unanimement reconnu dans ce domaine

Happy Anti-Corruption Day 9th December 2010

Dear IACC,
In respect of this day, if l have to say something about my country Nigeria, l will like to start from here in in frenchland l am living, with regard to my money l am expecting from the European High Court for Human Rights send to me by their dearest french in administration. Frist, l did not go to hear stroy from Mr. Jean Paul COSTA who was at the Europe House yesterday 9th December 2010 , l went to drop him the letter l faxed him on monday 6th December 2010 and wednesday 8th December 2010 which you have a copy.

With what l have be addressing to french people about the Biafra which was led by de gaulle,that over 5 million Nigerians were killed particuiler the IBOS of which the french named “The Nigerian Civil War” because they were not able to name it Nigerian genocide.
Today Bernard KOUCHNER have be sent out, the Biafra war is now out and the world can now know how french people carried this crimes in Nigeria because of Nigerian natural gift. With this, l want to say thank you to:

The families of : charles de gaulle and françois mitterrand. As well as messieurs: valery giscard d’estaing, michel rocard, jacques foccart,jacques rené chirac for have be super to killed Nigerian people while they are happy living.

Thanks, as well to french people for be the best and richest for corruption, secret cult,immorality , ungodliness, frauding, killing, drinking Nigerian people’s blood, bandism, inhuman in their policies and super in Africa. Happy Human Rights 10 December 1948 which today l celebrate it for the aboved names mentioned and their families.
Many thanks to you IACC,
Ms Joyce IROKA
mubariz taghiyev 11 December 2010 at 4:40 pm #

I thank corruption disease for the the governments When oil and gas there corruption.
Reggie Dominique 13 December 2010 at 4:50 am #

The government of the country of Dominica in the Caribbean has, in the past year, netted the largest increase in corruption i the world. The electorate, however, appear reward them with each election cycle then beseech the tax paying citizens of Europe to deliver economic aide.
Dr. Luis Felipe Martí Iturbide 13 December 2010 at 8:18 pm #

Mexican citizens are in the habit of paying bribes to get less harsh treatment from public servants. So we have a lot of work.
Dr. Luis Felipe Martí Iturbide 13 December 2010 at 8:21 pm #

Mexican citizens are in the habit of paying bribes to get less harsh treatment from public servants, specially in the judicial sistem. So we have a lot of work.
Victor 14 December 2010 at 10:59 pm #

One thing people do not know is that if you are corrupt it affect you. It affect you like this, when you make money through corruption it make you not to discover how to make money legally and you gradually kill your talent that is why you see some people when they come out of jail they tend to prove the worth because they had the time to think about what to do to make money legally read more at letchangetheworldnow.blogspot.com
Mikhail Tyukov 22 December 2010 at 3:36 pm #

Russia. The Story of Sergei Magniski death- layer of Hermitage Capital Investment. The occicials and procurement officers immediately become rich with $5.4bln stolen by them under the signatures of dead layer Magnitski.
Investigation of this matter was hold and no actions made about his death!
Moreover russian officials thretened UN saying it was internal matter the whole story.
This is one of many stories that happen in russia where top politicals fight with those trying to fight corruption.
Especially police officers and procurement officers report of multiple corruption of their top rank officers and head quarters. As result they all are accused slander.
Nona Mills 22 December 2010 at 7:27 pm #

Mexican citizens are in the habit of paying bribes to get less harsh treatment from public servants. So we have a lot of work.
vs 7 January 2011 at 6:00 pm #

MAY I SAY WITH A GREAT PRIDE THAT MY COUNTRY IS FREE FROM CORRUPTION? NOT A SINGLE INDICATION OF ANYONE OR ANYTHING BEING CORRUPT. AUSTRALIA IS ‘CORRUPTION-LESS
THANK YOU
Bharat Prajapati 13 January 2011 at 5:46 pm #

Unfortunately, we have to bribe them(police, professors, any agent) leaving no option behind.
I think only the youth can change this system in India.
whats happening? 15 January 2011 at 4:45 am #

Att Gen Hatzistergos
SC Chief and little chiefs
Mr Barbour – DPP Cowdroy
NSW LAW President
ICAC – legends – past and present
NSW Premier KK
Indepedently made prime minister Gillard
the worst AU Treauser Swann
the biggest AU mistake KEV747
… guys defend your reputation
F I R E
SYDNEY NSW 17 January 2011 at 12:47 am #

I feel sorry for everyone here. Must be hard to live in corrupt country. BUT IN AUSTRALIA CORRUPTION HAS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE. NOT A WHIFF, NOT A HINT, ABSOLUTELY ANTI-CORRUPT COUNTRY. But theres more… AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE GRATEFUL TO THE SUPREME COURT JUDGE SPIGELMAN. yep, visit link given… C 4 yourself
Kris Dev 22 March 2011 at 3:40 am #

The present form of democracy followed in many developing countries is actually hypocrisy clothed in democracy; and hence called ‘democrazy’. I would call it ‘kleptocracy’.

The politicians and political parties to win elections need huge funding for campaigning and to buy votes. For this when the party is in power, indulge in mega corruption and siphon out government funds through contracts to private accounts and stash them in tax havens to enrich themselves. This creates a skewed society and the gap between the haves and have-nots is widening in geometric proportions.

One sure way to eliminate this and create a level playing field for all would be by demonetizing currency and instead introducing anonymous yet secure biometric smart card based transactions linked to a money account and making all transactions transparent on the web.

This would remove the element of secrecy shrouding underhand dealings and make everyone answerable for their acts of commission / omission. No one should be able to cheat anyone and get away with it.

More at http://ll2b.blogspot.com.
Siddhartha 30 September 2011 at 8:16 pm #

Most of the communities in the entire Indian sub-continent(such as Bengali) succumbed in ‘Culture of Poverty’(Oscar Lewis), irrespective of class or economic strata, lives in pavement or apartment. Nobody is genuinely regret ed or ashamed of the deep-rooted corruption, decaying general quality of life, worst Politico-administrative system, weak mother language, continuous consumption of common social space (mental as well as physical, both). We are becoming fathers & mothers only by self-procreation, mindlessly & blindfold(supported by some lame excuses). Simply depriving their(the children) fundamental rights of a decent, caring society, fearless & dignified living. Do not ever look for any other positive alternative behaviour(values) to perform human way of parenthood, i.e. deliberately co-parenting children those are born out of ignorance, extreme poverty. It seems that all of us are being driven only by the very animal instinct. If the Bengali people ever be able to bring that genuine freedom (from vicious cycle of ‘poverty’) in their own life/attitude, involve themselves in ‘Production of (social) Space’ (Henri Lefebvre), initiate a movement by heart, an intense attachment with the society at large is very much required – one different pathway has to create, decent & rich Politics will definitely come up. – Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, 16/4, Girish Banerjee Lane, Howrah-711101.
David 26 October 2011 at 10:58 pm #

When will the United States government be investigated and individual politicians have their assets seized for their corruption and selling out the American people and most every other nation on Earth?
KALYAN GHOSH 17 November 2011 at 7:15 pm #

Corruption is widespread phenmenon worldwide. It foster for absence of controlling authority. A showcase of collapse of governance is cited below:-
Right to know for Indian seems to be a distant dream. My sister-in-law’s date of appointment has been changed by the Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Ranchi, Jharkhand. This change has snatched away more than six years of her government school teacher’s service tenure. This change has been deliberately made to harass her as it flouts her service book record entry as well as office orders of the Directorate. DARPG, NCW, President’s Secretariat Help Line and CORE Center, registered complaints could not resolve this. Competent authority is silent to the consequential directives. The Director has even ignored directives of Honorable DC Ranchi, Sri Yashwant Sinha, Honorable M.P. and letter from PMO. Three RTI applications have been sent to The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Jharkhand Mantralaya and DARPG on 20th October, 2011. Jharkhand Mantralaya and DARPG have forwarded the applications to the concerned officials. No reply has been given yet. On expiry of 30 days of term appeals to concerned appellate authorities would be sent. I do not know if the directorate still can evade these RTI queries. Absence of strong grievance handling system fosters these gross irregularities and rather helps growth of paramount corruption. e-governance initiative of our government has feeble impact on answer-ability, accountability. Jharkhand government portal is a showcase of such deficiencies. This issue has been exposed in news report; Hindustan Times, Ranchi on 3rd September, 2010.
May I draw attention of Ms. Vineeta Singh, Project Director; Transparency International India; Ms Anupama Jha, executive director and Mr. Anshul Jain of TII though have tried their best to resolve this issue, but ultimately could not break silence of the competent authorities.
The above issue has been brought to the notice of almost all the conceivable dignitories of TI & TII. I thought TI/TII can resolve this stalemate situation where a junior level of executive’s [The Director, Directorate of Secondary Education, Ranchi, Jharkhand] whims is the determinant factor to sabotage natural justice.
Bharat 24 February 2012 at 2:38 pm #

Hi admin,
Is India the most corrupted country in the world?

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