India ranked 74 on corruption index; Pak, Russia more corrupt

New York, Jun 27 (PTI) - India has been ranked a lowly 74,
two steps down since last year, among 180 countries of the
world on the worldwide Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI),
prepared by independent international agency Transparency
International.

However, corruption is much higher in Pakistan which
occupies 140th place, a little below Iran, Libya and Nepal
which are ranked 133, 134 and 135 respectively.

Meanwhile, China which was ranked a joint 72 with India
in 2007, slided a step down to occupy a place above its
neighbour this year.

Among other Asian countries, Russia is placed still lower
on 145, while Sri Lanka occupies the 96th position and
Maldives is ranked 90.

The least corrupt country in the region is the nascent
democracy Bhutan, which has been placed at the 41st spot by
the non-government organisation tracking prevalence of
corruption worldwide.

Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Singapore and Sweden
corner the top five spots retaining positions as the least
corrupt nations of the world, while bottom of table is
occupied by Myanmar and Somalia.

The United States also retains its position and is ranked
20th, just below Germany, Ireland, Japan and France. Besides,
Britain occupies the 13th spot and is just ahead of Hong Kong.