Corruption Perceptions Index 2025: Global Trends, Regional Disparities, Drivers and the Case of Nepal

Abstract

Background: Corruption is one of biggest issues that threatens social justice, economic growth, the provision of public services and governance globally. Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 prepared by Transparency International to determines the level of public sector corruption among 182 countries and territories. Methods: Using a qualitative study approach, this report review critically examines the CPI 2025 methodology, regional and global trends, institutional drivers, and implications with a focus on Nepal in particular. Results: CPI scores of 122 countries were below 50 and the average global was fell to 42 out of 182 countries. Sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest (32) value where EU and Western Europe had the highest regional average (64). The average score for full democracies was 71 compared to non-democratic countries (32). Nepal had got the 34, indicating serious problems with corruption. The report identified political influences, a lack of civic space, weak institutions, and inadequate accountability as major contributing factors. The average global CPI fell to just 42 in 2025 in over ten years for the first time. This review shows corruption as a complex institutional and democratic challenge and links global CPI findings with Nepal's governance context. Conclusion: This report concluded that to reduce the corruption level and maintain the sustainable governance and development it requires sustaining institutional integrity, financing transparency in political system and increase involvement of civic engagement.