Denmark is the least corrupt country in the world

Transparency International ranked the Danes top again, but voiced some concern about the recent Danske Bank scandal

Feb 1, 2021

According to Transparency International, Denmark remains the least corrupt country in the world.

Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Denmark joint top with New Zealand – both scored 88 out of 100.

However, not all was pristine in Denmark, according to Transparency International. Even the best can improve.

“While Denmark has a public sector that may well be exemplary when it comes to anti-corruption, it does not mean this top scorer is completely clean,” the report found.

“Denmark’s anti-bribery laws have significant limitations and the Danske Bank scandal highlighted how weak supervision in the financial sector allowed millions in suspicious funds to enter the European Union (EU).”

Somalia and South Sudan struggle
Finland, Switzerland, Singapore and Sweden (all 85) were joint third, followed by Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany.

Other notables were Canada, the UK and Australia (all 11th), Japan (19), Ireland (20), the US (25), South Korea (33), China (78), India (86), Brazil (94), Indonesia (102), Mexico (124), Russia (129) and Nigeria (149).

War-torn countries Somalia and South Sudan were ranked last, preceded by Syria, Yemen and Venezuela.

Check out the entire index here.

TOP STORIES

Getting internationals to Lolland is one job – making them stay is another entirely

One of the most successful places in Denmark for internationals to relocate is Lolland. The island between Germany and Sjælland – and a good distance from Copenhagen – has an international school, beautiful nature and a well-established international community.
New budget cuts can be the end of beloved Copenhagen community hub
The net migration of internationals from many countries is declining

Data analyst Kelly Rasmussen analyzes how internationals from different nationalities have varying retention rates in Denmark. Her calculations cover the last decades and show how people from wealthier democracies tend to leave more than others
A demonstration against the U.S. took place in Copenhagen, something not seen in a long time

It was back in 2003, that a crowd of ordinary people last protested against the U.S. After all this time, on Saturday, hundreds of people gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy for a demonstration.
“We want to attract more internationals to rural areas”: interview with government Minister Dahlin

The Copenhagen Post interviewed Morten Dahlin, Minister for Urban and Rural Affairs and Nordic Cooperation. He explains that the government will attract foreign labor to rural areas with new industrial parks, better services, and strong local communities
The Lynch Interviews: Dina Rosenmeier

Stuart Lynch is a writer, theatre director, and Butoh Dancer and, since the late 90s, a prominent figure in Danish dance, theatre, and performance. For The Copenhagen Post, he writes The Lynch Interviews. In this one, he sits down with actor Dina Rosenmeier, currently the lead in the production ‘Grounded’ at Literaturhaus, Copenhagen.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Career

The net migration of internationals from many countries is declining

Data analyst Kelly Rasmussen analyzes how internationals from different nationalities have varying retention rates in Denmark. Her calculations cover the last decades and show how people from wealthier democracies tend to leave more than others
“We need brave politicians who listen to internationals”

Asbjørn Overgaard, CEO of Copenhagen Capacity, comments on the 2024 immigration data and the trend of more and more internationals leaving the country. “We have done much over the last 15 years, and now we need to do more.”
Around 70% of internationals come here to work or study – And this is why retention is a problem

According to Danmarks Statistik, of the 83,216 who moved to Denmark in 2024, 54,614 people immigrated to either work or study. This means that low retention is a real problem.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Jobs

Denmark is the least corrupt country in the world

Getting internationals to Lolland is one job – making them stay is another entirely

New budget cuts can be the end of beloved Copenhagen community hub

The net migration of internationals from many countries is declining

A demonstration against the U.S. took place in Copenhagen, something not seen in a long time

“We want to attract more internationals to rural areas”: interview with government Minister Dahlin

The Lynch Interviews: Dina Rosenmeier

Elsinore: Meet bestselling author Helen Russell

Copenhagen: Explore The City Hall with Mayor of Children and Youth, Jakob Næsager

The net migration of internationals from many countries is declining

“We need brave politicians who listen to internationals”

Around 70% of internationals come here to work or study – And this is why retention is a problem

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Partner Position in Maj Invest Financial Inclusion

Business analyst- Scoutz