2. Interpreting the map

2.1. Index

The map illustrates one set of data compiled by Transparency International (TI), a leading NGO committed to combating corruption worldwide:

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2009, which charts corruption in the public sector and politics as perceived by business people, academics and risk analysts. The CPI scores countries on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to a perfect 10 (highly clean), illustrated in the map by depths of shading. Maplecroft has divided the countries into four categories of severity of risk based on the CPI ranking of TI: Extreme (0.0-2.5); High (2.5-5.0); Medium (5.0-7.5), and; Low (7.5-10.0). Categories were decided on the basis of expert review. We used the same criteria as in our previous four maps, for comparative purposes.

2.2. Country data

Clicking on each country shows country specific statistics in the Country data tab, where the following information is provided:

The CPI 2009 score, rank (out of 180, where 1 is least corrupt) and category

The CPI score for 2008, 2007 and 2006. Please note that due to changes in methodology direct comparisons cannot be made between years.

The BPI 2008 and rank (out of 22, where 1 is the country where registered countries are least likely to pay bribes abroad).

The status of each country (signatory or non-signatory) with respect to relevant international and regional anti-corruption and bribery conventions.

2.3. Icons

Spotlights on engagement present examples of how businesses are working constructively to resolve issues relating to corruption and build a more transparent operating environment.

Flashpoints present examples of poor business practice as profiled in the press.

2.4. Limitations

Corruption is a cross-cutting issue. There are so many dimensions of the problem and its solution that it has not been possible to cover them all in this map. The map is not intended as a comprehensive study. At present, there is no credible means of measuring actual levels of corruption and its costs. New approaches focus on constructing indicators based on surveys of perceived levels of corruption amongst business people, analysts and users of public services. In terms of perceptions of corruption, the three Transparency International (TI) indices used in this map are considered to be a solid measurement tool. The reliability differs, however, between countries. Countries with a low number of sources and large differences in the values provided by the sources (indicated by a large standard deviation) convey less reliability as to their score and ranking. Please refer to TI's website for further details on methodology.