The Netherlands ranked 7th in the Transparency International’s 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index, which measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption in 183 countries and territories around the world.

The CPI ranks countries / territories based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be. It is a composite index, a combination of polls, drawing on corruption-related data collected by a variety of reputable institutions.

The Corruption Perceptions Index reflects the views of observers from around the world, including experts living and working in the countries / territories evaluated.

Public outcry at corruption, impunity and economic instability sent shockwaves around the world in 2011. The 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that public frustration is well founded.

No region or country in the world is immune to the damages of public-sector corruption. The vast majority of the 183 countries and territories assessed score below five on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean).

"This year we have seen corruption on protestors’ banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government," said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International.

For more information and statistics:
› Visit Transparency International
› Download the Corruption Perceptions Index 2011