Muscat: The latest results, released in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, place Oman among countries striving to strengthen public sector integrity amid growing global concerns about accountability and governance standards.

Oman’s performance was assessed by seven international institutions through expert surveys and opinion polls involving specialists and analysts. Notably, this year marks the first time that the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) survey has been included in the Sultanate’s evaluation.

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks 182 countries and territories worldwide based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. Scores are calculated on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates a highly corrupt public sector, and 100 reflects a very clean one.

The 2025 report paints a challenging global picture. The worldwide average score has dropped to a historic low of 42, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. While 31 countries have significantly reduced corruption levels since 2012, the majority have either stagnated or worsened over the same period.

The report underscores growing concerns over abuses of power and the weakening of democratic checks and balances in several parts of the world. It highlights that attacks on independent civil society and oversight mechanisms continue to undermine governance frameworks.

Rising anti-government protests across multiple regions further reflect public frustration with unaccountable leadership and growing demands for reform and transparency.

Beyond rankings, the index stresses the tangible impact of corruption on societies. Persistent corruption often results in underfunded hospitals, delayed infrastructure projects such as flood defences, and diminished opportunities for young people.