For travellers, a country’s appeal is often measured by its natural beauty, history, food and culture. But behind these experiences lies another factor which can majorly shape how a destination functions, the government and its governance. According to Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released on February 10, 2026, the countries at the bottom of the global rankings include South Sudan and Somalia.The index measures perceived public-sector corruption across 182 countries and territories, with 0 representing a perception of highly corrupt public sectors and 100 representing very clean ones.It is important to note that the CPI does not rank countries by tourist safety, nor does it measure every traveller’s personal experience of corruption. It is based on assessments by experts and businesspeople.On this note, let’s have a look at the 10 lowest-ranked country entries.South Sudan (score 9)
South Sudan recorded the joint-lowest CPI score in the 2025 index, at 9. The world’s youngest country is dotted with a range of natural attractions, including wetlands, savannahs and rich wildlife. Its newly inscribed Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2026, is home to one of the world’s largest remaining terrestrial mammal migrations.However, this is not presently a conventional holiday destination.Somalia (score 9)
Workers load cargo at the port in Mogadishu, Somalia, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)
Somalia also scored 9, placing it jointly at the bottom of the CPI. The country has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean and a rich cultural history, while places such as Mogadishu and the northern regions have historically attracted interest for their architecture, markets and coastal landscapes.For international travellers, however, security remains a major consideration. Current FCDO advice warns against travel to much of Somalia because of security reasons.Venezuela (score 10)
A demonstrator holds a Venezuelan flag during protest and call for better wages and presidential elections in 2027, in Caracas, Venezuela, September 28, 2026. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria
Venezuela is the third-lowest scorer in the 2025 CPI. From the dramatic landscapes of Angel Falls and Canaima National Park to Caribbean beaches and colonial towns, the country possesses some of South America’s most striking natural attractions.The CPI report notes Venezuela’s long-term decline in its corruption score and places it among countries where institutional weaknesses have become deeply rooted.Yemen (score 13)
Yemen
The fourth place is taken by Yemen which recorded a score of 13. The country is home to some extraordinary architectural and natural heritage. UNESCO lists five World Heritage properties in Yemen, including the ancient cities of Sana’a and Shibam and the Socotra Archipelago.Socotra, in particular, is famous for its unusual endemic flora and fauna and UNESCO notes that 37% of its plant species are endemic. But the country suffers from political unrest making it unsafe for travellers.Libya (score 13)
Tripoli, Sep 11 (IANS) Libya’s House of Representatives (HoR) and High Council of State have stressed that the country’s political process should take place within the framework of the Constitutional Declaration and the Political Agreement governing the work of the two councils, with respect for their respective mandates and powers.
Libya also scored 13. Its Mediterranean coastline and ancient history make it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts. UNESCO lists five World Heritage properties in the country, including the archaeological sites of Leptis Magna, Cyrene and Sabratha, along with the Old Town of Ghadamès and the rock-art sites of Tadrart Acacus.Eritrea (score 13)Eritrea also received a score of 13. Its capital, Asmara, is particularly notable for its architecture. UNESCO describes Asmara: A Modernist African City as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a planned city featuring eclectic and rationalist architecture and cinemas.
Eritrea, Asmara (Canva)
Travellers should be particularly cautious around Eritrea’s borders. Current travel advice highlights restrictions and security risks.Sudan (score 14)
A woman carries a child outside a community kitchen in Khartoum, Sudan, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, after receiving donated food. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali)
Sudan scored 14 in the 2025 CPI. For archaeology enthusiasts, the country is home to remarkable sites associated with ancient Nubia, including the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe and Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region, both recognised by UNESCO.But Sudan’s archaeological treasures currently sit alongside an ongoing conflict. Current FCDO advice warns against all travel to Sudan because of the military conflict in Khartoum.Nicaragua (score 14)
Nicaragua (Canva)
Nicaragua scored 14. Unlike several countries near the bottom of the CPI, it has a more established tourism infrastructure and is known for volcanoes, colonial cities, lakes, beaches and tropical landscapes.However, the CPI identifies Nicaragua among countries experiencing a long-term decline in perceived public-sector integrity.Syria (score 15)
The collection also includes 14 mosaics taken from a Roman villa in Syria. Among the other notable pieces is a third-century BCE mosaic section portraying the mythological wedding of Telete and Eros, created from hundreds of tiny pieces of colored stone known as tesserae.
Syria received a score of 15. Before years of conflict transformed its tourism landscape, the country was renowned for its ancient cities, archaeological sites and historic architecture. UNESCO recognises several Syrian World Heritage properties, including the Ancient City of Damascus, Ancient City of Aleppo, Palmyra and the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria.The country’s present circumstances mean that its archaeological importance should not be confused with normal holiday accessibility.Equatorial Guinea (score 15)
Equatorial Guinea scored 15, placing it among the lowest-scoring countries in the CPI. The small Central African nation combines mainland rainforest with islands in the Gulf of Guinea. Its landscapes include tropical forests, beaches and volcanic terrain.The country is less familiar to mainstream international tourism than many African destinations, making it an unusual choice for travellers interested in lesser-known parts of the continent.Note: For anyone considering visiting such destinations, it is important to check current travel advisories, political situations, entry requirements and other security conditions.
