The 10 most corrupt countries

Turkmenistan, the largely desert country, scored 17 points in this year’s corruption index. It has a population of 5 million people and its two biggest exports are cotton and wheat. Above, a 2003 photo shows soldiers warming themselves around a fire as they stand guard in Ashgabat, the country’s capital.   (Burt Herman / Associated Press)

Uzbekistan, a land-locked country that is one of the world’s largest cotton exporters, scored 17 points in this year’s corruption scale, tying with two other countries for the rank. Above, teenage girls clean silkworm cocoons in Kokand in 2009.   (Alexander Zemlianichenko / Associated Press)

Iraq’s economic development has taken off in recent years, with growth in the construction, retail and energy sectors, but the country still ranked high for corruption. Its score was 16 this year. Above, Iraqi Sunni protestors demonstrate last month at an anti-government event.   (Mohammed Jalil / EPA )

Libya scored 15 points in this year’s corruption index. The country relies heavily on its oil exports, which account for 80% of its gross domestic product, according to the CIA World Factbook. Above, protestors demonstrate in Tripoli to demand the withdrawal of armed militias in November.   (Mahmud Turkia / AFP/Getty Images )

This newly established country, which seceded from Sudan in 2011, suffers from high corruption. Its score was 14. Above, people cast their votes in October near in the disputed border region of Abyei, whose ownership is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan.  (Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin / Associated Press)

Sudan, an extremely poor country, has been trying to revitalize its economy after a region seceded and became South Sudan in 2011. That region has large oil deposits the country relied on for revenue. Its score on the corruption index was 11. Above, residents wait for medical services in Labado village in east Darfur.   (Albert Gonzalez Farran / Associated Press )

High levels of corruption have impeded Afghanistan’s economic growth since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. This year, the country scored eight points on the corruption scale. Above, Afghan delegates attend the concluding day of the Loya Jirga, or Grand Assembly, last month.   (S. Sabawoon / EPA)

North Korea is one of the world’s most centrally planned economies, according to the CIA World Factbook. It is tied with Somalia and Afghanistan for the ranking as most corrupt country. Above, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, tours an air force base Sunday.  (Korean Central News Agency / EPA)

Economic growth in Somalia is centered in its capital, Mogadishu. The country’s corruption score was 8 this year and tied with two other countries for the distinction of most corrupt. Above, Somali lawmakers raise their hands Monday during a parliament session to impeach Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, who recently lost a no-confidence vote.   (Mohamed Abdiwahab / AFP/Getty Images )