The Maldives has improved its ranking in the Corruption Percentile Index (CPI) for 2020, Sun reported. The list was released by Transparency International, a global corruption watchdog.

The country gained 14 points last year and now scored 44 points out of a total of 100. The archipelago ranked at 75 among the total 189 countries that were surveyed for the list last year. New Zealand and Denmark topped with 88 points and were closely followed by Finland, Singapore, Switzerland, and Sweden. 

In the list, South Sudan and Somalia were at the bottom, meaning the most corrupt nations.

The report by Transparency International noted the significant improvement in the country's judiciary and reduction in corruption. However, the country remained below 50 points, meaning the country still needs to do more on reducing corruption in both, judiciary and government.

Transparency Maldives said the government needs to tackle the corruption issues in the contracting system, and conflict of interest. The report also asked the government to defend the constitution and democracy. The organization also stressed the government to reveal more information to the public in a convenient and fair manner.

Furthermore, the report recommended that the role of the independent organization must be strengthened.