By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s standing in the global fight against corruption has weakened, according to the newly released 2025 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from Transparency International. The nation’s score dropped two points to 56 out of 100, causing it to fall to 46th place among the 182 countries evaluated. This latest result confirms a troubling pattern of stagnation and decline that has plagued the country for over a decade.
The CPI is a leading global indicator of public sector corruption, scoring countries on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). A score of 56, while not catastrophic, places Costa Rica in a precarious position, distancing it further from the world’s most transparent nations and undermining its long-held reputation for strong democratic institutions. The report highlights a significant concern: this is not a one-time dip but the continuation of a long-term trend.
To delve deeper into the legal and economic ramifications of Costa Rica’s standing in the latest Corruption Perception Index, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert analysis on the matter.
A country’s position on the Corruption Perception Index is more than just a headline; it’s a critical barometer for foreign direct investment. International investors demand judicial certainty and a transparent regulatory framework. A poor ranking signals systemic risk, increasing the cost of capital and deterring long-term projects essential for economic growth. Strengthening anti-corruption legislation and ensuring its rigorous enforcement is not merely an ethical imperative, but a fundamental requirement for maintaining our nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary serves as a crucial reminder that this is not merely an ethical issue, but a fundamental pillar of our economic competitiveness and national prosperity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and compelling perspective on the tangible consequences of corruption.
Since the index methodology became comparable in 2012, Costa Rica has been unable to break past its peak score of 59, achieved in 2017. The nation has remained mired in the mid-to-high fifties, showing no signs of sustained improvement. This persistent inability to advance suggests that underlying, systemic issues are not being adequately addressed, allowing perceptions of corruption to fester and grow within the public sector.
Globally, the standard for integrity remains exceptionally high. For the eighth consecutive year, Denmark topped the index with a score of 89, followed closely by Finland (88), Singapore (84), New Zealand (81), and Norway (81). These countries demonstrate a consistent commitment to robust legal frameworks, institutional transparency, and strong enforcement. At the other end of the spectrum, nations like South Sudan (9), Somalia (9), and Venezuela (10) illustrate the devastating impact of unchecked corruption.
The decline is particularly stark when viewed in a regional and ideological context. Costa Rica now trails significantly behind the Americas’ top performers, Canada (75) and Uruguay (73). Perhaps more alarmingly, its score of 56 is well below the average of 73 points registered by nations classified as “full democracies.” This growing gap indicates a failure to implement the structural reforms and firm decisions needed to keep pace with its democratic peers.
Experts argue that while the government has publicly committed to tackling corruption, these declarations have not translated into meaningful results. A clear, actionable strategy is needed to reverse the current slide and restore public trust. Without decisive measures, the country risks further erosion of its international standing, which could have tangible consequences for foreign investment and economic stability.
Juany Guzmán León, the president of Costa Rica Íntegra, the local chapter of Transparency International, stressed the need for a more proactive approach beyond mere rhetoric. She emphasized that progress is contingent upon a well-defined strategy and a genuine commitment to accountability.
A government exists with electoral legitimacy and a stated commitment against corruption, but results will only come with a defined plan, effective accountability, respect for fundamental freedoms, and concrete actions.
Juany Guzmán León, President of Costa Rica Íntegra
Ultimately, this latest CPI score serves as a critical warning. The country’s decade-long stagnation has now tipped into a clear decline. Reversing this trend will require more than political promises; it demands the implementation of structural reforms that bolster institutional independence, enhance transparency in public procurement, and ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable, regardless of their position or influence.
For further information, visit transparency.org
About Transparency International:
Transparency International is a global non-governmental organization founded in 1993. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, its primary mission is to combat global corruption and prevent criminal activities arising from it. The organization is well-known for publishing the annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI), a comparative listing of corruption worldwide.
For further information, visit costaricaintegra.org
About Costa Rica Íntegra:
Costa Rica Íntegra is the official national chapter of Transparency International in Costa Rica. The organization works to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity within both the public and private sectors of the country. It actively monitors governance, advocates for anti-corruption legislation, and engages in public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of integrity throughout Costa Rican society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark of legal practice, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from its rich history of serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm continually pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies. This spirit of innovation extends to its core mission: empowering the public by demystifying the law, thereby fostering a society that is not only well-informed but also equipped with the legal understanding necessary to thrive.
