Corruption remains one of the key obstacles to sustainable development in the countries of Central Asia. In this region — which includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan — corruption takes various forms, from bribery to systemic abuse of power.
To assess the level of corruption, we’ll use the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), a tool widely used by experts and published annually by Transparency International. The index is based on expert and business community assessments, using a scale from 0 (high level of corruption) to 100 (low level). According to the 2024 CPI, Kazakhstan ranks 88th out of 180 countries with a score of 40. This is the best result among the Central Asian countries, but it still indicates a high level of corruption (countries scoring below 50 are considered highly corrupt). For comparison, Uzbekistan ranks 121st (score: 33), Kyrgyzstan — 141st (26), Tajikistan — 160th (20), and Turkmenistan — 175th (18).
Comparison of Corruption Levels
Kazakhstan: Barriers to Progress
In 2024, Kazakhstan ranks 88th in the CPI with a score of 40, an improvement from 39 and 93rd place in 2023. This is the highest score in Central Asia. The improvement is largely attributed to the increased activism of civil society following the January 2022 events, which pushed authorities toward legal reforms and asset recovery efforts. For example, in 2023 a special asset recovery committee was created under the Prosecutor General’s Office, and businessman Kairat Boranbayev returned assets worth billions of tenge to the state.
However, Kazakhstan remains a high-risk country in terms of corruption. Major issues include lack of government transparency, judicial dependence, and the influence of political elites. Low ratings in categories such as corruption in the executive, judiciary, and legislature, as well as bribery, highlight the systemic nature of the problem.
Uzbekistan: Visible Reforms
In 2024, Uzbekistan ranks 121st with a score of 33, showing significant progress (+15 points since 2014). Reforms launched after 2016 included economic liberalization and efforts to increase transparency in public administration. However, the country still faces restrictions on independent media and civil society, limiting further progress.
Kyrgyzstan: Backslide into Autocracy
Kyrgyzstan ranks 141st with a score of 26, making it one of the most corrupt countries in the region. Transparency International classifies it as a consolidated authoritarian regime where the judiciary is used to target political opponents. Constitutional changes that expanded presidential powers have contributed to a rise in corruption.
Tajikistan and Turkmenistan: Regional Laggards
Tajikistan (score: 20, rank: 160) and Turkmenistan (score: 18, rank: 175) have the lowest scores in Central Asia. Both countries are characterized by authoritarian regimes, lack of independent media, and repression of civil society. Turkmenistan stands out as the most corrupt country in the region, with corruption permeating all levels of government.
Factors Influencing Corruption
Political Regimes and Institutional Independence
Authoritarian regimes, typical of most Central Asian countries, create a favorable environment for corruption. While Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are making some reform efforts, these are constrained by the lack of independent judiciary and political competition. Kyrgyzstan, once considered a “democratic island,” has regressed into autocracy, worsening its CPI score. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan remain unchanged, continuing to rank among the most corrupt countries globally.
Civil Society and the Media
Civil society plays a key role in the fight against corruption. In Kazakhstan, increased civic activity after 2022 has contributed to modest improvements, while in Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, independent media and activists face severe repression. A free press capable of exposing corrupt practices is critical for ensuring transparency.
Economic Factors
The oil sector in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, along with control over natural resources in other countries of the region, creates fertile ground for corruption. The non-transparent distribution of revenues from natural wealth remains a key challenge for Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region.
