PARIS — New Zealand tops the list of the world’s cleanest governments, followed by Finland and Denmark, while Somalia and North Korea tied for the dubious distinction of most corrupt, according to a report Wednesday from Transparency International.

The nonprofit organization, based in Berlin, said it was seeking to highlight the role corruption plays in social discontent, noting that the wave of global protests shows that citizens believe governments and public institutions lack accountability.

“Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government,” Huguette Labelle, chairwoman of the organization, said in a statement.

Rounding out the 10 cleanest governments were Sweden, Singapore, Norway, the Netherlands, Australia and Switzerland (tied for eighth place) and Canada.