The least corrupt nation in the world is New Zealand, according to Transparency International.

Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index for 2009 shows that Denmark is the second least corrupt country while Singapore and Sweden come out equal third.

The three most corrupt according to the index of 180 nations are Somalia, Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Australia occupied eighth position.

The index ranks countries by their perceived levels of corruption, which is determined by expert assessments and surveys.

Transparency International has produced its annual report since 1995.