The 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index has listed Ireland the joint-17th least-corrupt country in the world - up from 21st in 2013. The Irish share the ranking with the United States, Hong Kong and Barbados. 

The index, which is composed by Transparency International, ranks countries on how corrupt their public sectors are perceived to be. States are given a score between zero and 100, the higher the number, the lower the county's level of corruption, with Ireland scoring 74 this year.

The top of the poll is dominated by European countries, particularly the Nordic nations; Denmark comes first with a total score of 92, while Finland, Sweden and Norway are all in the top 10. Iceland follows in 12th. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, the UK, and Belgium are all also ranked above Ireland.

The report highlights Turkey and Ukraine as two outliers in Europe - both score poorly. Russia is also down the rankings at 136th, with the same score as Iran and Nigeria.

The study also mentions that 2014 has seen "numerous scandals in the heart of 'old Europe'," citing instances of corruption in France, Italy, and Spain, and protests against corruption in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Denmark is praised for its "strong rule of law, support for civil society and clear rules governing the behaviour of those in public positions," and its recently announced plans to create a public register which includes "beneficial ownership information of all companies incorporated in Denmark."

Elsewhere, Transparency International calls North Africa and the Middle East a "region in turmoil." The area has three countries in the bottom 10, including where Islamic State fighters have established their caliphate.

North Korea and Somalia come joint-last with a score of just eight out of 100.