A survey on perceptions and knowledge of corruption was released recently. It reports that corruption continues to be the third most important problem in the country, with land utilization, local procurement tenders and mining perceived as the most corrupt sectors in Mongolia. The survey began in September of this year.

The Independent Authority against Corruption, The Asia Foundation, The Sant Maral Foundation, and Mercy Corps Mongolia released the Survey on Perceptions and Knowledge of Corruption report as part of the United States Agency for International Development funded Strengthening Transparency and Governance in Mongolia project. The project aims to strengthen democratic governance by building a more transparent and accountable regulatory and legislative environment while promoting principles of checks and balances.

While corruption continues to be a problem in the country, its relative significance among respondents is decreasing. Respondents are significantly more optimistic about the progress being made in fighting corruption over the last three years, and are more hopeful about the state of corruption in the future. Expectations of fair treatment in health, education and government administration have worsened since the second survey in March 2013.

Implemented in September 2013, the survey provides important nationwide data on perceptions of corruption at the household level. A total of four SPEAK surveys are to be implemented through the end of the project in March 2014.