This could be survey #3 of "lies, damned lies, and statistics," - a well-known suggestion that stats can be misleading - or it could be #4. They can manipulate arguments, present dishonest information, and can be more deceptive than outright lies.

1. There is actually a Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), published by Transparency International. The index evaluates 180 countries and territories based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. The CPI draws on multiple sources, including the World Bank and World Economic Forum, rating factors such as bribery, misappropriation of public funds, judicial independence, and abuse of public office for personal gain. Here is where some countries rank. Which of them do you find interesting?

2. When governments overspend and run a deficit, just like citizens who have to borrow, a country has to borrow from its citizens (bonds, and the like) and from other countries. Here are some stats about how much some countries owe to other countries. Please comment about whether this level of borrowing has a positive or negative influence on global affairs. Which of these stats surprised you?

3. The stats in the previous question may have caused some concern - maybe not. The total amount of money owed does not paint an accurate picture unless we factor in the size of the population that the government has spread the debt load over. Here are some stats about foreign debt load per capita. Which of them should be concerning to citizens of those countries?