Latvia has slipped five places in the latest Corruption Perception Index published by the watchdog group Transparency International, and still is seen as the most corrupt of the three Baltic states.

Latvia placed 57th in the latest survey, equal with Jamaica, the Berlin-based Transparency International announced Oct. 7. Last year, Latvia ranked 52nd, but in 2001 was 59th.

The index, based on polls of business people, academics and country analysts, measured how experts view the level of corruption in 133 nations, an increase of 31 from last year’s survey.

Although Latvia’s overall ranking dropped, its score on Transparency International’s 10-point scale improved to 3.8 from last year’s 3.7.

Lithuania, ranked 36th last year with a score of 4.8, dropped to 41st with a score of 4.7 this year. But Estonia, ranked 29th last year with a score 5.6, slipped to 33rd with a score of 5.5 this year.

Finland is perceived as the least corrupt, retaining its top ranking from last year, while Bangladesh continues to be seen as the most corrupt.