Corruption in Afghanistan has doubled in two years since 2007, according to a survey by an international nonprofit corruption watchdog published today.
The group, Integrity Watch, said Afghans paid nearly $1 billion in bribes in 2009.
In a poll of some 6,500 Afghans, almost one-third of those surveyed said they had to pay a bribe to receive a public service.
More than half said the Taliban was gaining in strength because of state corruption.
Integrity Watch said corruption had become so entrenched that it threatened the multibillion-dollar efforts of the international community to help end nearly nine years of conflict, and rebuild Afghanistan after 30 years of war.
compiled from agency reports
The group, Integrity Watch, said Afghans paid nearly $1 billion in bribes in 2009.
In a poll of some 6,500 Afghans, almost one-third of those surveyed said they had to pay a bribe to receive a public service.
More than half said the Taliban was gaining in strength because of state corruption.
Integrity Watch said corruption had become so entrenched that it threatened the multibillion-dollar efforts of the international community to help end nearly nine years of conflict, and rebuild Afghanistan after 30 years of war.
compiled from agency reports