This research examines the complex causes of corruption, questioning if it arises mainly from structural factors like geography and economics or from governance and institutional quality. It begins with the historical context of the Washington Consensus and its impact on corruption in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of strong institutions, as noted by economists like Douglass North and Dani Rodrik. Key corruption measurement methods, including perception-based indices like the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), are reviewed to assess relationships between factors such as land area, urbanization, internet penetration, and GDP with corruption levels. Findings suggest that while economic development can reduce corruption, it is insufficient without strong governance and institutional support, as shown through cases like Singapore and Brazil. Ultimately, effective anti-corruption efforts rely on transparent institutions, regulatory accountability, and citizen engagement to sustain low corruption rates.