HANOI, Dec 31: Vietnam has the world s highest level of software piracy with 99 per cent of computer programmes copied illegally, according to a survey commissioned by two industry groups, a statement said Monday. reports AFP.

The study of 80 countries ranked Vietnam highest for piracy followed by El Salvador, with 97 per cent of its software copied, and China with 96 per cent, according to a press release about the survey by the Business Software Alliance and the Software Publishers Association.

Countries with the lowest piracy rates were the United States at 26 per cent. Australia at 35 per cent and the United Kingdom at 38 per cent, according to the statement received here.

The report said software piracy was costing the industry 13 billion dollars a year in worldwide losses.

"Software piracy continues to plague the software industry around the world hindering the growth and innovation of the industry." said BAS President Robert Holleyman.