This article will look at the 25 cleanest countries in the world that are performing well on multiple environmental indicators like climate change mitigation, waste management, and air quality. We'll also discuss the continuously deteriorating air and environmental quality. If you want to skip the details, read10 Cleanest Countries In The World In 2023.
Grading the 25 cleanest countries in the world in 2023 is a subjective topic that requires a deep dive into their environment-related efforts. For instance, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) offers a broad measure of environmental health and ecosystem vitality, ranking countries based on factors such as air and water quality, biodiversity, and climate and energy policies. The EPI, as of 2022, identified Denmark, Luxembourg, and Switzerland as the leading cleanest countries in the world.
But these rankings might vary if we look at more specific indicators. For example, according to IQAir World Report 2022, Iceland has the highest air quality score, closely followed by Australia and New Zealand. Contrarily, these countries' wastewater treatment efforts are ranked 25th, 10th, and 15th, respectively.
Moreover, cultural norms and attitudes towards cleanliness, waste management, and littering impact a country's cleanliness. Therefore, assessing a country's cleanliness is a subjective and complex topic, heavily reliant on the specific dimensions evaluated.
Sustainability-Focused Waste Management Companies
Forward-thinking waste management companies like Waste Management Inc (NYSE:WM), Waste Connections Inc (NYSE:WCN), and Republic Services Inc (NYSE:RSG) are continuously implementing efforts to make waste dumping sustainable.
For instance, Waste Management Inc (NYSE:WM) has goals like greenhouse gas emissions reduction and responsible waste dumping. The company has started producing renewable fuels by capturing gases released from its landfills and converting it into low-carbon fuel that supports a portion of its fleet. Waste Management Inc (NYSE:WM) has a current market cap of $68.484 billion and it is one of the largest waste management companies in the USA.
Moreover, Waste Connections Inc (NYSE:WCN), the third-largest solid waste management company in North America, that boasts a current market cap of $36.346 billion, increased the use of robotics in its recycling facility and consistently recycles 50% of its collected waste. Waste Connections Inc (NYSE:WCN) also processes 50% of its leachate on-site and has completed the construction of two new leachate plants in 2022 to meet its groundwater safety goals.
Arizona-based Republic Services Inc (NYSE:RSG) is also focused on responsible environmental solutions for the residential sector. For instance, Republic Services Inc (NYSE:RSG) has recorded a 9% reduction in its operational greenhouse gas emissions since 2017 and aims to drop this level to 10% by 2025. The company is also close to opening the country's first fully integrated plastic recycling facility in Las Vegas, named Polymer Center, by the end of this year, that'll aim to produce 100 million pounds of recycled plastic annually.
Waste management companies are now focusing on recycling and clean energy sources more than ever. If you wish to be a part of these progressive mitigation efforts, read 11 Best Waste Management Stocks to Buy Now, and add more weight to your investment strategy.
Which Is The No 1 Cleanest Country In The World?
As per our recent analysis of multifaceted environmental parameters, Luxembourg is the cleanest country in the world in 2023. The country has exhibited an exemplary approach towards waste management, boasting an impressive recycling rate. Coupled with legislation and progressive public attitudes, this has facilitated a highly effective waste disposal system and minimized the country's environmental contamination.
The wastewater treatment facilities in Luxembourg also display advanced technical acuity, achieving near-perfect filtration rates and significantly reducing aquatic pollution. This treatment proficiency and a remarkable level of infrastructure investment contribute to the nation's place among the top 10 cleanest countries in the world in 2023.
Which Is The Cleanest Country In Asia?
Japan's concerted efforts towards ecological sustainability confidently assert the country's distinction of being the cleanest country in Asia. Japan's initiatives focused on environmental preservation, particularly its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing renewable energy resources, have proven instrumental in setting new benchmarks for sustainable living. The country's environmentally-friendly policies are backed by robust infrastructure encouraging green practices and waste management.
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2022 report ranks India as the dirtiest country in the world, primarily due to its high population density, considerable vehicular congestion, and extensive biomass fuel usage.
India's population growth, which is currently surpassing China, poses environmental challenges and calls for expansive mitigation efforts. For instance, urbanization and vehicular traffic explosion have badly impacted the country's air quality and propelled it to the bottom of the list. High emission levels from vehicles, combined with inadequate waste management, contribute to an alarming increase in air, water, and soil pollution.
Additionally, India's reliance on biomass fuels, primarily in rural areas, further compounds the pollution problem. These fuels, including firewood, cow dung, and crop residues, emit substantial amounts of pollutants when burned. While India has tried to mitigate these issues, the magnitude of the challenges requires extensive environmental-friendly policies, justifying its ranking as the least clean country in the world per the EPI Report 2022.
25 Cleanest Countries in the World in 2023
25 Cleanest Countries in the World in 2023
Our Methodology
To rank the 25 cleanest countries in the world in 2023, we relied on their air quality index, waste management system, and availability of wastewater treatment networks. To understand these crucial parameters, we referred to the Environmental Performance Index Report 2022 (collectively published by Yale and Columbia University), which analyzes 180 countries according to 40 environmental performance indicators. Our first step was to shortlist 25 countries with the best overall EPI score in 2022 (given that it is awarded based on extensive variables, these countries are doing well overall).
Then, as solid waste management and wastewater treatment determine a country’s determination towards being ‘clean,’ we picked these two variables from the EPI Report and shortlisted 25 countries with the highest score in these categories. The report has awarded wastewater treatment scores to countries depending on what percentage of a nation’s wastewater undergoes at least some kind of treatment. For example, if a country’s whole population is connected to a sewerage system and all of the collected wastewater is treated, its score will be 100%. Similarly, the EPI Index measures a country’s waste management system according to its efforts to limit solid waste, recycling rates, and oceanic plastic pollution. So if a nation’s solid waste management score is 79%, it indicates its overall performance in these criteria collectively.
For our 3rd key metric, i.e., air quality index, we referred to the IQAir World Air Quality Report 2022, which scores countries based on PM2.5 ranking. PM2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. So if a place’s air has particulate matter between 0-12 μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter), it is considered good. Likewise, AQI of 12.1-34.5 μg/m³ is moderate, while a μg/m³ score of 55.5-150.4 is unhealthy. In short, the lower the 2.5PM rating, the better a country’s air quality will be.
After listing these three variables individually for the top 25 countries, we averaged their scores to get composite rankings to present a broader perspective of their cleanliness levels.
Based on our findings, here are the 25 cleanest countries in the world in 2023:
25. Cyprus
Composite Ranking: 25
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 15.6
Waste Management Score: 58.9%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 50%
Our list of cleanest countries in the world in 2023 starts with Cyprus, owing to its moderate wastewater treatment system and solid waste management efforts. Although the country's air quality index is 15.6 (PM2.5 μg/m³ being the best score), its moderate waste system is commendable. Also, stringent regulations on emissions combined with a transition towards renewable energy have significantly improved the country's air quality.
24. Croatia
Composite Ranking: 24
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 23.5
Waste Management Score: 55.3%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 69%
When tested on indicators like environmental performance and eco-friendly waste mitigation, Croatia finds a place amongst the cleanest countries in 2023. The country's stellar environmental status is a result of rigorous national policies that promote renewable energy, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. UNESCO's sustainability index also applauds Croatia's dedication to maintaining pristine ecosystems.
23. Italy
Composite Ranking: 23
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 18.9
Waste Management Score: 60.6%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 58.8%
Italy is also one of the world's cleanest countries in 2023, according to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). This success can be attributed to the country's rigorous policies on waste management, its substantial investment in renewable energy, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices by the population.
22. Slovakia
Composite Ranking: 22
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 14.5
Waste Management Score: 62.2%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 44.7%
With an impressive waste management score of 62.2%, Slovakia has cemented its place on the list of cleanest places to live in 2023. Data from the Environmental Performance Index shows the country's solid environmental policies, along with a focus on reducing air and water pollution.
21. Malta
Composite Ranking: 21
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 11.7
Waste Management Score: 63.5%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 14.9%
Although Malta's wastewater treatment system isn't as commendable as others on our list, its solid waste management strategies and air quality index make it one of the cleanest places to live in 2023. With an aim to become the leader in green energy deployment, Malta's transition to renewable resources has notably reduced pollution.
20. Japan
Composite Ranking: 20
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 9.1
Waste Management Score: 52.8%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 74.8%
Japan is the cleanest country in Asia because of the country's culture and modern infrastructure. In 2023, Japan firmly established itself amongst the world's cleanest nations, boasting a wastewater treatment index of 74.8%. Alongside comprehensive recycling and waste management programs, Japan also demonstrates leadership in energy conservation and green urban planning that further augment its reputation for environmental sustainability.
19. Belgium
Composite Ranking: 19
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 10.8
Waste Management Score: 68%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 68.2%
Belgium exemplifies exceptional environmental health, as demonstrated by the EPI Report 2022, which reviews 180 nations based on 40 performance indicators. Belgium's ranking evidences its commitment to mitigating pollution and managing solid waste.
18. Czech Republic
Composite Ranking: 18
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 13.4
Waste Management Score: 74.9%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 61.5%
The Czech Republic is also recognized as one of the world's cleanest countries, as confirmed by the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Report 2022. The EPI Report ranked France amongst the top-performing nations because of its air quality, waste management, and climate change adaptation.
17. France
Composite Ranking: 17
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 11.5
Waste Management Score: 63.8%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 88%
France is one of the cleanest countries in the world largely due to its exceptional wastewater treatment, which is scored 88% as of current. Moreover, the country's solid waste management system scores 63.8% and shows the French government's concerted efforts to prioritize recycling and minimize landfill usage.
16. Slovenia
Composite Ranking: 16
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 15.1
Waste Management Score: 66.7%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 92.2%
Slovenia has achieved a commendable wastewater treatment score of 92.2%, indicating highly efficient removal and neutralization of pollutants from water. Also, the nation's solid waste management rating of 66.7% demonstrates its smart waste reduction, segregation, and recycling which contribute to its low environmental impact and outstanding cleanliness.
15. Latvia
Composite Ranking: 15
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 10.1
Waste Management Score: 63%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 90.7%
As of 2023, Latvia has one of the best national-level performances in wastewater treatment, marked by a score of 90.7%, which shows its repurposing of water resources and controlling pollution. Coupled with a solid waste management rating of 63%, Latvia has a solid reputation for environmental cleanliness.
14. New Zealand
Composite Ranking: 14
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 4.8
Waste Management Score: 60.9%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 79.9%
New Zealand is one of the cleanest places to live in 2023 as it boasts superior air and water quality metrics. With an air quality index of 4.8, the country has consistently met and exceeded international clean air standards. Plus, a wastewater treatment efficacy score of 79.9% underscores NZ's advanced waste management practices.
13. Estonia
Composite Ranking: 13
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 4.9
Waste Management Score: 66.7%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 70.40%
Estonia consistently ranks among the globe's cleanest nations because of its eco-friendly policies. The nation has an exceptional air quality score of 4.9 (where 2.5 is the highest), indicating negligible levels of particulate pollution. Its highly efficient wastewater management system, which records a 70.40% treatment score, further attests to the country's stringent environmental protection standards.
12. United Kingdom
Composite Ranking: 12
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 8.9
Waste Management Score: 62.6%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 99%
The United Kingdom is also one of the cleanest countries in the world because of its laudable wastewater management efficacy. According to the recent EPI Report, the UK's wastewater treatment score is 99%. The outstanding score denotes the efficiency of infrastructure and processes that systematically capture, treat, and safely reintroduce wastewater into the environment.
11. Ireland
Composite Ranking: 11
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 7.5
Waste Management Score: 67.9%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 87%
Ireland is amongst the nations with the lowest pollution levels in 2023 because of the government's interest in sustainable waste management. For instance, Ireland achieved an admirable 87% wastewater treatment score in 2022, which reflects the effectiveness of its water purification infrastructure. Concurrently, the country registered a 7.5 PM2.5 air quality concentration (μg/m³), a low and favorable indicator of particulate pollution.
