Most Environmentally Friendly Countries 2025

Environmentally friendly countries—alternatively known as eco-friendly, nature-friendly, or green countries—are those that engage in processes and practices that minimize harm to ecosystems and the environment. The most desirable environmentally friendly practices are sustainable, meaning they can be carried out on an ongoing basis with little to no negative impact upon the world around them. The term “environmentally friendly” is often also applied to goods and services, laws, guidelines, and policies that inflict minimal (or no) damage upon the environment and ecosystems. Environmentally friendly products, processes, and practices impose no harm to the natural environment, help conserve resources like water and energy, and do not contribute to air, water, and land pollution.

How to Measure a Country’s Environmental Friendliness: The Environmental Performance Index

Compiled annually by Yale University’s Center for Environmental Law & Policy, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a statistical method of computing the collective environmental impact of all of a country’s policies combined. The 2024 Environmental Performance Index ranks 180 countries across 58 performance indicators across 11 issue categories related to environmental health and ecosystem vitality, from the amount of particulate pollution in the air and the purity of drinking water to the health of fish stocks and the management of wetlands. The EPI then combines these scores into a single overall score that ranges from 100 (best) to 0 (worst). These scores provide a foundation from which governments can see how close they are to their established environmental policy goals and implement effective environmental policies.

Profiles of the World’s Most Environmentally Friendly Countries

1. Estonia — 75.3

Estonia tops the 2024 Environmental Performance Index—the first Eastern European country to do so. It achieved a 40% drop in greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to a move away from oil shale toward renewables and smart energy tech. It also ranks 7th in Ecosystem Vitality and stands out in biodiversity protection, with well-placed protected areas and high marks for species conservation. Lahemaa National Park, one of Europe’s largest, is an example of the country’s deep conservation roots. Estonia also enjoys some of the cleanest air in Europe and ranks high in waste control and recycling. One growing concern is that using more wood from forests for energy has led to increased logging, causing Estonia’s forests to release more carbon than they absorb.

2. Luxembourg — 75

The small European country of Luxembourg—ranked second in the 2024 EPI—continues to impress across several key areas. It holds the world’s second-highest score for Biodiversity and Habitat, with over half its land protected. Luxembourg also earns top marks for species protection and ecosystem coverage. It does an excellent job protecting public health, scoring high in Sanitation, Water Resources, and Household Solid Fuels. Its solid waste system is among the world’s best, ranking 14th thanks to strong recycling and energy recovery. And perhaps most impressive of all, Luxembourg manages to protect its environment while juggling a fast-growing population and the highest GDP per capita in the world.

3. Germany — 74.6

Germany ranks third, standing out as the top-scoring large economy. One of the country’s biggest achievements is its swift shift toward renewable energy, which helped cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 20% over the past decade. Germany also scores highly in solid waste management and sanitation, and its drinking water systems are among the best in the world. On the conservation front, over 30% of the country’s land and marine areas are protected, contributing to Germany’s strong showing in Biodiversity and Habitat—where it ranks fourth globally. That said, like many nations, Germany faces challenges balancing environmental goals with economic and industrial pressures.

4. Finland — 73.7

Finland comes in fourth in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, showing just how seriously this small Nordic country takes its environment. It leads the way in clean air, reliable sanitation, and treating wastewater—basic things that make a big difference in everyday life. What’s more, over 90% of Finland’s electricity comes from low-carbon sources like wind, water, and biofuels. The country is facing some bumps, especially with forests and peatlands struggling to soak up carbon like they used to, but it’s staying focused on protecting nature and using its land wisely.

5. United Kingdom — 72.7

Over the past decade, the UK improved its EPI score by 2.1 points—a modest gain compared to its significant 23-point increase from 2012 to 2022. The UK continues to excel in areas like air quality, sanitation, and wastewater treatment, and it remains one of the few major economies on track to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

6. Sweden — 70.5

Sixth place belongs to Sweden, which continues to set a strong example in sustainability. It scores high in air and water quality, with especially low levels of PM2.5 pollution and excellent sanitation. The country also gets top marks for controlling lead exposure, earning a perfect score in heavy metals management. While not at the very top for sustainable pesticide use this year, Sweden still does well. With much of its energy coming from renewables like hydro, wind, and bioenergy, Sweden keeps emissions low and shows how a modern economy can stay clean and green.

7. Norway — 70

Thanks to its clean air, excellent sanitation, and top-tier drinking water, Norway rightfully earns the seventh place in the 2024 EPI. Nearly all of Norway’s electricity comes from low-carbon sources—mostly hydropower—making it one of the greenest energy producers in the world. The country also stands out for protecting marine biodiversity and pushing forward on climate tech, like its new carbon capture project, Northern Lights. That said, Norway still has ground to cover to meet its 2030 emissions goals.

8. Austria — 69

Austria ranks eighth in the 2024 EPI, holding steady as one of the world’s greenest countries. It scores especially well in Ecosystem Vitality, landing in sixth place globally thanks to its strong protections for nature and wildlife. Austria is also known for some of Europe’s toughest rules on waste, chemicals, and air pollution. On the farming front, the country keeps a close eye on pesticide and fertilizer use, in line with recent EU efforts to limit harmful substances. All in all, Austria continues to show that high environmental standards and everyday quality of life can go hand in hand.

9. Switzerland — 68

Ninth-ranked Switzerland continues to lead the way in clean living. It earns perfect scores for air quality, safe drinking water, and sanitation—essentials the Swiss don’t take for granted. The country is also big on recycling and ranks among the best in the world for managing waste and recovering resources. Eco-conscious thinking runs deep here, from public policies to everyday habits. Even the national rail system, SBB, runs mostly on hydropower, showing how seriously Switzerland takes its clean energy goals while keeping daily life running smoothly.

10. Denmark — 67.9

Denmark ranks tenth in the 2024 EPI with a score of 67.9. While that’s a drop from previous years, the country is still seen as a global leader in sustainability. Denmark has made big strides in cutting emissions—especially by phasing out coal—and continues to lead in wind power and clean tech. Progress has slowed a bit, showing that even the greenest countries face challenges, but Denmark is still committed to its climate goals. From eco-friendly farming to low-emission transport and everyday green habits, Denmark keeps finding smart ways to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Alternative Methods of Measuring Environmental Friendliness

Although the EPI is arguably the most comprehensive measure of country-scale environmental friendliness, additional metrics and viewpoints exist and can offer alternate perspectives. One option is the U.S. News “Best Countries” list, which devotes an entire section to environmental topics and sustainability in particular. Another comes from the website InterNations, which interviewed more than 15,000 expats about the sustainability of their current countries. Both surveys’ results can be seen in the tables above.