Some countries have broken the mould in terms of what it means to be clean. What we see as the state of national cleanliness is a reflection of what a country stands for in terms of public health, environmental policy, and global role.
From rivers that run so clear they are a city’s crown to air, which you notice is different the second you step in, these nations report that not only is environmental success achievable, but also profitable!
Source: World Population Review
However, launched at a large scale are countries’ initiatives like the National Clean Air Program. They aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, as an indication that even very challenged nations put in the effort to clean up.
In 2025, the title of the cleanest country in the world is an indicator of sustainable and environmental leadership. The cleanest country in the world sets the bar which all others aim to reach when governments, businesses, and citizens put forward a unified effort.
How We Determine the Cleanest Countries
These results are from the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), a project of Yale and Columbia Universities in association with the World Economic Forum.
The EPI assesses 180 countries that present data for 58 performance indicators on issues of air quality, water resources, waste management, carbon emissions and biodiversity protection.
World Population Review and global environmental databases were also used to cross-check. Public policy effectiveness, quality of infrastructure and national environmental awareness are key factors which determine which countries are recognised as the cleanest in the world.
Top 10 Cleanest Countries in the World in 2025
1. Estonia (EPI Score: 75.3)
Estonia claims the title of cleanest country in the world with an EPI score of 75.3, transforming from Soviet industrial legacy to environmental leader in just three decades.
Estonia's success stems from remarkable forest management covering 50% of the country and its transition from oil shale toward renewable energy.
The nation stands among only five countries globally, cutting greenhouse gas emissions fast enough to reach net zero by 2050. Estonia recycles 30% of its waste and maintains Europe's cleanest freshwater systems.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Visit Lahemaa National Park to experience pristine Baltic nature, and don't miss Tallinn's medieval old town where modern sustainability meets historic charm.
2. Luxembourg (EPI Score: 74.9)
This little European country proves that size is a non-issue when it comes to environmental performance, as it takes the stage with the best of the world’s cleanest countries via its innovative green policies.
Despite being the centre of Europe’s finance industry, Luxembourg has very clean air, which it achieves through free public transport nationwide and large-scale use of electric vehicles.
Also, they put into climate action an annual sum of €100 million, and they recycle 48% of their municipal waste, and they also report to get 25% of their energy from renewable sources.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Take advantage of completely free public transportation throughout the entire country; buses, trains, and trams won't cost you a cent!
3. Germany (EPI Score: 73.5)
Germany's engineering precision extends to environmental protection, earning its place among the cleanest countries in the world through comprehensive sustainability policies.
The Energiewende program has revolutionised Germany's energy landscape, with renewables providing over 40% of electricity.
The nation operates Europe's most sophisticated waste management system, achieving a 68% recycling rate while investing €35 billion annually in environmental protection.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Download the DB Navigator app for seamless train travel across the country.
4. Finland (EPI Score: 73.3)
The land of a thousand lakes is home to some of the best examples of how natural beauty and modern technology come together to create one of the cleanest countries on Earth.
Finland’s green success is mainly due to sustainable forestry, which covers 75% of the country and, in turn, gives it the cleanest air and water in the world.
Also, the Finns are leaders in paper recycling, which they do at a rate of 85% and they heat 50% of their buildings via renewable biomass district systems.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Visit during summer's midnight sun or winter's northern lights. Finland's clean air makes both phenomena exceptionally visible and breathtaking.
5. United Kingdom (EPI Score: 72.7)
The UK has transformed from the birthplace of industrialisation to one of the cleanest countries in the world through remarkable environmental restoration efforts.
Britain achieved unprecedented success closing its last coal plant in 2024, with offshore wind now providing 30% of its electricity. The country's £12 billion green investment has dramatically improved air quality, making London cleaner than it's been in decades.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Explore London's expanding Ultra Low Emission Zone on foot or by bike; the city now has cleaner air than many smaller European cities.
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6. Sweden (EPI Score: 72.1)
Since 2020, Sweden has been at the top of the environmental performance table, and that is a testament to the fact that environmental success is a long-term goal.
Sweden has the best waste-to-energy models, wherein it imports waste from neighbours to fuel clean power plants.
The country is also very progressive in terms of energy from renewables; it gets 60% of its power from renewable resources.
Also, they have an impressive 50% recycling rate and are at the head of Europe in terms of innovative green technologies.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Book accommodations through Sweden's eco-certified hotels program. Many properties generate their renewable energy and serve locally sourced organic meals.
7. Norway (EPI Score: 71.8)
Norway demonstrates how oil-rich nations can become some of the cleanest countries in the world through responsible resource management and green innovation.
Norway generates 98% of its electricity from hydropower, while leading globally in electric vehicle adoption, with 80% of new car sales being EVs. The nation's sovereign wealth fund now divests from fossil fuels, investing billions in renewable energy worldwide.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Rent an electric vehicle to explore Norway's fjords. The country has the world's most extensive EV charging network, and many scenic routes offer charging stations with stunning views.
8. Austria (EPI Score: 71.5)
Nestled in the Alps, Austria has maintained its position among the cleanest countries since 2020, combining mountain environmental stewardship with cutting-edge green technology.
Austria generates 80% of its electricity from renewables while achieving a 58% recycling rate.
The nation's organic farming covers 25% of agricultural land—Europe's highest percentage - while comprehensive rail networks reduce transportation emissions across mountainous terrain.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Purchase an Austrian rail pass for eco-friendly alpine adventures, trains run on renewable energy and connect directly to hiking trails and ski resorts.
9. Switzerland (EPI Score: 71.2)
Swiss excellence in environmental management is also a trademark since 2020, as it is in watchmaking.
Switzerland has the best waste management in Europe, including a 53% recycling rate and is home to 60% of its energy from hydro power.
Also, the country reports the best air and water quality in the world, thanks to very tough pollution regulations and the release of great environmental technology.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats. Public transport runs entirely on clean hydroelectric power and reaches even remote mountain villages.
10. Denmark (EPI Score: 71.0)
Denmark is also home to what we have named the cleanest country, which at one point held the top spot in global rankings and has been at the forefront of environmental success since 2020.
Denmark was at the forefront of wind energy tech, which today produces 50% of the country’s electricity.
Also, we see that 64% of homes are served by the district heating, which is very efficient; they also have very ambitious goals of achieving 70% emission reduction by 2030.
They have a very comprehensive cycling infrastructure and are into circular economy programs, which is proof of their environmental leadership.
- Bonus tip for travellers: Embrace Copenhagen's bike culture. The city has more bicycles than cars, and cycling lanes are safer and cleaner than most European cities' sidewalks!
Looking Forward: A Cleaner Future
These ten nations prove that environmental responsibility requires long-term commitment, innovative technology, and active public participation.
The cleanest country in the world doesn't just offer pristine landscapes and fresh air; it provides a blueprint for sustainable development that protects both current communities and future generations.
Their success demonstrates that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship can flourish together, creating a cleaner, safer world for everyone.
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