As a Nomad Capitalist, you can choose your base from any country that suits your lifestyle and preferences. However, how do you narrow down your options? One factor to consider is a country’s cleanliness, which significantly impacts your quality of life.
But why should you care about a country’s cleanliness as a global investor or nomad? Although it may not seem of the utmost importance, cleanliness affects your health, mood and productivity, particularly when travelling frequently. Living in a polluted or littered environment can adversely impact your experience, making a country’s environmental condition crucial.
Let’s explore the cleanest country in the world, renowned for its environmental protection and sustainability initiatives. It has emerged as Europe’s most sustainability-focused country. Additionally, it has a high standard of living, a stable political system and a hardworking population.
But before discussing the country in the top spot, let’s look at the runners-up.
The World’s Cleanest Countries
Below are the top ten cleanest countries in the world ranked by the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024. This index measures across several categories.These categories examine a nation’s approach to climate change mitigation, improved air quality, waste management, the overall sustainability of fisheries and agriculture, deforestation and the preservation of biodiversity.
Luxembourg
This Western European country has an EPI score of 75.0, just behind 2024’s greenest nation. It has made great strides in reducing emissions, enhancing waste management, boosting renewable energy use and has a top-notch transportation system.
Germany
Germany’s leadership in green initiatives earned it an EPI score of 74.6. It stays on top of promoting renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind. The country also has a high standard of waste management and recycling.
Finland
Finland is one of the world’s most pristine countries, with an EPI score of 73.7. It has clean air, high environmental health, water quality and clean energy. According to the World Health Organization, the country aims to be carbon-neutral by 2035 and eliminate coal for energy production by 2029.
United Kingdom
The UK’s EPI score of 72.7 indicates excellent environmental performance. It’s a leader in addressing climate change through measures like reducing its carbon footprint, investing in renewables and conserving biodiversity and marine life.
Sweden
Sweden is also one of the world’s most sustainable countries, with an EPI score of 70.5. It has a long tradition of environmental awareness and innovation, being the first country to introduce an environmental tax reform in 1991. It also has a high share of renewable energy sources, especially wind and biomass.
Norway
With an EPI score of 70.0, Norway is among the world’s most eco-friendly nations. It prioritises protecting its natural resources, particularly its marine ecosystems and boasts remarkable social welfare and human development.
Austria
Austria is also a champion of environmental stewardship, with an EPI score of 69.0. Austria’s forests cover much of its land and offer vital ecosystem services and habitats for wildlife. The country is also committed to using renewable energy, especially hydropower.
Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for being one of the most eco-friendly countries globally, with an EPI score of 68.0. Its commitment to protecting the environment is evident through strict regulations for air, water and forest preservation. Switzerland is also a hub for international environmental organisations and events.
Denmark
As the former frontrunner on the EPI, it is no surprise that Demark scores high in being an environmentally friendly country, with an EPI score of 67.9. Like many of its counterparts, it aims to be entirely independent of fossil fuels by 2050. Denmark has a long history of green initiatives – its first waste-to-energy plant was built in Frederiksberg in 1903, and its first centralised plant for oil and chemical waste treatment was built in Kalundborg in 1961.
Estonia – The Cleanest Country in the World
Estonia is a small Baltic country in Northern Europe, bordered by Latvia, Finland, Russia and the Baltic Sea.
This beautiful nation has some of the most stunning natural scenery and is famous for its endless forests and 2,317 pristine islands, boasting some of the cleanest air in the world.
So, what other factors contributed to Estonia’s recognition as the world’s cleanest country?
Let’s find out.
How did Estonia become the world’s cleanest country?
Estonia has some of the world’s most ambitious and effective environmental policies, and it shows in its clean and green performance.
Environmental Protection
The Baltic nation received a score of 75.3 out of 100, beating all other countries in terms of climate change mitigation and more.
It’s clear why Estonia now ranks first in the world in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), which measures how well countries protect their natural resources and human health.
Emission Reduction
Estonia has been vigorously working towards becoming more environmentally conscious. It aims to be entirely independent of fossil fuels by 2050 and is making significant progress towards this goal as one of only five countries that have cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the rate needed to reach the goal in time.
If Estonia maintains its recent fast pace of decarbonisation, it will not only be on track to reach zero emissions by 2050, but it will do so without exceeding its allocated share of the remaining carbon budget. No other country outside the Global South is on track to achieve that.
The main driver of Estonia’s GHG emission reduction has been shifting away from oil shale power generation and expanding wind, solar and biomass energy. Estonia is also leveraging its high level of digitalisation and 100 per cent coverage of smart electric meters to accelerate its energy transition by facilitating access to information about buildings’ energy performance.
Reduction in Air Pollution
According to the latest EPI, ‘Air pollution remains the most serious environmental threat to public health.’
Research conducted by Swiss IQAir reveals that only seven countries have air clean enough to meet World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. These countries are Australia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, New Zealand and Estonia.
It also reported that the world’s air is cleaner than it has been at any point over the last century, although it still poses significant health risks.
Biodiversity and Habitat Protection
The 2024 EPI index highlighted the emerging crisis of biodiversity loss, which is worsening climate change and posing a severe threat to a number of species.
Estonia ranks 7th worldwide in Ecosystem Vitality and the Biodiversity and Habitat issue category. It excels in this space and boasts many protected areas that represent a significant portion of its ecosystems.
Overall, Estonia performs well across a wide range of environmental issues, ranking among the top third of countries in all but one of the index issue categories.
Cleanest Country in the World: FAQs
How can I live or invest in the cleanest country in the world?
Living or investing in a clean country can benefit your health, happiness and wealth. Before moving to or investing in such a country, it is recommended to contact trustworthy experts in the field who possess extensive experience in the industry. Contact Nomad Capitalist’s global team. We’re here to ensure you go where you’re treated best.
What is the Environmental Performance Index (EPI)??
Various factors can measure environmental performance, and the EPI is a comprehensive source that ranks 180 countries based on 58 indicators. In the latest EPI report, Estonia ranked as the world’s cleanest and most environmentally friendly country in 2024, scoring 75.3.
What are some other clean countries?
According to the EPI report, some other top performers include Luxembourg (75), Germany (74.6), Finland (73.7), the United Kingdom (72.7), Sweden (70.5), Norway (70), Austria (69), Switzerland (68) and the Netherlands (67.2).
Which country has the highest pollution in the world?
The countries that rank the lowest on the Environmental Performance Index and among the most polluted include:
Bangladesh (EPI score 175)
India (EPI score 176)
Myanmar (EPI score 177)
Laos (EPI score 178)
Pakistan (EPI score 179)
Vietnam (EPI score 180)
Countries in Africa and parts of Asia suffer from the worst air pollution, sitting at the bottom of the 2024 EPI Air Quality ranking. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are at the epicentre of the global air pollution crisis.
Planning on Moving to or Investing in Estonia?
Estonia is also a strong candidate for those seeking a European residence in a business-friendly nation with favourable taxes. It has transformed from a former Soviet republic to the Silicon Valley of the Baltics, offering great potential for entrepreneurs and investors.
At Nomad Capitalist, we can help you figure out if Estonia is right for you. We can also help you explore and obtain residence or citizenship in Europe or other countries known for their high quality of life.
Although one of our primary goals is to help our clients move to countries with lower taxes, we also appreciate that our customers have varied needs and that cleanliness, safety and stability matter. So, if you are looking to obtain residence or citizenship in a prosperous and secure country with clean air, low crime, modern infrastructure and excellent healthcare, contact us today to discuss your options.
