In this brief article, we’ll list the top 10 cleanest countries in the world that implement strict environmental protection strategies to improve their waste management system and maintain air quality. If you want to learn more about the alarms of changing environmental conditions, read 25 Cleanest Countries In The World In 2023.
10. Netherlands
Composite Ranking: 10
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 11
Waste Management Score: 66.2%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 100%
The Netherlands has maintained its status of being one of the cleanest countries in the world in 2023 because of its ultra-modern wastewater treatment systems. The country demonstrates a remarkable commitment to environmental health, as evidenced by its outstanding 99% efficiency score in wastewater treatment.
9. Germany
Composite Ranking: 9
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 11
Waste Management Score: 69%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 97%
Germany demonstrates a remarkable 97% wastewater treatment score that indicates efficient sanitation and pollution control processes. Moreover, the country registers a PM2.5 air quality concentration of 11μg/m³ that underscores successful measures to reduce particulate matter and improve air quality.
8. Iceland
Composite Ranking: 8
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 3.4
Waste Management Score: 73.9%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 15%
Iceland is among the top countries with the best air quality in 2023 as its air quality PM2.5 concentration reaches 3.4μg/m³. This remarkably low figure, nearing the maximum desirable threshold of 2.5 μg/m³ as per World Health Organization guidelines, shows the nation’s successful environmental policies and its commitment to pristine air.
7. Norway
Composite Ranking: 7
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 7
Waste Management Score: 70.7%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 64.3%
Norway is considered one of the cleanest countries in 2023 due to its remarkable air quality. This status is predominantly attributable to its PM2.5 concentration averaging at 7 µg/m³, slightly higher than the global standard of 2.5 µg/m³.
6. Austria
Composite Ranking: 6
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 10.6
Waste Management Score: 77.4%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 94%
Austria has been one of the cleanest countries in the world in 2023 for years. In 2023, the country’s PM2.5 concentration, a critical indicator of air quality, stands at 10.6 μg/m³, compared to the maximum of 2.5 μg/m³ seen in countries with the least airborne pollution issues. Austria’s wastewater treatment infrastructure is also 94%, which contributes to its cleanliness.
5. Switzerland
Composite Ranking: 5
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 9
Waste Management Score: 76.4%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 97%
In 2023, Switzerland stands as one of the cleanest nations in the world because of its exceptional air and water quality metrics. The country’s average PM2.5 concentration is 9 μg/m³, while its wastewater management infrastructure has resulted in a remarkable treatment efficacy of 97%.
4. Denmark
Composite Ranking: 4
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 8.6
Waste Management Score: 68.3%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 100%
Denmark sits high on the list of nations with the lowest pollution levels in 2023. Notably, the nation’s PM2.5 concentration is moderate, currently at 8.6 μg/m³, and its wastewater treatment infrastructure has attained a perfect score of 100%.
3. Australia
Composite Ranking: 3
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 4.2
Waste Management Score: 69%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 92.9%
Australia will be the third cleanest country in the world in 2023 because of its commendable air quality, characterized by a PM2.5 concentration of just 4.2 μg/m³. When coupled with a wastewater treatment infrastructure operating at 92.9% efficacy, it’s no doubt the nation ranks so high.
2. Sweden
Composite Ranking: 2
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 6.2
Waste Management Score: 70.8%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 100%
Sweden ranks second amongst the cleanest countries in the world in 2023, as per the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report. The country got a 100% score in wastewater treatment, which reflected its smart wastewater management. Also, Sweden’s solid waste management score of 70.8% demonstrates its commitment to efficient waste disposal and recycling systems.
1. Luxembourg
Composite Ranking: 1
Air Quality PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 7.4
Waste Management Score: 79.10%
Wastewater Treatment Score: 98%
According to the 2023 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report, Luxembourg tops the list of the cleanest countries in the world in 2023. This status stems from the country’s impressive wastewater treatment score of 98% and a solid waste management score of 79.10%.
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