In this piece, we will take a look at the five least polluted countries in the world. For more countries, head on over to 30 Least Polluted Countries in the World.
5. Republic of Estonia
Annual average PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 4.9
The Republic of Estonia is a Baltic European country. It is quite prosperous with a $41 billion GDP and a per capita output of $31,207. Estonia exports a mix of both primary and secondary products such as communications devices, oil, cars, buildings, wheat, and furniture. However, Estonia produces vast amounts of electricity from shale oil. Still, Estonia is one of the best examples of the importance of forests and trees, as despite the high levels of oil in its energy mix, the fact that more than half of the country is covered with forests makes it one of the least polluted nations on the planet.
4. New Zealand
Annual average PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 4.8
New Zealand is a developed island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world of $47,278. The largest portion of New Zealand’s electricity is generated from clean sources such as natural gas and renewables. Its location provides New Zealand with a geographical advantage with geothermal power generation playing a major role in power generation. All in all, more than two thirds of New Zealand’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
3. Commonwealth of Australia
Annual average PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 4.2
The Commonwealth of Australia is an Oceanic country with the tenth highest GDP per capita in the world of $64,094. However, the country continues to rely on fossil fuels for power generation, with renewable energy accounting for only 30% of the total electricity output. Australia’s air quality policies have contributed to clean air, with governments on both the federal and state level monitoring particulate emissions.
2. Grenada
Annual average PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 4.2
Grenada is one of the smallest countries in the world with an area of just 348 square kilometers. Most of its foreign exchange comes through tourism, with the remainder earned through agricultural exports. Tourism also plays an important role in the economy.
1. Iceland
Annual average PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³): 3.4
Iceland is a Nordic European country with a high GDP per capita of $73,981. It is also one of the cleanest countries in the world, producing most of its electricity through renewable sources. In fact, Iceland is a world leader when it comes to the proportion of total electricity generated from renewable power, as traditional sources such as coal and oil have a negligible contribution in the country’s energy mix. Its geography enables Iceland to generate vast amounts of power from geothermal sources, with hydropower also playing an important role.
Disclosure: None. You can also take a peek at 16 Largest Photography Companies in the World and 20 Best Places to Live in NJ with Low Taxes.
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