The Greenest Countries in the World

Earth Day is a great day to learn more about how we as individuals can make a positive impact on our world, and it's also a great day to learn more about what different countries are doing to combat climate change, preserve important ecosystems, invest in renewable resources and more. Check out this list of the greenest countries in the world, according to Yale and Columbia Universities' 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The United States currently ranks 24th out of 180.

This small European country ranks as the 15th greenest country in the world. It shares first place with many countries with extremely low pollution due to emissions and ranks 21st in combating climate change.

The largest country of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain ranks as the 14th greenest country in the world. It shares first place with several countries with the lowest pollution due to emissions and ranks 18th at combating climate change.

Australia is the first country not from Europe to rank in the top fifteen greenest countries. It ranks 13th overall but ranks 11th in environmental health, 2nd in air quality, 25th in sanitation and drinking water and 20th in combating climate change.

The island nation of Japan is the twelfth greenest country in the world, and the only Asian country to rank in the top fifteen. It ranks 14th for overall environmental health, yet ranks 63 in pollution emissions, most likely due to the high population density of its largest cities, like Tokyo. Japan ranks 24th in terms of combating climate change.

The small country of the Netherlands ranks as the 11th greenest country in the world. It ranks 36th for combating climate change, but shares first place with several other countries for its lack of pollution due to emissions. It ranks 13th overall for its environmental health.

Germany ranks as the 10th greenest country in the world. It also ranks 14th in combating climate change, 28th in pollution emissions and 15th in health.

Norway, the first of three Scandinavian countries on this list, ranks as the 9th greenest country in the world. This country, known for its incredible fjords and Viking history ranks 2nd in health, 1st in sanitation and drinking water, as well as 6th in combating climate change.

Sweden ranks as the 8th greenest country in the world, 3rd for health, 2nd for air quality and 1st for pollution emissions and wastewater management.

The Scandinavian country of Finland ranks 7th in the world overall and shares the 1st place spots for health, air quality, sanitation and drinking water.

The beautiful country of Austria, home to beautiful mountains and a rich music history, ranks as the 6th greenest country in the world.

France ranks 5th greenest country overall but ranks 81 in the category of Environmental Services, which comprises things such as wetland, tree cover and grassland loss, indicating that it might need to work on such things in the future. However, it ranks as a top contender for the least amount of pollution emissions and ranks 4th overall in combating climate change.

The United Kingdom ranks 4th overall, earning its place from high marks in drinking water, sanitation and pollution emissions ratings. European countries especially are committed to becoming greener, and this is no different for the U.K.

Switzerland, the picturesque Alpine country known for its sweeping vistas, beautiful lakes and peaceful history ranks number third overall. It ranks 1st in the world for sanitation and water quality, as well as 1st for pollution emissions (sharing the spot with several other countries).

The small, often overlooked but no less enchanting country of Luxembourg ranks 1st in the world for pollution emissions, 2nd for ecosystem vitality and overall ranks 2nd in the world.

Denmark is rated as the most environmentally friendly country in the world. The country ranks first in the world for ecosystem vitality and pollution emissions. It's become a world leader in green living.