Top 10 Most Sustainable Countries in 2025: Eco Friendly Nations Worldwide

Sustainability is becoming more important worldwide, especially as global temperatures hit record highs in 2024. Some countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, have built economies that balance growth with environmental responsibility, prioritizing renewable energy, efficient resource management, and eco-friendly policies.

Beyond their environmental efforts, these nations also offer clean air, efficient public transport, and well-planned cities—factors that significantly improve daily life. For those considering a move abroad, living in a sustainable country can mean a healthier environment and a higher quality of life.

This article explores the top 10 most sustainable countries and what makes them great places to live.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How Are the Most Sustainable Countries in the World Defined?
• How Global Indexes Measure Sustainable Countries
• The Most Sustainable Countries in 2025
• Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Countries

Which Metrics Define the Greenest Countries in the World?

• Environmental Policies: They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintain ecosystems while also growing the economy and addressing people’s health.
• Renewable Energy Usage: Derived from natural sources like the sun and wind, which are usually replenished faster than they are used.
• Waste Management and Recycling Programs: The collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste materials in a way that reduces the consumption of natural resources and doesn’t harm environmental or human health.
• Biodiversity Conservation: The variety of animal and plant life found in a natural environment. A high level is essential for ecosystems to provide healthy food, clean water, reliable medication, and more to humans.

How Global Indexes Measure Sustainable Countries

• Environmental Performance Index (EPI): The Environmental Performance Index indicators include metrics related to biodiversity and habitat, water resources, agriculture, air quality, climate change mitigation, and more.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals in total, some of which include clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean renewable energy, and climate action.
• Green Future Index: Using 5 pillars as a reference, it calculates the degree to which a country has transitioned to clean renewable energy, how much they’ve reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the number of green practices they’ve implemented, and their overall commitment to green innovation.
• Global Passport Index: This informative resource for evaluating passport power includes a Quality of Life index. It includes the very important sustainable development index.

Top 10 Most Sustainable Countries in 2025

1. Denmark: Thinking Outside the Energy Box

Up until 1972, Denmark was almost entirely dependent on imported oil. In 1973 the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) implemented an oil embargo against countries, including Denmark, that had supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

This led to Denmark needing to rethink their policies and look for renewable energy. They are aiming to phase out fossil fuels almost completely and currently generate a lot of their energy using offshore winds.

The world’s first energy islands will be built in Denmark, making the country even more green and sustainable than ever before. The islands will essentially be green power plants at sea that will supply renewable energy to not only Denmark but also other European countries.

A hallmark of Danish culture is that they are a culture based on agriculture and fishing. This makes them feel close to the land and water around them, so they are very aware of how nature needs to be sustained in order to support them.

Denmark is a great example to the rest of the world of the power of innovation as well as how efficiently nature can be utilized to meet the needs of humans without causing harm to the environment in the process.

2. Sweden: A Recycling Pioneer

Sweden comes out number one on the Global Passport Index’s Quality of Life metric. This Nordic country actively works towards achieving and maintaining the Sustainable Development Goals.

For example, when the Swedish government realized that extensive transboundary air pollution that is causing lake acidification, producing high levels of organic pollutants and increasing mercury in fish, they immediately implemented measures to reduce it.

One such measure was the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). This international agreement was signed by 32 European countries, aiming to limit and prevent long-range transboundary air pollution, and target persistent organic pollutants. Sweden’s air pollution is now lower than ever before as a result.

Sweden has a culture of environmental awareness and operates a circular economy. This involves sharing, reusing, repairing, recycling and refurbishing existing materials and products for as long as possible.

The country aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. They have done so through innovative waste management, the creation of waste-to-energy plants and some of the world’s best recycling initiatives. Sweden is the world leader in recycling, with the country having a 99% recycling rate.

To reach this impressive number, Swedes live by the following rules:

• Prevent. Reduce usage and live simply.
• Reuse. Repurpose and upcycle where possible.
• Recycle. Items that cannot be repurposed are sorted and recycled appropriately.
• Alternatives. Use waste-to-energy incinerators so that the energy used to create the product doesn’t go to waste.
• Landfill. Less than 1% of trash ever makes it to the landfill. It is considered a last resort.

Alongside amazing recycling practices in which every citizen participates, the country also has high renewable energy usage (such as the use of biomass for heating homes) and sustainable transportation that encourages Swedes to cycle almost everywhere.

3. Switzerland: For the Love of Nature

Around 62% of Switzerland’s energy comes from hydropower, according to 2023 data. This is all thanks to the country having access to abundant water sources and mountainous terrain.

It is however the Swiss culture of high environmental consciousness that is mostly responsible for the country’s sustainability. There is a strong commitment from all citizens to environmental protection with all actively participating in recycling and other sustainability practices.

The government further encourages this culture with strict environmental regulations around managing waste, pollution and resources usage. In addition, Switzerland has a large network of protected natural parks, which promotes biodiversity.

Furthermore, since Swiss citizens are so dedicated to protecting their environment, they have extended this to tourists as well. The country launched the Swisstainable initiative which certifies and recognizes businesses and tourism operators within Switzerland that are actively committed to sustainable practices.

Swisstainable encourages companies to focus on things like sustainable waste management, energy efficient travel and clean water management through incentives.

The more a company participates in eco-friendly activities, the more likely the government is to promote them to tourists. It’s a win-win situation.

4. Finland: See the Forest for the Trees

Finland relies heavily on renewable energy sources, prioritizes public transportation and cycling, and has a national goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.

However, this is not the most crucial reason for ranking so high on the list of sustainable countries. The country is one of the most wooded in the world, so they’ve developed some of the best forest management practices and legislations.

The Finnish Forest Act requires regeneration after logging and emphasizes ecological sustainability, landscape management, and water protection.

This Act prioritizes active forest management for increased carbon storage, frequent thinning to give trees more space to grow, and mixed-species forests for diversity. Both large and dead trees are left standing to offer nesting sites for birds of prey and habitats for insects to thrive in.

Finland also has a so-called wood economy. This means that large areas of the country rely solely on the forest industry for income, with wood accounting for 20% of Finnish exports.

The government has put various measures in place to ensure this continues to be a source of income for future generations by keeping the forests well-maintained and protected. This is the epitome of sustainability.

5. Norway: Utilizing the Powers of Nature

Thanks to the extensive use of hydropower, Norway’s data centers, electric vehicle battery production and metal processing has some of the world’s smallest carbon footprints.

This is especially important as these industries are some of the most energy intensive. It also helps that Norway builds infrastructure in a way that places these industries close to clean energy plants.

What’s more is that Norway successfully utilizes its cold, wet weather conditions to naturally cool down data centers instead of using fans and other artificial cooling systems that are not as energy efficient.

One of the factors that counts towards a country’s sustainability is its willingness to help other countries progress, so they don’t fall behind. Norway does this by creating hydropower solutions for rural communities in the Balkans, Kenya and Indonesia, thus uplifting poorer areas.

Norway is also a leader in electric vehicles (EVs). As of 2024, 88.9% of new car sales have been electric, and the country has the largest fleet of plug-in electric vehicles per capita in the world.

6. New Zealand: Indigenous-Led Environmentalism

New Zealand may be small in size but when it comes to sustainability, it’s a giant in the field.

This country’s approach to sustainability is unique in that the government has given the indigenous Māori people an active role in its implementation. The Māori are a culture with a very strong connection to nature. They even have a name for it – “kaitiakitanga”. Their knowledge about how to preserve the environment is invaluable.

In 2018, New Zealand’s government established the “Trade for All” agenda, which was initially developed by the European Union. It ensures trade activities benefit all the people of New Zealand. It helps increase public engagement around decisions about sustainable future economic opportunities and supports better integration into the Asia-Pacific area.

These efforts have raised New Zealand’s sustainability ranking as it aims to support people who may have had their voices stifled in the past or who live in rural, poorer areas. It also ensures natural resources are fully utilized as well as properly replenished for future generations.

The New Zealand government is also protecting their marine ecosystem with various regulations and policies. Some of which include:

Benthic Protection Areas (BPAs): 32% of seabed areas in New Zealand are protected from potentially destructive bottom trawling and dredging.

Maritime New Zealand: Implements marine protection rules to control waste from vessels, including oil, garbage and harmful chemicals.

Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group: New Zealand champions the Ocean Acidification Action Group. Their involvement is especially important since it empowers small island developing states to effectively address this issue.

Department of Conservation: This governing body helps protect biodiversity by enforcing rules from the Conservation Act 1987, the National Parks Act 1980 and other key legislation from all over the globe.

7. Germany: All Hands in Approach

Germany rose to third place on the Global Passport Index’s Quality of Life index due to its strategic focus on various green initiatives. These programs have made their cities much more eco-friendly and accessible to all walks of life. In turn it has strengthened their economy. This European country is a perfect example of how balancing environmental health and social needs has a direct impact on a society mental and physical well-being.

A lot of Germany’s sustainability practices focus on uplifting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The government encourages this through legislation like the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). This is a series of laws that originally paid producers a fixed price for each unit of renewable energy generated. Since it has transitioned to an auction system where producers can acquire wind and solar farms for production through a competitive bidding process.

What’s most notable about Germany’s sustainability efforts is the high level of public awareness and engagement when it comes to environmental issues. Germans are very eager to do their part to make their country more eco-friendly.

They do so by choosing public transport and cycling over purchasing vehicles and if they do purchase a vehicle, they opt for electric. They prioritize energy-efficient homes, recycle extensively, consciously buy sustainably produced goods and support local green initiatives.

Germans are especially sustainable when it comes to everyday living. They focus on the Passive House Standard, which is a building design standard that uses airtight construction, insulation and other techniques to reduce heating and cooling needs.

This lessens the carbon footprint of buildings. New buildings are held to this standard and old buildings are slowly but surely being altered to become more energy efficient. There’s also an Energy-Conservation Ordinance that was created for this that provides financial incentives.

Since around 35% of energy consumption comes from buildings. The German government is implementing the Energy Efficiency Strategy 2050 as any area where there is high energy consumption has the potential for saving energy. This strategy aims to renovate houses to suit the above standard and switch already energy efficient homes to renewable energy.

8. Austria: Back to Nature Farming

Austria boasts the highest percentage of organic agricultural land in the European Union. This land is utilized to produce organic food, wine, meat, drinks and dairy.

This commitment to organic farming is fueled by support from the government, policies that favor sustainable practices and consumer demand for organic products.

Organic farming is very important to environmental sustainability as it reduces chemical pollution, promotes biodiversity, and improves soil health. It also res or reduces the use of potentially dangerous synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, leading to communities having access to healthier food and drinks with a higher concentration of vital nutrients.

What’s more is that organic agriculture ensures that people who live around these farmlands are not exposed to harmful chemicals that might seep into the ground, making living a healthy lifestyle much more attainable.

The country is also working towards achieving climate neutrality by 2040. They are doing so by implementing an eco-social tax reform, phasing out oil, coal and fossil natural gas for room heating as well as intensely focusing on renewable energy sources.

Within the EU, Austria is supporting carbon border adjustments and the phasing out of finance and subsidies for fossil fuel infrastructures. They are advocating for the decarbonization of energy systems to help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

 9. Costa Rica: A Biodiversity Haven

Costa Rica is well-known for its ecotourism which focuses on giving tourists hands-on experience with the country’s natural environment. However, with this comes the potential for damage.

To encourage people to conserve their environment the government provides financial incentives. One of these programs is Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES). PES pays landowners to restore and conserve forests. It is funded by water charges and fuel taxes.

Rainforests are vital to the health of the environment because they support biodiversity and provide a home to many species of both plants and animals. They also help regulate the climate.

Around 51% of Costa Rica’s land is covered by rainforest. Alongside the financial incentives mentioned, the Costa Rican government has designated 25% of its land area as protected areas in the form of national parks and reserves.

The country has also become the first in Latin America and the Caribbean to receive payments from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility for the impressive role they’ve played in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by preventing deforestation and forest degradation.

The government and citizens’ efforts have been instrumental in returning the Costa Rican rainforests to their former glory, practically completely reversing the deforestation caused by loggers in the 1980s.

Today sustainability policies and legislation mean the country’s land mass is almost 60% covered by forests, a major turnaround in just a few decades. More than half of Costa Rica’s tree canopy now serves as a secondary rainforest. These efforts are not only great for the country’s sustainability but benefit the entire world’s population.

10. Portugal: Protecting Natural Resources

If you’re looking for an EU Golden Visa option where sustainability is a strong focus, Portugal citizenship is the way to go. The country is currently leading the way by actively maintaining and uplifting current natural resources for future generations.

In 2019, 54% of Portugal’s energy was derived from renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydropower. The country has invested significantly in wind farms like the WindFloat Atlantic project as well solar power plants like the Serpa Solar Power Plant. These help to increase renewable energy capacity and assists Portugal towards reaching their goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

To protect citizens against water scarcity, a growing global problem, the government is implementing various innovative solutions. These include water-efficient irrigation systems, public awareness campaigns on responsible water use and water reuse initiatives. Portugal’s Alqueva Dam, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, serves as a reservoir for irrigation, equipping farmers with the means to efficiently use water.

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, has an extensive network of electric buses and trams, such as Elétrico, that promotes sustainable transportation. The government also provides incentives such as tax breaks and charging infrastructure to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

Portugal boasts some of the most beautiful natural environments, so a large focus is placed on protecting these. This includes:

• Establishing national parks and reserves like Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês and Parque Natural da Ria Formosa that protects biodiversity.
• Promoting sustainable practices when it comes to farming so that healthy food is produced without having a negative environmental impact.
• Encourages sustainable fishing by implementing fishing quotas, limiting fishing gear to non-harmful items, regulating fishing activities to maintain catch levels that support the recovery of fish populations.

Portugal is not only one of the most sustainable places but it is one of the easiest countries to get residency. Portugal citizenship offers accessible visa options for those looking to live in an eco-conscious and well-connected European nation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Countries

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is about meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.

This means maintaining a delicate balance between environmental health, economic growth and social equity.

Why does sustainability matter?

Sustainability matters because it ensures the long-term health of the environment, economy, and society. It reduces resource depletion, mitigates climate change, and promotes social equity. Sustainable practices improve air and water quality, protect ecosystems, and create economic stability.

Which country is viewed as the most sustainable in 2025?

Denmark comes out on top when it comes to sustainability with Finland being a close second.

What city has been dubbed the most sustainable in 2025?

Copenhagen in Denmark is seen as one of the most sustainable cities in the world.

They have the ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2025. They are working towards this with their extensive cycling infrastructure, renewable energy initiatives and clean public transportation.

Which countries have the most sustainable transport system?

The Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland are all pioneers when it comes to sustainable transport.

This is due to their commitment to using renewable energy sources for buses and trains, the transition to electric vehicles and building top-notch cycling infrastructure.

Which countries are viewed as the least sustainable?

China, India, Vietnam and Myanmar top the list of least sustainable countries.

This is all due to pollution, the production of plastic waste, lax government environmental policies and lack of public awareness.

What is the difference between eco-friendly and sustainable?

Eco-friendly is about making choices right now that are kinder to the environment, but it doesn’t necessarily mean these choices are sustainable.

Sustainability aims to not only reduce harm but also preserve natural resources for future generations through integrating social, economic and ecological spheres.