Though it’s not the main driver of migration, sustainability can play a factor in immigration and relocation abroad. Finding a place to live in one of the most sustainable countries in the world can play a role in where someone will choose to secure a stable future for themselves and their future generations.

Not only does sustainability equal a cleaner environment to live and raise children in (which leads to an improved quality of life), there is also a proven positive correlation between sustainability and a strong economy. Sustainable practices can stimulate long-term growth, innovation, and cost savings. Countries with strong green policies tend to generate more job for locals and the protection of natural resources supports economic growth and development.

This guide ranks the top 20 most sustainable nations using the latest Environmental Performance Index (EPI) as the primary source while cross-checking results against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index.

We explain why methodologies differ and what that means for lists of the most eco-friendly countries with facts on renewable energy, air and water quality, recycling and waste systems, biodiversity, and climate policy.

• What are the 20 most sustainable countries in 2025?
• How are the most sustainable countries in the world measured?
• Why is relocating to a sustainable country beneficial?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 20 most sustainable countries in 2025?

Countries are accelerating efforts to become more sustainable and climate-resilient, not only to protect their own environments but to ease the pressures that drive large-scale displacement. Independent benchmarks like the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) help track which nations are strengthening air and water quality, waste systems, and climate policy, which are core factors behind resilience.

According to Global Intelligence Unit’s Climate Change and Migration: From Displacement to Resilience report, “In 2023, 56% of the 47 million new internal displacements were triggered by disasters,” underscoring how environmental shocks already force millions from their homes each year. Many of the risks highlighted in that report map closely to EPI indicators (e.g., pollution exposure, ecosystem stress, and climate mitigation/adaptation capacity).

The World Bank projects that by 2050, “climate change could force 216 million people across six world regions to move within their countries,” making sustainable development a shared global priority. Using the latest EPI results as a yardstick, policymakers and families alike can identify where governance and environmental outcomes are improving fastest.

1) Estonia

• EPI score = 75.7

A digital-first state that now tops most sustainable countries rankings, Estonia has cut power-sector pollution fast and even met the WHO’s PM2.5 guideline (the recommended safe limit for fine particle air pollution) in 2023 which is a rare accomplishment worldwide. Forest stewardship, which is the responsible management of forests to ensure they remain healthy and remain productive, plus rapid wind/solar growth underpin its EPI lead and clean air.

2) Luxembourg

• EPI score = 75.1

This small country pairs elite ecosystem vitality with top-tier environmental health. It’s #1 globally when it comes to water resources (the collection, treatment and reuse of water) and #1 for the control of heavy metals, with excellent sanitation and drinking water and high waste recovery. Add onto that very strong air-pollution performance and aggressive NOₓ/SO₂ reductions, and you get one of Europe’s most eco-efficient states relative to its size.

3) Germany

• EPI score = 74.5

Germany scores near the top on biodiversity and habitat (including 100% terrestrial biome protection) and ranks in the global top 10 for waste management (notably waste recovery). Water resources and sanitation are also high, and emissions have trended down under the Energiewende (German word for “energy transition”). In 2024, low-carbon power (renewables and nuclear) supplied a majority of electricity, underscoring long-term transition momentum.

4) Finland

• EPI score = 73.8

Finland combines excellent environmental health (ranking in the top 5) with a number 2 position globally for climate change mitigation, plus perfect scores on sanitation/drinking water and lead exposure. It’s also #1 for projected 2050 emissions compatibility, signaling credible long-term targets. Beyond a clean environment, Finland ranks #1 on the 2025 SDG Index, so it’s a leader on broader sustainable development too.

5) United Kingdom

• EPI score = 72.6

Renewable energy in the form of wind power overtook gas as Britain’s single largest electricity source in 2023, and clean generation set new records through 2024, key climate change metrics that indicate the country’s moving in the right direction. Offshore wind, green finance, and stricter air-quality rules keep the UK high in eco-performance tables.

6) Sweden

• EPI score = 70.3

A circular-economy pioneer with high waste recovery and world-class air and water outcomes. Sweden’s grid is overwhelmingly low-carbon and renewable: in 2023, ~87.5% of electricity consumption came from renewables (mostly hydro + wind), supporting low emissions intensity and strong ecosystem vitality scores.

7) Norway

• EPI score = 69.9

Norway’s renewable energy backbone is hydropower. Around 89% of electricity in 2024 came from hydro, complemented by wind, keeping operational carbon emissions low despite an oil-and-gas economy. That clean power base supports EPI performance in climate change mitigation and high environmental quality.

8) Austria

• EPI score = 68.9

Austria excels in water resources (wastewater collection/treatment) and air pollution controls, and it runs one of Europe’s greenest power systems. In 2023, 87.8% of electricity consumed came from renewables (mostly hydro), anchoring low GHG emissions intensity and high livability for green-minded residents.

9) Switzerland

• EPI score = 67.8

Switzerland is elite on waste management and recycling: 0% landfilling of municipal waste since 2010, with ~52% recycled and the remainder recovered via energy-from-waste, plus near-perfect sanitation/drinking water. Those structural systems, together with strong air quality, keep it among Europe’s greenest countries.

10) Denmark

• EPI score = 67.7

A clean-energy trailblazer: wind supplied ~59 to 60% of Denmark’s electricity in 2023 and 2024 (the highest share globally) underpinning top-tier climate change performance. Strong renewable energy build-out and policy credibility make Denmark a mainstay on lists of the most environmentally friendly countries.

11) Greece

• EPI score = 67.3

One of Europe’s biggest improvers: renewables supplied ~57% of the power mix in 2023, thanks to rapid wind/solar growth, which is reflected in EPI climate progress and cleaner air quality. Continued marine protection and nutrient management will unlock further ecosystem vitality gains.

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12) France

• EPI score = 67.0

France’s low-carbon electricity system (dominated by nuclear with rising solar/wind) delivers very low power-sector carbon emissions. Low-carbon generation was ~92% in 2023, rising further in 2025. Pair that with strong environmental health and you have a durable EPI top-tier performer.

13) Malta

• EPI score = 66.9

Despite its size and arid climate, Malta ranks highly on environmental health (notably excellent safe water and sanitation) and targeted air-quality controls. Ongoing investments aim to strengthen wastewater and waste management systems, which are key levers for future EPI gains and for a lower carbon footprint in this small nation.

13) Netherlands

• EPI score = 66.9

A renewables growth star, the Netherlands leads Europe in solar PV per capita and has rapidly scaled offshore wind. In 2023, solar produced 20.6 TWh and clean sources delivered over half of electricity. This momentum that reinforces EPI results across air pollution and climate indicators.

15) Belgium

• EPI score = 66.8

Belgium’s grid is decarbonizing primarily through a rapid offshore wind build-out: about 2.3 GW is installed today, with 5.8 GW targeted by 2030. Government plans project the Belgian North Sea to supply ~25% of national electricity by decade’s end, displacing fossil generation and improving air quality by cutting NOₓ, SO₂, and particulate pollution.

16) Ireland

• EPI score = 65.8

Ireland’s clean-power share is rising: 41.7% of electricity came from renewables in 2024, led by wind, with new solar and storage added. As renewable energy grows and grid upgrades continue, expect gains in climate indicators and a falling emissions intensity.

17) Czech Republic

• EPI score = 65.5

A late-starter turning the corner: renewables covered ~16% of electricity in 2023, but rooftop solar is booming and coal is easing back as EU funds modernise grids and heating. Air-quality and wastewater metrics have improved with tighter industry standards.

18) Slovakia

• EPI score = 65.1

Slovakia runs on low-carbon electricity (≈85% in 2023), with nuclear being the largest source (~63%) and hydropower second, keeping carbon emissions from power low. A newly announced nuclear project signals continued focus on clean base load alongside renewable energy growth.

19) Iceland

• EPI score = 64.3

Iceland is the archetype of renewable electricity: ~100% of power from hydro + geothermal, supporting top-tier environmental health and extremely low operational GHG emissions from the grid. Remaining challenges focus on transport and fisheries; policy targets net-zero and continued electrification.

20) Poland

• EPI score = 64.2

Poland is pivoting from coal: renewables produced ~30% of electricity in 2024 (coal down to ~54%), and in Q2 2025 renewables even out-generated coal for the first time, which are major milestones for climate change indicators and improved air quality. Continued solar/wind build-out and grid upgrades will further cut carbon emissions.

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How are the most sustainable countries in the world measured?

Key metrics that define the greenest countries

• Environmental policies: The most sustainable countries actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect ecosystems, and promote public health while fostering economic growth.
• Renewable energy usage: Nations that prioritize solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power over fossil fuels rank higher for sustainability.
• Waste management and recycling: Efficient systems that reduce landfill use, promote circular economies, and prevent environmental harm are key indicators.
• Biodiversity conservation: Protecting forests, marine life, and natural habitats ensures long-term ecological balance and food security.

Global indexes used

• Environmental Performance Index (EPI): Measures sustainability through air and water quality, habitat conservation, agriculture, and climate change mitigation.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Countries are evaluated on their progress toward goals like clean water, renewable energy, and climate action.
• Green Future Index: Assesses how well countries have transitioned to green energy, reduced emissions, and invested in eco-innovation.
• Global Passport Index’ Quality of Life Index: This index includes a Sustainable Development component, offering insight into countries that not only protect the environment but also provide high standards of living.

Why is relocating to a sustainable country beneficial?

Choosing one of the most sustainable countries isn’t just an ethical decision as it usually improves day-to-day life, financial resilience, and long-term wellbeing. Here’s how that translates into real benefits for residents and expats:

• Healthier living (clean air and water): Strong environmental policies shows up in the basics you feel every day: safer drinking water, lower particulate pollution, less noise, and more urban green space. That means fewer respiratory issues, more time outdoors, and better quality of life for families.
• Lower, steadier household costs: High-efficiency buildings, reliable public transport, and abundant renewable energy cushion households from fuel-price spikes. Walking, cycling, and transit reduce car dependence, while smart meters and insulation incentives keep utility bills predictable.
• Everyday convenience built in: Mature waste and recycling systems, deposit-return schemes, and compost pickup make “green living” effortless. You don’t have to fight the system to live sustainably since the infrastructure is already set up to help you do it.
• Climate resilience you can count on: From flood defenses and heat-action plans to wildfire management and water reuse, climate adaptation reduces disruption to work, school, and travel. Resilient infrastructure also protects property and community services as weather extremes increase.
• Stable policy and investor confidence: Countries that score well on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and make progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) tend to have clear, long-term rules. Predictability supports careers, entrepreneurship, and access to green finance (for example, sustainability-linked loans and bonds).
• Career opportunities in growth sectors: Clean-tech clusters such as renewable energy, grid modernization, battery storage, circular manufacturing and green building, all create high-skill jobs and present export potential. Professionals in engineering, data, compliance/ESG, and construction benefit from this expanding demand.
• Better outcomes for kids and families: Safe streets, parks, and active travel routes encourage healthy habits. Schools increasingly teach sustainability and climate literacy, and public services (healthcare, transit, libraries) are well-funded and widely accessible.
• Future-proof real estate: Efficient homes (with good EPC/energy labels), heat-pump adoption, and grants for retrofitting can raise asset value, cut running costs, and improve comfort. In many places, buyers and renters now prioritize energy performance alongside location.
• Lifestyle aligned with your values: Farmers’ markets, short supply chains, eco-tourism, and community energy projects make it easy to live lighter and more sustainably without having to sacrifice convenience or culture.
• Mobility and long-term options for expats: Several sustainability leaders are located in Europe. Legal residency on this continent opens up access to travel within the Schengen area and, over time, pathways to permanent residence or citizenship (via standard routes or residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs). That gives expat families both lifestyle and strategic flexibility.