At Remitly we recognize the appeal of moving to eco-friendly regions—countries that prioritize ecological sustainability in their national policies, public services, and even cultural practices can be much more pleasant places to live.
Reducing pollution, preserving biodiversity, encouraging sustainable agriculture, utilizing renewable energy, and promoting eco-conscious behavior not only improves the lives of people now, but makes any country a more enticing prospect for the longer term too. So here’s a look at six of the most environmentally friendly countries you can move to.
Importance of environmental sustainability for relocators
If you’re considering relocation, environmental sustainability could well be high on your list of priorities. Clean air and water, green spaces, and eco-friendly infrastructure will all play a role in improving your quality of life once you’ve made the move. Or it may just be that relocating to a green country aligns with your personal values.
So what makes your potential new homes green? There are plenty of environmental metrics that determine the greenest countries, which should help you decide which may be the place for you.
Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
Environmental Performance Index is a measuring system created by the World Economic Forum, and Yale and Columbia Universities. It covers air quality, water resources, climate change, and ecosystem vitality.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Countries that come up with legislation and policies that align with the Paris Agreement are likely to get higher scores when it comes to being eco-friendly. It’s a legally binding accord that provides each signatory country with their own climate action plans in the fight to limit, and then reduce, global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable practices
Sustainable practices include initiatives like modern and extensive public transportation to get cars off roads, enforcing eco-friendly building practices, and encouraging low-impact agricultural methods. Government incentives that encourage green living—like subsidies and tax breaks for installing solar panels, for example—also play a role.
Top six greenest countries in the world
These sound great in principle. But which countries are actually walking the walk, and not just making the right noises about environmentalism? Here’s six of the best.
Switzerland
Switzerland is known for having pristine landscapes with natural forests still covering large tracts of its different regions. The country also has a range of wildlife including hundreds of bird species. Switzerland didn’t achieve this by chance; it actively legislates to ensure environmental sustainability.
It’s among the leading countries when it comes to hydroelectric power use. This approach ensures that industries use clean energy and the amount of carbon emission is kept at a bare minimum. Widespread use of electric vehicles and the nation’s well-developed network of cycle paths means sustainable transport plays a big part in the country’s green credentials.
It’s an expensive choice for immigrants, but many of Switzerland’s cantons have a minimum wage, which makes it a bit easier even for people on lower incomes to develop more sustainable habits. If you move to Switzerland, you’ll enjoy fresh air and natural beauty, and you can play your own part in being green by getting involved in Earth Day activities.
Sweden
Sweden makes it to this list thanks to its far-reaching policies that ensure environmental sustainability. For starters, it’s big on waste-to-energy innovation.
That means it comes up with ways to turn waste into clean energy as a solution to keeping the country clean. This also provides affordable energy for Swedes; the country generates almost 70% of its electricity from renewable sources, and it’s going for 100% by 2030.
Denmark
Denmark ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for things like fresh air, clean water, green spaces, effective waste management, sustainable transport systems, and overall high quality of life.
The country is quite conscious climate change issues and geared toward environmental conservation; it’s a world leader in wind power generation, for example, which ensures that residents and industries have access to clean energy. Like its neighbor Sweden, Denmark is also aiming for 100% renewables in the longer term.
This green attitude is something the Danes have taken to heart; one thing you’ll notice immediately when you get into the country is the cycling culture. Going to work, to the movies, or even shopping, huge numbers of people ride bicycles in Denmark’s cities. This helps keep carbon emissions in check.
Finland
If you’re not much of a city person and love living in areas with forests and nature reserves, Finland might just be the best option for you to move to. The country has vast forest cover in different regions which help maintain air quality. Its nature reserves are home to a wide variety of plants and animal species.
Finland has a dedicated focus on circular economy and green tech innovation, so if being green matters to you, you’ll fit right in. Like Sweden, Finland also supplements its energy reserves through solar power generation.
Norway
Norway is another country that’s definitely taking a lead role in producing green energy. Its large-scale use of hydropower—in fact, it generates 96% of its electricity that way—makes it one of the countries with the smallest carbon footprint in the world. It’s also one of the countries that have most enthusiastically embraced the use of electric vehicles.
Another impressive thing about Norway is that it has laws and policies in place to help with marine conservation, and is trying to show the world the way when it comes to preserving biodiversity in our over-fished oceans.
Germany
Germany is another European country with strong environmental regulations; many cities, for example, require your car to have an environmental badge before you can drive in. So it’s no surprise that Germany also prides itself in the manufacture and use of electric vehicles.
It’s known for its strictly enforced recycling practices which help keep the country clean while also putting at least 70% of would-be waste to good use. And the country has wind power generation plants in different regions. In fact, Germany is actually ahead of its targets for onshore wind generation. So if you’re looking for a green lifestyle, Germany could be a good choice.
Three countries with emerging sustainable practices
In case none of the countries above tickle your fancy in terms of where to relocate, you can rest assured that there are alternatives following their examples.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a Central American country that has emerged as a leader in environmental sustainability. A majority of its energy comes from renewable energy sources.
It has strong policies to boost rainforest conservation, too, geared toward protecting animal and plant species in different regions. Another way Costa Rica looks out for its natural beauty is through ecotourism; with 26 national parks, the country promotes conservation strongly, helping visitors and locals alike learn the importance of conserving the environment.
New Zealand
It’s no wonder New Zealand is such a popular target destination for immigrants. People love the malls and green parks in its cities, ideal spots to go and relax. But it’s perhaps best-known for its absolutely stunning landscapes, from mountains to forests and beaches.
But there’s more to the country than its aesthetic beauty and renowned cuisine. It has an ambitious zero carbon legislation in place to manage its carbon emissions, and in general Kiwis are quite passionate about conserving the environment.
Recycling waste, embracing the use of electric vehicles, cycling, and protection of vast natural parks are among some of the reasons that the country enjoys clean air and water, and attracts large numbers of tourists looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the most attractive countries for immigrants. It has a stable political environment, modern infrastructure, good healthcare system, a wide range of culturally different cities, and a diverse mix of people.
But those are not the only things that make it a top destination. Its commitment to environmental sustainability also makes it stand out. Like Germany, the UK has achieved a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels, which ultimately promotes clean energy alternatives. It’s a leader in offshore wind energy production, for example—the second highest in the world, in fact.
The UK government actively provides incentives to encourage people to embrace green living. This is evident in the fast-developing infrastructure for electric vehicles in the UK, financial incentives for the installation of solar panels, and strongly enforced recycling initiaties.
If you decide to settle in the UK, consider these apps to sharpen your English language skills.
What we can learn from the greenest countries
The world’s greenest countries have shown us that, if governments lead the way, most citizens will follow enthusiastically. Getting the sustainability message across to people at a young age helps, so education obviously plays a big part. Technological innovation, too.
By relocating to a green country, you’ll enjoy a clean environment, good air quality, germ-free water, and sustainable energy. You can even consider doing your bit by investing in green energy or other sustainable businesses. The countries we’ve highlighted are some of the best examples of destinations that offer these benefits.
FAQs
Which country has the best environment to live in?
Switzerland is considered one of the best countries in terms of environmental sustainability. It’s closely followed by sustainable countries like Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Germany.
What is the least eco-friendly country in the world?
The Central African Republic is considered the least environmentally sustainable country in the world. It has a CPI score of 2.0 which is the lowest of any country. Other countries with poor scores include Papua New Guinea, Eritrea, and South Sudan.
What makes a country environmentally friendly?
A country is considered to be environmentally friendly if it prioritizes ecological sustainability. This can be evident in its national policies, public service, and even cultural practices.