FX.co ★ Top 10 environmentally friendly countries

Iceland

Iceland has the cleanest air and is considered the most environmentally friendly country on the planet. Dominated by strong winds, Iceland’s maritime climate is moderately cool, humid and alternating.

Finland

The second in Greenpeace/AirVisual rating is Finland. The country belongs to a number of states with the most favorable ecological conditions. Some major environmental issues in Finland are soil acidulation and atmospheric warming caused by exposure of various fuels. These problems have been recognized at an international level. Finland’s authorities are trying to resolve the issue along with other EU countries.

Australia

Australia is the third on the list of most environmentally friendly countries. However, the green continent has limited access to clean water. Australia has introduced legal water restrictions which consist of several levels, each having its own prohibitions. For example, car wash with the use of a hose, filling of swimming pools, and asphalt and lawn watering are forbidden from 10 am till 4 pm.

Estonia

Estonia is ranked fourth on the list. The country is located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga. Estonia’s favorable environmental conditions are the result of close proximity to the sea.

Sweden

Sweden is the fifth environmentally friendly country. The Swedish Parliament together with the Government has approved 16 environmental goals to be achieved by 2020. Among them there are reduction of the negative impact on climate, air purification, marine environment improvement, biodiversity preservation, etc.

Norway

The sixth place among the countries with the cleanest air goes to Norway. Norwegian authorities are doing their best to protect the environment. The country uses less than 20% of its wood. Norwegian authorities make good profit while importing wood materials from other countries and exporting already manufactured goods. That way they are trying to preserve the country's natural resources.

New Zealand

New Zealand, a country of preserved forests, picturesque hills, and crystal clear mountain rivers and lakes, is ranked seventh on the list. Country's numerous natural resources are carefully protected by the government.

Canada

Canada is the seventh environmentally friendly country and the first ever country to sign the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1986. In many respects, the country’s high life expectancy level stems from ecological situation and solid personal income. The number and space of national parks and other territories protected by the state are increasing every year.

United States

The US is ranked ninth on Greenpeace/AirVisual list. The country is among the leaders in auto, ship, machinery, and pharmaceutical industries as well as food, chemical, mining, electronics, and others. According to experts, it causes serious damage to the environment. However, the state is among the ten most eco-friendly countries.

Portugal

Portugal is closing the list of the countries with the cleanest air. It is an industrial-agrarian country with thriving traditional industries such as textile and sewing. In Portugal, special attention is paid to winemaking, and production of olive oil and canned fish.