5 Cleanest Countries in Europe

In this article, we will look at the 5 cleanest countries in Europe. If you want to read our detailed analysis of Europe’s environmental performance and economic outlook, you can directly go to the 15 Cleanest Countries in Europe.

5. Luxembourg

Average Wastewater Treatment Level: 78

Average Mismanaged Solid Waste: 95.94

Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (μg/m³): 7.4

Average Ranking: 12.3

Luxembourg ranks 5th on our list, with an average ranking of 12.3 and an air quality index of 7.4 μg/m³. It is mostly a rural country with forests and natural parks towards the north. It is also one of the smallest countries in the world.

4. Denmark

Average Wastewater Treatment Level: 78

Average Mismanaged Solid Waste: 95.94

Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (μg/m³): 8.6

Average Ranking: 11

Denmark is also a Scandinavian country situated in Northern Europe. The country is characterized by its long coastline. It is the 4th cleanest country in Europe, with an air quality index of 8.6μg/m³ and a developed solid and water waste management system.

3. Sweden

Average Wastewater Treatment Level: 78

Average Mismanaged Solid Waste: 95.94

Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (μg/m³): 6.2

Average Ranking: 7

Sweden ranks in the top 3 of our list with an average rating of 7 and air quality index of 6.2μg/m³. Sweden is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe with many coastal islands and glacier mountains. Sweden ranks 1st in the wastewater treatment level and has a developed solid waste management system.

2. Finland

Average Wastewater Treatment Level: 78

Average Mismanaged Solid Waste: 95.94

Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (μg/m³): 5

Average Ranking: 7

Finland is a Northern European country bordering Norway and Russia. It ranks as the 2nd cleanest country in Europe with an average ranking of 7 and air quality index of 5μg/m³. It is one of the world’s most northern and geographically remote countries.

1. Estonia

Average Wastewater Treatment Level: 42.75

Average Mismanaged Solid Waste: 67.92

Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (μg/m³): 4.9

Average Ranking: 6.3 

Estonia ranks at the top of our list of the 15 cleanest countries in Europe. It has an average rank of 6.3 and an air quality index of 4.9μg/m³. It is a northeastern European country with lots of islands and islets.  

You can also look at the 15 Friendliest Countries in Europe and the 20 Most Educated Countries in Africa.