Countries with Concerning Air Quality
Reports like the World Air Quality Report keep track of how countries are ranked according to annual average concentration of Particulate Matter 2.5 (or simply PM2.5) in the air. This fine particulate matter is invisible to the eye but not to the body, since it can lead to lung and heart diseases and also to high blood pressure, asthma risk and even to other health problems such as anxiety and depression. Other lists, like the one from The Air We Breathe rakingalso take the level of CO₂, greenhouse and methane emissions into account.
When we gather information from these diverse sources, it is easy to see a few things in common: Europe, the Caribbean and Oceania hold most of the countries with the cleanest air while Asia falls to the bottom of the rank. If you live in a place like China, India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, you know what we are talking about, and this is most likely one of the contributing factors to the great exodus of high-net-worth individuals in the region. For those who are from the U.S. or are currently residing in the country, it is important to be aware that this is the second nation in the global list of the highest polluters of CO₂ emissions.
You probably realize how bad poor air quality is for your health and quality of life, and maybe that is what brought here to this article in the first place. Thankfully there are quite a few countries with best air quality than the one you are used to as you will be able see below.
List of Countries with Some of the Best Air in the World
As we are compiling information from different reports and rankings, the following list is not presented in a particular order. Rather, we aim to show a broader array of places where you could breathe a cleaner air, whether because they have lower emissions of pollutants, or because they have safer levels of PM2.5 or even because they make enough efforts to safekeep natural resources like forests and to mitigate the effects of the pollution they generate.
Either way, they are great alternatives, especially when compared to many countries that are falling short on efforts to keep the air clean and healthy.
Iceland
Iceland is the European country with the least amount of PM2.5 in the air according to the World Air Quality Report and ranks 4th in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), which takes the quality of air into account.
The country is also known for its unique and stunning natural landscapes, with massive glaciers, beautiful waterfalls and geothermal pools as well as for being a leader in renewable energy. Iceland is no stranger to the top, as it is also considered the safest country in the world.
Portugal
Portugal is the 7th country in Europe with the cleanest air on the World Air Quality Report and is among the top 30 of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Places like Lamas d' Olo, a village in Vila Real and Faro, the capital city of the Algarve region, seat comfortably within the World Health Organization standards.
Other than that, Portugal is also a country that boasts quality of life, with a more slow-paced lifestyle that gives residents the opportunity to best enjoy its great scenarios and natural beauty.
Greece
Historic Greece is 11th in the EPI and although the air quality in the country will vary from region to region, the town of Agios Markos, on Corfu Island, has the 7th least polluted air in Europe.
Other than that, the Mediterranean lifestyle is largely known for being the basis for a great quality of life and to help citizens and residents boast healthier habits on a daily basis. For all that, Greece is arising as a top destination for many Asians, including Hongkongers, who aim not only a better air quality, but also more stable countries that offer greater financial freedom.
Spain
Spain is another country within the top 20 of the EPI ranking, with the city of El Grao de Castellón being featured as the 10th best in Europe according to the World Air Quality Report.
On other quality of life and health markers, Spain also does very well, being one of the best countries in regard to work-life balance, for example. The country also ranks 14th out of 193 UN Member States in the Sustainable Development Report 2024.
Malta
The beautiful island of Malta is another one of the top 20 of the Air Quality indicator of the EPI and 39th out of 180 countries in the Anthropogenic PM2.5 exposure.
For residents, Malta also offers a rich history with its capital, Valletta, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a lot of natural beauty with mesmerizing beaches and diving spots. The country is also one of the easiest to move to.
Grenada
The Caribbean Island of Grenada ranks 4th at World Air Quality Report and 1st in the Anthropogenic PM2.5 exposure indicator of the EPI. The country has also demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability with targeted initiatives such as The National Sustainable Development Plan 2020-2035. This document outlines the country's vision of sustainable economic, social, and environmental progress.
Also known as the “Spice Island”, Grenada has a strong condiments production, which makes the air of the nation smells aromatic.
St. Lucia
Also, in the Caribbean and tied in 1st in the Anthropogenic PM2.5 exposure indicator of the Environmental Performance Index, St. Lucia is another island where you can have paradise both on earth and on air.
The country also has a long-standing trust agreement that, since 1975, seeks to protect nature reserves, environmental protection zones as well as historic sites of the nation.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda stand at the solid 23rd position on EPI’s PM2.5 exposure indicator, meaning you can enjoy its 365 beaches knowing you will be breathing a good quality air.
The country has also made significant strides in sustainability, implementing various initiatives across environmental conservation, renewable energy, and green tourism.
New Zealand
It not uncommon to see New Zealand in lists of countries that are less polluted or most sustainable. In fact, the nation has a track record of being a great natural reserve with well-preserved breathtaking landscapes.
New Zealand also aims at achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions and to double renewable energy by 2050.
Australia
The South Pacific is building a good case on air quality, with Australia also being featured in the Top 10 countries with the least amount of pollution in the air, according to the World Air Quality Report.
Australia ranked 20th globally on the Environmental Performance Index and has comprehensive strategies to become a renewable energy leader.
Which Countries with Best Air Quality Are Easier to Move Into?
Moving to countries with cleanest air than you probably find where you are currently living may not be just a matter of desire, but also a health-driven decision. However, not all countries featured in the top positions of the best air quality lists have a straightforward pathway for relocation.
Fortunately, some of the presented above will have Residency or Citizenship by Investment programs that will make the move a much easier and more feasible task. This is the case for Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta and the featured Caribbean Islands. Each of them has a different visa by investment program, which means that choosing the best one will not be only about the air quality but also a matter of other goals.
Either way, this is not a decision you need to make along, as you can count on specialized advice before reaching a final conclusion.
-
Hungary Golden Visa Through Real Estate Purchase Ending: What You Need to Know
Hungary has become the latest European country to announce the termination of its real estate investment option under the Guest...
