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The 10 countries with the best air and water quality worldwide

Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental problem that directly affects people’s quality of life.

Access to clean water is also fundamental to human well-being and health. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has examined how both factors fare in its member states.

In its “Better Life Index” environmental report, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) examined which of its member states have the best air and water quality. Two factors were taken into account for this: the concentration of particulate matter in the air and the satisfaction of the population with the water quality in their country. In addition to the 37 member states, the three partner countries Brazil, Russia and South Africa were also included in the evaluation.

The ranking of countries with the best air and water quality

Iceland came first in the ranking. According to data from the OECD, 99 percent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with the quality of their water. In addition, exposure to PM2.5 particulate matter in Iceland is just 3.0 micrograms per cubic meter – the lowest level among OECD countries and well below the World Health Organization’s annual limit of 10 micrograms per cubic metre. The average level of exposure to PM2.5 particulate matter in OECD countries is 13.9 micrograms per cubic metre.

Norway and Sweden ranked second and third, followed by Finland and Australia. Germany does not appear in the top ten and comes in 14th place. According to the OECD, pollution with PM2.5 fine dust in Germany is 14.0 micrograms per cubic meter and thus corresponds almost exactly to the average of all OECD countries. 91 percent of those surveyed rated the water quality in Germany as satisfactory.

Bottom of the ranking are South Korea, Russia and South Africa. In all countries, population satisfaction with drinking water leaves a lot to be desired; in South Korea, pollution with particulate matter is also particularly high.

The 10 countries with the best air and water quality according to the OECD:

  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Ireland
  • Estonia

The 37 member states of the OECD in alphabetical order:

  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Chile
  • Denmark
  • Germany
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Iceland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Canada
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Austria
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • South Korea
  • Czech Republic
  • Turkey
  • Hungary
  • USA
  • United Kingdom
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