One of the most pressing problems facing humanity is environmental pollution. However, in a number of countries, environmental issues are taken very seriously, thanks to which untouched natural landscapes, clean air and water have been preserved there. As a rule, the average life expectancy of citizens of such countries is quite high. Which states can be considered the cleanest?
The most environmentally friendly countries in Europe
Switzerland is in the first place for a number of indicators characterizing the ecological well-being of the state. This small country located in the center of Europe is famous for its clean air, magnificent alpine meadows, and its mountain landscapes are simply amazing. Switzerland is a highly developed country, one of the most prosperous economically. At the same time, it pays great attention to environmental protection.
Sweden rightfully claims to be one of the cleanest countries. This northern state occupies most of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The nature of Sweden is very diverse, there are many rivers and lakes, coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests. Its coastline is replete with quaint narrow bays ("skerries"). With a very large territory, Sweden has a relatively small population - less than 10 million people. Therefore, the burden on the environment is insignificant. And the environmental legislation is very strict.
Although the industry in Sweden is at a very high level, the ecology of this country is one of the most prosperous in the world.
Also a very clean country is Sweden's neighbor Norway. Most of it is occupied by rather high mountains, the coastline is indented by fjords - long, narrow and deep bays. Therefore, Norway is often unofficially called the "land of fjords". There are many turbulent mountain rivers and waterfalls in it. The nature of Norway is rather harsh, but it has its own unique charm.
Good ecology in Croatia - a state in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. Its coastline, stretching along the Adriatic Sea, is replete with islands, rocky beaches with crystal clear waters and coniferous forests.
Cleanest countries outside of Europe
A country with an exceptionally favorable ecology is New Zealand - an island state in the Southern Hemisphere. Beautiful mountain landscapes, meadows, lakes - all this, combined with very strict environmental laws, has earned New Zealand a well-deserved fame.
True, the ecology of this country is threatened from time to time by increased volcanic and seismic activity.
On the American continent, Costa Rica, a small state in Central America washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is a very safe country in an ecological sense.
