Top eco-friendly countries in World

To mark Earth Day (April 22), we've mapped the world according to each country's eco-credentials, as outlined in the 2016 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Produced by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy, the annual ranking is based on an assessment of the policies of 180 nations, reflecting whether they meeting internationally established environmental targets or, in the absence of agreed targets, how they compare to one another.

Top of the eco-chart is Finland. According to the 2016 EPI report, Finland’s ranking "stems from its societal commitment to achieve a carbon-neutral society". It adds: "Finland’s goal of consuming 38 per cent of their final energy from renewable sources by 2020 is legally binding, and they already produce nearly two-thirds of their electricity from renewable or nuclear power sources."

Iceland is another shining light

Following close behind are Iceland, Sweden and Denmark, three countries renowned for their sound environmental policies. More surprising, perhaps, is the presence of Slovenia, Spain, Portugal and Malta in the top 10. One might also expect Germany do to be doing more to replicate its green policies; it ranks well below France, Denmark, Switzerland and Austria in 30th place. 

The 20 most environmentally-friendly countries

1. Finland - EPI rating: 90.68
2. Iceland - 90.51
3. Sweden - 90.43
4. Denmark - 89.21
5. Slovenia - 88.98
6. Spain - 88.91
7. Portugal - 88.63
8. Estonia - 88.59
9. Malta - 88.48
10. France - 88.2
11. New Zealand - 88
12. United Kingdom - 87.38
13. Australia - 87.22
14. Singapore - 87.04
15. Croatia - 86.98
16. Switzerland - 86.93
17. Norway - 86.9
18. Austria - 86.64
19. Ireland - 86.6
20. Luxembourg - 86.58

The UK places 12th, with an EPI score of 87.38. The USE is 26th, with 84.26. Bosnia and Herzogovina has the worst rating of any European country, placing 120th with a score of 63.28 – below the likes of Iraq, Syria, Libya and China.