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What is the EPI? -

The Environmental Performance Index, or EPI, is a study of 180 countries carried out jointly by departments at Yale University and Colombia University. The EPI team compiles data concerning 32 "performance indicators" that reflect each studied nation's success and progress in fields such as renewable energy and emissions control.

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South Korea -

South Korea is the 28th greenest country, according to the EPI. While there is still much work to be done in the areas of wildlife protection and CO2 control, South Korea received high marks for the diminishment of other chemical emissions and received a perfect score in the area of water sanitation.

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Portugal -

While certain areas have caused Portugal's EPI ranking of 27th to not be particularly impressive, such as its water treatment and conservation of its fishing stock, the nation has taken great strides to reduce its CO2 emissions and has been recognized by the EU as a country moving swiftly towards a greener future.

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Slovakia -

Slovakia, neighboring the Czech Republic in Eastern Europe, ranks 26th on the EPI with a score of 68.3. Slovakia ranks below the European Union average in most areas regarding environmentalism, but robust and strategic plans are being rolled out to change that.

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Greece -

Greece is a world leader in water treatment and the quality of its drinking water, and is also a top ranker in the protection of its terrestrial biomes, giving the Mediterranean nation a score of 69.1, putting it in 25th place.

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USA -

Despite being the world's second-largest polluter, second only to China, the United States has managed to earn itself the 24th place on the EPI scale, with a score of 69.3. Their pollution rates, which leave much to be desired, are balanced out by their successful work protecting marine ecosystems and commitments to reducing the production of nitrogen and sulfur.

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Malta -

The Mediterranean island nation of Malta ranks 23rd on the EPI scale with a total score of 70.7. While its scores in emissions and air quality aren't particularly impressive, Malta's impeccable work protecting its trees and grasslands have earned them a first place ranking in both categories.

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Canada -

Canada is thought by many around the world to be home to some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth. The North American nation did receive a perfect score of 100 in the emissions category, meaning they're cutting emissions by at least 3.94% annually, earning them their place as the 20th greenest country according to the EPI, although that distinction is shared.

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Czech Republic -

The Czech Republic is tied with Canada as the 20th greenest country on the EPI scale, along with Italy as well. All three countries have a total score of 71. The Czech Republic, like Canada, received perfect emissions scores.

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Italy -

Tied for 20th, along with Canada and the Czech Republic, is Italy. Unlike the other two countries, Italy's emissions score leaves much to be desired, scoring a 49 out of 100. Where Italy excels, compared to many other nations, is in its commitment to preserving its biodiversity.

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New Zealand -

New Zealand is the 19th greenest country on earth, according to the Environmental Performance Index. It scored 71.3 on the EPI scale.

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Slovenia -

The Baltic state of Slovenia was the first nation to be declared an official Green Destination, a certification usually reserved only for specific areas and even businesses within a country. It scored a 72 on the EPI scale, making it the 18th greenest country in the world.

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Iceland -

The country of Iceland has long been a leading figure in the fight for more ecologically responsible policies. It has already put in place renewable energy infrastructure that harnesses the island's abundant geothermal energy. Policies like this have earned Iceland the 17th place on the EPI scale, with a score of 72.3.

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Ireland -

The Green Isle ranks 16th on the EPI scale with a score of 72.8. Although Ireland excels in the quality of its drinking water, further policies are being implemented to push the country in a greener direction.

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Belgium -

The idyllic European nation of Belgium ranks 15th on the EPI scale. While there is still much work to be done in the fields of water quality and ecosystem protection, Belgium is a leading country in reducing methane emissions.

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Spain -

Spain has an EPI score of 75.3, making in the 14th greenest nation on earth. Spain also holds the distinction of having one of the most forested cities in Europe; Barcelona boasts just shy of 161,500 trees belonging to 150 different species within its city limits.

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Australia -

Australia, the largest country in Oceania, ranks 13th on the EPI scale. The Australian government has for years been very vocal regarding their commitment to working towards a greener future.

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Japan -

Japan, the only country in Asia in the top 15, has an EPI score of 75.1 and the rank of 12th. While still working on its pollution and CO2 emissions, the highly populated island nation does very well in protecting the vitality of its national biomes.

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The Netherlands -

The Netherlands, with a score of 75.3 and a rank of 11th, has made great strides in the areas of water treatment and quality, and is reducing overall emissions by a rate of more than 4% annually.

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Germany -

Germany, one of the most populous and industrially active countries in Europe, comes in at 10th place on the EPI scale with a score of 77.2. While specific scores in areas like air quality leave much to be desired, Germany, which is one third woodlands, is a world leader in ecosystem vitality.

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Norway -

Coming in at ninth place is yet another European nation: Norway. The country has put measures in place to become 100% carbon-neutral by 2030, so their ranking is only expected to rise in the coming years.

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Sweden -

Sweden has an EPI score of 78.7. While there is room for improvement in a number of areas, Sweden is a world leader in the transition away from fossil fuels, producing a great majority of its energy from renewable resources.

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Finland -

The Northern European country of Finland has placed seventh on the EPI with a score of 78.9. While Finland has taken incredible strides in switching to renewable energy and ensuring the quality and sanitation of its water infrastructure, the nation still has much room for improvement regarding the protection of its wild ecosystems.

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Austria -

Austria has worked hard in recent years to earn its place as the sixth greenest country in the world, according to the EPI, with a score of 79.6. Numerous Austrian policies have been passed to reduce deforestation and restrict the use of  pesticides in the country's agriculture sector.

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France -

In fifth place comes France, with an overall EPI score of 80. While there is still room for improvement in areas like waste management and wildlife revitalization, France does excel in water sanitation and emissions control.

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United Kingdom -

The United Kingdom comes in fourth place on the EPI scale with a score of 81.2. The UK has taken great strides to reduce its CO2 emissions and has built thousands of wind turbines in an effort to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and move towards more sustainable energy practices.

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Switzerland -

The beautiful, mountainous nation of Switzerland comes in third place, with a total score of 81.5. Switzerland excels in species protection and waste management, two categories in which Switzerland scored 100/100.

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Luxembourg -

Luxembourg, the small nation nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany, was awarded second place in the measurement of the EPI. At 82.3, it is just a few marks behind the country in first place.

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Denmark -

Coming in first place overall with a total score of 82.5, and also championing a number of specific categories, including scored of 100/100 in water sanitation and marine ecosystem protection, is the idyllic Northern European nation of Denmark.

Sources: (Environmental Performance Index) (Conserve Energy Future) (European Commission)

See also: Sustainable travel destinations around the world

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