For many expatriates, salary and jobs matter, but the environment you wake up to each day can matter just as much. Clean air, access to nature, pleasant weather, green cities, and sustainability policies often shape long-term happiness abroad.
That is why the Environment & Climate category in the InterNations Expat Insider rankings has become increasingly important in 2026.
This part of the survey measures how expats rate their host country’s natural environment, urban environment, air quality, climate and weather, green products and services, and environmental protection policies.
Top 10 Countries for Environment and Climate for Expats
These factors often influence health, stress levels, outdoor lifestyle, and overall quality of life. Here are the top 10 countries in the world for environment and climate for expats in 2026.
1. Sweden
Sweden takes first place among this group thanks to its clean cities, abundant forests, lakes, and progressive environmental standards. Expats often praise Sweden’s fresh air, organised urban planning, and access to nature, even near major cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
Sustainability is deeply built into Swedish life, from recycling systems to public transport and renewable energy use. Summers are mild and enjoyable, while winters can be dark and cold. For many expats, however, the balance of nature and modern living is hard to beat.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland ranks second with its stunning alpine scenery, clean air, and excellent environmental management. Lakes, mountains, hiking trails, and efficient cities make it one of the most visually attractive places in Europe.
Cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne combine urban convenience with quick access to countryside escapes. Expats also appreciate reliable transport and strong environmental regulations. While living costs are high, the natural surroundings and daily cleanliness are major advantages.
3. Austria
Austria comes third and is especially admired for combining elegant cities with mountain landscapes. Vienna offers green spaces, clean streets, and high urban standards, while Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz provide beautiful surroundings with easy outdoor access.
Austria performs strongly in the wider InterNations quality-of-life rankings, supported by scenery and liveability. Expats who enjoy skiing, hiking, lakes, and organised cities often find Austria highly rewarding.
4. Portugal
Portugal ranks fourth thanks to its sunny climate, Atlantic coastline, and laid-back outdoor lifestyle. Expats are drawn to Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and the Algarve for weather, beaches, and year-round outdoor living.
Portugal’s mild winters are a major attraction compared with much of Europe. Rising temperatures in summer can be intense inland, but coastal breezes help moderate many areas. For digital nomads and retirees especially, Portugal remains a lifestyle favourite.
5. Australia
Australia places fifth with its sunshine, beaches, outdoor culture, and huge natural diversity. From Sydney Harbour and Melbourne parks to Queensland reefs and Tasmania’s wilderness, the country offers exceptional environmental variety.
Many expats value the active lifestyle and cleaner air compared with crowded megacities elsewhere. However, heatwaves, bushfires, and long travel distances can be drawbacks. Still, for those wanting nature and modern infrastructure together, Australia scores highly.
6. Finland
Finland ranks sixth and is one of the world’s most nature-rich countries. Forests cover much of the country, lakes are everywhere, and air quality is excellent. Helsinki combines urban convenience with easy access to coastlines and green spaces.
Finnish summers are beautiful and full of daylight, while winters are long and cold. Yet many expats appreciate the calm lifestyle, environmental awareness, and connection to nature that Finland offers.
7. Spain
Spain ranks seventh overall and performs strongly in InterNations quality-of-life surveys, where expats especially love its weather. Spain was noted as ranking first for climate and weather among broader quality-of-life factors.
From Mediterranean beaches to mountain regions and island life, Spain offers a tremendous variety. Cities such as Valencia, Malaga, Barcelona, and Seville attract expats seeking sunshine and outdoor social living. Heatwaves can be a growing issue in summer, but lifestyle appeal remains huge.
8. Panama
Panama takes eighth place and is one of the more underrated environmental choices for expats. InterNations noted that 99% of respondents rated Panama’s natural environment positively, with strong marks for air quality and pleasant climate.
The country combines tropical beaches, rainforests, mountains, and modern city life in Panama City. Humidity can be high, but many expats enjoy the greenery and year-round warmth.
9. Luxembourg
Luxembourg ranks ninth with clean towns, orderly planning, and easy access to forests and countryside. Though small in size, it offers a calm atmosphere, low congestion in many areas, and quick travel into neighbouring France, Germany, and Belgium.
Expats working in finance or EU institutions often appreciate that even a busy professional life can still include access to green spaces and quality surroundings.
10. Norway
Norway completes the top ten and is famous for fjords, mountains, forests, and dramatic natural beauty. Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim offer modern living with nature always close by.
Air quality is strong, sustainability awareness is high, and outdoor recreation is central to the culture. Winters are dark, and expensive living costs can be a challenge, but for scenery lovers, Norway is world-class.
Why These Countries Rank Highly
Several common themes explain their popularity among expats:
- Clean air and low pollution
- Access to beaches, mountains, forests, or lakes
- Pleasant or manageable climates
- Green urban planning
- Strong recycling and sustainability systems
- Outdoor lifestyle opportunities
- High-quality public spaces
For many people abroad, these things can improve daily happiness more than income alone.
Bottom Line
The best countries for environment and climate in 2026 show that expats increasingly value wellness, nature, and sustainability. Sweden and Switzerland stand out for cleanliness and scenery, while Portugal, Spain, and Australia shine through with weather and outdoor lifestyle.
Meanwhile, Finland, Norway, and Austria offer exceptional landscapes with strong public standards. If your ideal expat life includes fresh air, natural beauty, and a better daily atmosphere, these ten countries deserve serious attention.
Top Countries for Environment and Climate FAQs
Among the countries listed, Sweden ranks highest thanks to clean air, sustainability, and excellent access to nature.
Spain and Portugal are often top choices for warm weather, sunshine, and an outdoor lifestyle. Spain was ranked first for climate and weather in broader InterNations quality-of-life findings.
Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Austria, and Sweden are outstanding options for expats who prioritise mountains, forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation.
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