Cleanliness means different things to different people. When we talk about a clean city, it doesn’t have to be so pristine you could eat off the sidewalks.
Instead, it should be free of trash, have clean water, and enjoy good air quality.
The key is tackling issues like waste management, eco-friendly transportation, preventing litter, and enforcing good policies.
So, which city takes the top spot for cleanliness in the world?
19. Seattle
Seattle’s got it all: stunning natural beauty and a booming tech scene. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, this place is a feast for the eyes.
Think lush green spaces, sparkling waterways, and mountain views thatโll knock your socks off. And yeah, it’s home to some of the biggest names in tech.
- Total area: 217 kmยฒ
- Country: USA
- Population: 749,256
Known as the Emerald City, Seattle shines bright for more reasons than one. Not only does it have that killer scenery and tech buzz, but itโs also one of the cleanest cities in the country according to Forbes list.
The city keeps things spick and span with top-notch infrastructure, an amazing waste management system, and big investments in public transportation. Plus, the iconic Space Needle provides an unparalleled view of the city’s breathtaking landscape.
18. Trondheim
Trondheim’s a gem when it comes to cleanliness and fresh air. Nestled in Norway, this city boasts some of the best air quality you’ll find anywhere.
Trondheim’s got its clean-air game on point, with super low PM2.5 levels at just 4.77 ยตg/m3 per year as per IQAIR.com.
How do they do it?
Well, theyโve got these cool road-cleaning machines that keep the streets spotless and the innovative Energy-Smart Nidaros Cathedral, which churns out clean, green energy. All this keeps Trondheim looking sharp and breathing easy.
17. Oslo
Oslo might be pricey, but it’s worth every penny for those who can swing it. This capital city of Norway offers fresh air and a pristine environment that’s hard to beat.
Navigating Oslo is a breeze, whether you’re hopping on public transport or renting a bike. Back in 2007, Reader’s Digest even named it the second greenest and most livable city in the world and also the greenest city on earth. So, while it may cost a bit more to live here, the clean, green lifestyle is totally worth it.
16. Zurich
This Swiss city is famous for its immaculate environment and strong commitment to sustainability.
Zurich shines when it comes to air quality, among the cleanest in the World with US AQI 29. The cityโs super-efficient public transport system makes it easy to ditch the car, keeping pollution to a minimum. So, whether you’re taking in the sleek cityscapes or the lush green spaces, Zurichโs dedication to a clean environment is clear.
15. Wellington
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a major city thatโs big on cleanliness and natural beauty.
Wellington is famous for keeping things spotless and preserving its stunning natural attractions. With over a third of its residents opting for public transport, the city does a great job at minimizing air pollution. Whether you’re exploring its vibrant urban areas or its lush landscapes, Wellingtonโs commitment to a clean environment is evident.
14. Kigali
Kigali, Rwandaโs capital, proudly holds the title of the cleanest city in Africa.
Rwandans are incredibly proud of Kigaliโs spotless reputation. The city has implemented strict fines for littering and installed rubbish bins all over to make sure both residents and tourists keep it clean. This proactive approach to waste management keeps Kigali looking pristine and inviting.
13. Vienna
Austria’s main hub is home to nearly 1.9 million people and is consistently ranked among the cleanest cities in the world.
Viennaโs cleanliness is no accident. The city has made big investments in waste management, and the residents’ strong sense of environmental responsibility plays a huge part too. This collective effort keeps Vienna looking immaculate, making it a shining example of urban cleanliness.
12. Geneva
Geneva is famous for being one of the wealthiest, most expensive, friendliest, and safest cities in the world. Nestled in Switzerland, this city covers an area of 15.93 kmยฒ and has a population of around 198,979.
It’s not just its affluence and safety that stands outโGeneva is also a leader in environmental efforts and cleanliness. They really get urban sanitation and sewage management right.
Whatโs cool is that Geneva hosts The Geneva Environment Network. This network is a group of global organizations focused on protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
11. Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is making big strides in cutting down air pollution. This city, located in the USA, spans 287 kmยฒ and has a population of about 204,657. It’s particularly impressive when it comes to reducing pollution from transportation.
According to StreetLight Dataโs 2024 Climate Impact Index, Salt Lake City ranked 15th out of 100 cities for its efforts in slashing pollution. Not too shabby, right?
10. Curitiba
Curitiba is all about encouraging its residents to keep things clean. This Brazilian city covers 432 kmยฒ and has a population of around 3,852,459. While Brazil might not usually come to mind when you think of cleanliness, Curitiba is a standout exception.
Here’s the cool part: the city offers tasty food or bus tokens in exchange for sorted waste. This clever incentive program means they recycle up to 70% of their trash. Just the paper recycling alone saves about 1,200 trees every single day. Impressive, right?
9. Madrid
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is known for being one of the cleanest cities in the world. Covering an area of 604.3 kmยฒ and home to about 3.223 million people, this city is a shining example of urban cleanliness.
Residents here really take pride in keeping their city spotless. Plus, having the beautiful Manzanares River nearby adds to the overall tidiness and charm of Madrid.
Madrid’s approach to sustainability blends sector-specific initiatives, regulatory changes, and urban naturalization projects. The city has set clear targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a roadmap focusing on key sectors like residential, services, and transportation, which together account for 90% of emissions.
A major component of Madrid’s strategy is sustainable mobility. The city promotes safe public transport, encourages teleworking, and supports flexible work hours to reduce traffic and emissions. Additionally, Madrid is working on greening urban spaces through projects like the Metropolian Forest Project.
The plan also includes innovative measures like a “Regulatory Sandbox,” designed to identify and eliminate policy barriers that hinder decarbonization efforts. This proactive and comprehensive approach highlights Madrid’s commitment to becoming a greener, more sustainable city.
8. Honolulu
View this post on Instagram
Hawaii is famous for its stunning beauty, and its capital, Honolulu, is no exception. Honolulu covers 177.2 kmยฒ and has a population of about 343,421.
Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lush plant life, this city is a true gem. Honolulu was recently ranked 29th among US cities for its progress in clean energy. Pretty impressive, right?
7. Melbourne
Melbourne is famous for its cleanliness and lush green spaces. This Australian city, spanning 9,992 kmยฒ with a population of about 5.078 million, was named the world’s most livable city by The Economist for five years straight.
What makes Melbourne so special? It’s all about the city’s efforts to improve public transport, expand green spaces, and focus on overall livability. These initiatives have made Melbourne a fantastic place to live, not just in Australia, but globally.
6. Copenhagen
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is renowned for its eco-friendly practices. Covering 121.4 kmยฒ and home to around 808,437 people, this city is a beacon of environmental excellence.
Copenhagenโs commitment to green living has earned it the title of a top green city twice in the 2014 Global Green Economy Index. The city is heavily invested in sewage treatment and runs mainly on wind and solar energy. Talk about dedication to sustainability!
5. Portland
Portland, also known as the “City of Roses,” is celebrated as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the world. Covering 375.6 kmยฒ and with a population of around 635,067, Portland stands out for its green initiatives.
This city is a haven for walkers and cyclists, boasting excellent walkability and a vibrant cycling community. Add to that its focus on farm-to-table dining and a top-notch public transportation system, and you’ve got a recipe for reduced air pollution from motor vehicles. No wonder it’s so highly regarded for its environmental awareness.
4. Schefferville
Schefferville, Quebec, according to Madeinca holds the title of the cleanest city in Canada. Nestled within the Caniapiscau Regional County Municipality, this small city covers 24.76 kmยฒ and has a population of just 244.
Canada, known for its vast landscapes and natural beauty, takes pride in Scheffervilleโs cleanliness. It’s a remarkable feat for such a small community to lead the way in maintaining a spotless environment.
3. Chicago
Chicago, with a population of over 2.6 million, is the third largest city in the USA. This bustling metropolis, spanning 600 kmยฒ, is celebrated for its cleanliness and eco-friendly initiatives.
The city has made significant efforts to improve air quality, including installing over 186,000 square meters of rooftop gardens. The city also actively promotes the use of public transportation to reduce emissions, making it a cleaner and greener place to live.
When toxic smoke from Canadian wildfires started drifting across Chicago, it underscored an ongoing issue for Chicagoans and residents of other major cities: poor air quality. The Chicago metro area is one of the worst in the U.S. for air pollution, according to the American Lung Association. Despite this, the commitment to finding solutions in the Windy City is inconsistent.
Since 2005, Chicago has been part of C40, a network of global mayors dedicated to fighting climate change. This collaboration has helped the city develop strategic local plans and partnerships aimed at reducing air pollution. More recently, the city launched another initiative focused on significantly cutting pollutants worldwide.
2. Hamburg
Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, covering 755.3 kmยฒ and with a population of about 1.841 million, Hamburg has a strong commitment to environmental initiatives.
The city has set an ambitious goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050. Additionally, Hamburg’s authorities have introduced plans for a Green Network, further solidifying its dedication to sustainability and cleanliness.
In recent years, Germany has invested over 500 million euros in the Clean Air Initiative, which helps explain its high ranking among the world’s cleanest places. Hamburg, one of Germany’s major port cities, is known for its vast parklands. It was also one of the first cities to ban old diesel engines to cut down on air pollution emissions.
Hamburg isn’t just about being green; it’s also rich in history and culture. You can explore its historical architecture, visit fascinating museums, or enjoy a leisurely walk along The Port of Hamburg. This city truly combines environmental responsibility with a vibrant cultural scene.
1. Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand, is celebrated as the cleanest city, sharing the spotlight with countries like Iceland and Estonia in 2023. Spanning a vast 5,600 kmยฒ and home to around 1.657 million people, Auckland has impressive air quality, with a score of 4.3 ฮผg/mยณ of fine particulate pollution, compared to a baseline of 5 in the World Air Quality Report 2023.
The city’s dedication to cleaning up and going green has helped it maintain these healthy standards. Aucklandโs ongoing environmental efforts truly set it apart on the global stage.
