Cambodia ranks world’s best for environmental quality
Cambodia ranks world’s best for environmental quality
#National
Synopsis: Officials say the ranking reflects long-term policies, noting 73 sanctuaries cover over 41% of the territory to balance growth with conservation.
Cambodia has been ranked the world’s top country for natural environment quality in 2026 by US News & World Report, according to data published by the regional platform SEA Infographics.
The global index placed the Kingdom first both internationally and within Southeast Asia, citing air quality management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable living, and natural resource protection.
The report ranked Cambodia first among 10 nations evaluated, followed by Seychelles, Slovenia, Croatia, Latvia, Albania, Sweden, Costa Rica, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
In Southeast Asia, Cambodia also ranked first, followed by Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.
This historic ranking is attributed to Cambodia’s strict balance between economic development and ecological preservation. The Kingdom currently maintains 73 protected areas covering more than 7 million hectares—roughly 41% of the country’s total land area—which rely heavily on rigorous law enforcement and local community cooperation.
Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth welcomed the result, calling it a great honour on the international stage. He said the ranking reflected Cambodia’s long-term commitment to environmental protection and conservation under former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now President of the Senate, and the continued implementation of environmental policies under the seventh-mandate government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Sophalleth added that the government is implementing the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 and the Environmental Sector Circular Strategy, which focuses on three pillars — cleanliness, greenness and sustainability—to support sustainable development and enhance Cambodia’s international standing.
“The Circular Strategy has three pillars: cleanliness, greenness and sustainability. Cleanliness also has three pillars: internal cleanliness, external cleanliness in Cambodia and international cleanliness. At this time, the three pillars of cleanliness are emerging,” he said.
The Ministry of Environment continues to work with partner ministries, institutions, local authorities, protected area communities, and national and international development partners to strengthen natural resource conservation and promote sustainable living.
Cambodia is advancing forest planting and restoration campaigns. The ministry has promoted the planting and distribution of saplings, encouraging citizens to plant at least one million trees. The initiative aims to restore forests, expand green cover, rehabilitate ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, support local economies and contribute to Cambodia’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
-Khmer Times-
