The cleanest cities in the world are not only those with the best air quality or the fewest litterbugs. They are also cities that have attempted to reduce their environmental impact, whether through public transportation, waste management, or renewable energy.
Every year, Mercer releases a list of the world’s cleanest cities. The list is compiled based on hundreds of criteria, including air quality, water availability and quality, waste removal, and traffic congestion.
In this blog post, we will explore the 15 cleanest cities in the world as of 2023. From Curitiba, Brazil to Zurich, Switzerland, these cities are leading the way in sustainability and setting an example for the rest of the world to follow.
If you are looking for a clean city to live in or visit, check out this list of the 15 cleanest cities in the world in 2023.
Table of Contents
What Are The Top 15 Cleanest Cities In The World?
Below are the cleanest cities in the world you can explore:
1. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is known as one of the cleanest cities in the world. The Spanish capital has a long tradition of cleanliness, dating back to the times of the Roman Empire. Today, Madrid is known for its clean streets, public transport, and parks.
In recent years, Madrid has invested heavily in its infrastructure and public services. This has resulted in a significant improvement in the city’s cleanliness. In 2012, Madrid was named the European Green Capital.
Madrid’s commitment to cleanliness extends to all aspects of city life. The city has an extensive recycling program and a ban on smoking in all public places. Madrid also has a strict policy on littering and graffiti. The city’s efforts to keep it clean have been successful. In 2013, Madrid was ranked as the second cleanest city in Europe by Forbes magazine.
You can check out: Top 20 Smallest Cities In The World In 2023 | With Photos
2. Ifran, Morocco
The holy city of Ifran is known for its cleanliness, and this is evident from the way the city is kept tidy.
The streets are free of litter, and there is a strong emphasis on keeping public spaces clean. This extends to businesses and homes, where cleanliness is also highly valued.
There are regular campaigns to promote cleanliness, and the city has been awarded several accolades for being one of the cleanest in the world.
You should also check out: 20 Most Advanced Cities In The World In 2023 | With Photos
3. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is one of the cleanest cities in the world, and its residents take pride in keeping their city clean. The city has a comprehensive waste management system that includes recycling and composting facilities.
Hamburg also has several public parks and green spaces that are well-maintained. Residents of Hamburg are highly conscious about cleanliness and often go out of their way to keep the city clean.
The city has an extensive waste management system which includes both recycling and composting facilities. In addition, Hamburg boasts a large number of public parks and green spaces that are kept meticulously clean. These factors all contribute to making Hamburg one of the cleanest cities in the world.
Take out time to read: 20 Most Educated Cities In The World In 2023 | With Photos
4. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is always ranked as one of the cleanest cities in the world and the city takes pride in its cleanliness and has several programs and initiatives in place to ensure that it remains one of the cleanest cities on the planet.
The main reasons why Toronto is so clean are because of the city’s strong focus on waste management and its commitment to public transportation. Toronto has an extensive recycling program in place, as well as a comprehensive garbage collection system and the city has an efficient and reliable public transit system that helps to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. The city also has several green spaces, parks, and gardens which help to keep the air clean and fresh.
Overall, Toronto is a very clean city thanks to its strong focus on waste management, public transportation, and green spaces. If you are looking for a clean and safe city to live in, Toronto should be at the top of your list!
You shouldn’t miss this article: 20 Most Sexually Liberal Cities In The World In 2023 | With Photos
5. Berlin, Germany
When it comes to cleanliness, Berlin is one of the top cities in the world. The German capital consistently ranks among the cleanest cities, and its residents are known for their high standards of cleanliness. Berlin’s streets are regularly swept and litter is quickly removed. The city also has an extensive recycling system in place, which helps to keep waste out of landfills.
Berliners take pride in their city’s cleanliness and work hard to maintain it. There are many public cleaning campaigns that everyone can participate in, and everyone knows that keeping Berlin clean is a team effort. Thanks to the efforts of its residents, Berlin is a beautiful and clean city that visitors can enjoy without worry.
Don’t fail to also read: 20 Best Beach Cities To Live In The World In 2023 | With Photos
6. Oslo, Norway
Oslo is known for its cleanliness, and the city works hard to keep its streets and public spaces clean. There are several initiatives in place to help keep Oslo clean, including a citywide waste management system, a campaign to reduce littering, and regular cleaning and maintenance of public areas.
The city’s waste management system includes a network of garbage trucks and recycling facilities that collect and process waste from homes and businesses.
The system is designed to minimize the amount of waste that goes to landfills, and it has been successful in reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Regular cleaning and maintenance of public areas are also important in keeping Oslo clean.
The city’s parks are regularly cleaned, and street sweepers work to keep the sidewalks free of debris.
Take out time to also read: 20 Cities With Highest Uv Index In The World In 2023 | With Photos
7. Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, the capital of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, is known for its cleanliness. The city has been rated as one of the cleanest in the world, and its residents are proud of their clean streets and public spaces.
Littering is punishable by law in Sapporo, and residents take pride in keeping their city clean. Public trash cans are emptied regularly, and there is a strong culture of recycling. The city also has an extensive system of public toilets, which are cleaned regularly.
Sapporo’s commitment to cleanliness extends to its snow-covered streets in winter. The city employs a team of workers who clear the snow from sidewalks and roads. They also apply a special coating to prevent ice from forming.
You can also read through; 20 Most Humid Cities In The World In 2023 | With Photos
8. Calgary, Canada
Calgary is also known as one of the cleanest cities in the world. The city has a population of 1.39 million and an area of 716 square kilometers. Calgary’s streets are clean and litter-free. There are many parks and green spaces in the city, and the air quality is excellent.
The city’s public transportation system is efficient and reliable, and its roads are well-maintained. Calgary also has a large number of bike paths, making it easy to get around without a car.
Overall, Calgary is an extremely livable city, thanks in part to its cleanliness. If you are looking for a clean, safe, and friendly place to live, Calgary should be at the top of your list!
9. London, United Kingdom
The City of London Corporation’s StreetScene team works hard to keep the City clean, safe, and welcoming. They provide a wide range of services including litter picking, street sweeping, graffiti removal, and dog fouling clearance.
In addition, they work with local businesses and residents to ensure that litter and graffiti are removed quickly.
The team also runs campaigns to educate people about the importance of keeping their surroundings clean. For example, their recent ‘Love Where You Live campaign encourages people to take pride in their neighborhood and join in with street cleaning activities.
10. Paris, France
There are many reasons why Paris is considered one of the cleanest cities in the world. The city has a long history of cleanliness, dating back to the Middle Ages when the first public sanitation laws were enacted.
Today, Paris has an extensive network of street cleaners and garbage collectors that keep the city clean daily. In addition, there are strict laws in place regarding littering and graffiti, which helps to deter people from committing these acts.
Paris is also home to numerous parks and green spaces, which provide residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while still being surrounded by nature. The city also has several riverbanks and canals that are regularly cleaned and maintained. All of these factors contribute to Paris’s reputation as one of the cleanest cities in the world.
11. New York, United States
New York City is one of the most populous cities in the United States, with a population of over 8 million people. The city is also one of the most densely populated, with nearly 27,000 people per square mile. Despite its high population density, New York City is consistently ranked as one of the cleanest cities in the world.
The cleanliness of a city is often determined by its air quality, waste management practices, and water quality. New York City excels in all three of these categories. The air in New York City is some of the cleanest and safest to breathe in when compared to other major cities around the globe. New York City has an impressive recycling rate of nearly 17%. The city also has an extensive public transportation system that helps to reduce traffic and emissions from vehicles.
Finally, the water quality in New York City is among the best in the world. The tap water is safe to drink and meets all federal and state safety standards. Overall, it’s no surprise that New York City ranks highly on lists of the cleanest cities in the world. The city’s dedication to reducing pollution and improving waste management practices makes it a model for other cities to follow.
12. Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is consistently ranked as one of the cleanest cities in the world. The city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and its residents take pride in keeping their homes and public spaces clean.
Auckland’s streets are regularly cleaned, and littering is heavily fined. There are also plenty of public parks and green spaces for residents to enjoy, which helps keep the air clean and the city feeling fresh.
If you are visiting Auckland, be sure to pack your reusable water bottle and use the many free water fountains located around the city. And when you are done exploring, don’t forget to dispose of your rubbish in one of the many waste bins provided.
13. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is known for its cleanliness, and rightly so. The Finnish capital was ranked the cleanest city in the world by Mercer in 2018, and it also came in second place in both 2017 and 2016. Part of Helsinki’s cleanliness has to do with the fact that Finland is a wealthy country with a high standard of living. But there are also some specific things that Helsinki does to keep its streets clean.
For one thing, littering is heavily fined. If you are caught throwing trash on the ground, you could be facing a fine of up to €140. There are also strict laws about graffiti and tagging, which helps to keep public spaces looking tidy. Helsinki also has a good waste management system. All garbage is sorted into different categories, and recycling is encouraged. There are even special recycling points for items like batteries and lightbulbs.
And finally, there is a strong culture of civic pride in Helsinki. People take pride in their city and work together to keep it clean. There is even a special “Let’s Do It” campaign that encourages people to pick up litter and help keep the city clean.
14. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii is one of the cleanest cities in the world. The city has a population of over 1 million people and is located on the island of Oahu. The climate in Honolulu is tropical, with an average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The city experiences very little pollution and has excellent air quality.
The streets in Honolulu are clean and well-maintained. There is very little litter or graffiti. The city has a comprehensive recycling program, and over 90% of the population participates in it. Honolulu also has laws in place to protect the environment, such as banning Styrofoam and plastic bags.
The beaches in Honolulu are some of the most beautiful in the world. They are clean and safe for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The water is crystal clear and the sand is white and powdery soft. There are also many parks and green spaces in Honolulu where residents can enjoy the outdoors.
15. Kobe, Japan
Kobe, Japan is renowned for its cleanliness. The city has a long history of cleanliness, dating back to the Edo period when it was a castle town. In the Meiji period, the city adopted Western-style sanitation practices and became one of the first cities in Japan to do so.
Kobe has since been consistently ranked as one of the cleanest cities in the world. The city has an effective waste management system, with a network of underground pipes that collect and transport waste away from homes and businesses.
There are also many public parks and open spaces where people can enjoy nature and get some exercise. Finally, the city has a strict smoking ban in all public places. The city also has several initiatives aimed at cleaning up its waterways. One such initiative is the Seto Inland Sea Water Quality Improvement Project, which was launched in 2001.
The project includes measures to reduce pollution from factories and farms, as well as measures to improve sewage treatment facilities. As a result of these efforts, water quality in the Seto Inland Sea has improved significantly.
How Do These Cities Achieve Cleanliness?
There are many ways to measure the cleanliness of a city, but one of the most important factors is air quality. Other factors that contribute to a city’s ranking on this list include access to clean water, waste management infrastructure, and green spaces.
Therefore, One way these cities achieve cleanliness is by having a strong waste management system. This includes things like efficient trash collection and recycling programs.
They also invest in public education campaigns to teach people about the importance of keeping their city clean. Finally, they have laws and regulations in place to help prevent littering and pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many factors contribute to a city’s cleanliness, and rankings can vary depending on who you ask. However, some cities are consistently cited as being clean, including Zurich, Switzerland; Helsinki, Finland; and Vienna, Austria.
Each of these cities has its unique system for keeping itself clean. In Zurich, for example, there is a strong focus on recycling and waste reduction. Helsinki has an extensive public transportation system that helps to reduce traffic and pollution. And Vienna has a citywide cleaning initiative that includes regular street sweeping and trash removal.
There is much that other cities can learn from the example of the cleanest cities in the world. By focusing on recycling, reducing traffic, and increasing public transportation options, other cities can help to improve their levels of cleanliness.
Conclusion
We have seen many great cities around the world that are working hard to be more eco-friendly.
These are just a few of the cleanest cities in the world that are setting an example for others to follow. The cities listed in this article are just a few of the cleanest cities in the world.
These cities are leading the way in terms of sustainability and environmental protection. So if you have plans of visiting a clean city, the above-listed cities are worth visiting.
References
- www.forbes.com – In Pictures: The World’s Cleanest Cities
- www.tuko.co.ke – The top 20 cleanest cities in the world in 2022, ranked