Which capital cities have the world’s cleanest air?

Posted on: May 8, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Which capital cities have the world’s cleanest air?

Among the world’s top 20 most polluted cities, 13 are in India. So, fulfilling a fundamental necessity of breathing in clean and fresh air has become a luxury. However, if you can spare the time, you can visit a few countries where you can still experience breathing in the cleanest air and rejuvenate yourself.

When the issue of long-term quality of life arises, breathable, clean and fresh air becomes a matter of concern. Every year, more countries are sharing this concern and taking initiatives to improve the air quality to help their citizens have a better quality of life, one with lower pollution levels and healthier air.

But, considering all the aspects, it is an expensive affair, especially when you do not have a reliable travel insurance, preferably an international travel insurance, if you are into frequent foreign travel.

In this article, we have listed some of the capital cities that maintain the cleanest air quality with the lowest rates of air pollution.

List of capital cities that have the cleanest air

Considering the trend, here is the list of six capital cities across the globe that maintain a relatively sustainable approach to keep the air pollution levels significantly low and retain the freshness in the air quality:

1. Helsinki, Finland

Despite a significantly high population, Helsinki has made a commendable achievement in keeping the pollution levels down, so that the air quality remains fresh and pure. Even more noteworthy is the fact that their efforts are consistent, and they have managed to hold this position uninterrupted for quite a few years now.

Nearly one-third of the city is protected by significant green coverage. One of the principal characteristics of this city is its consistent efforts towards a sustainable approach to maintaining ecological balance.

Helsinki is a part of the Clean Air Initiative. They keep checking the air quality regularly to maintain the standards. The task is difficult as it is a bustling tourist spot and the only metropolis in the country, making it the centre of education, politics, research, and culture. It houses multiple stunning cathedrals, vintage farms and several other tourist attractions.

2. Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is regarded as one of the cities with the cleanest air quality. With consistent efforts and monitoring, they keep the air pollution levels quite low, keeping the quality of air pure and clean. Here, the AQI is 31.

Clean air seems a perfect fit for this destination as it is one of the windiest cities in the world. Starting from spotting wildlife to sunbathing on the sandy beaches beside the azure sea water, you can experience the charm of New Zealand in any weather. Zealandia Ecosanctuary is another major attraction here.

Tourists enjoy visiting various islands and witnessing the attractions of The Lord of the Rings. The Wellington Cable Car ride deserves a special mention, along with a memorable hike on the famous Pinnacles Track.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

The largest city of Iceland, Reykjavik, is the capital of the country. It has been labelled by multiple authorities, including the Architectural Digest of 2021, to have one of the cleanest cities in the world. The government here puts significant emphasis on maintaining ecological balance and strictly observes a sustainable approach, especially towards energy consumption and production, allowing the city’s air to remain clean.

The strict environmental efforts make even the natural waters perfectly drinkable in certain areas, as they remain unpolluted and pure.

This city is a paradise for aquatic activity lovers, with the extent of attractive beaches, swimming pools, whale watching, and various maritime museums.

4. Dublin, Ireland

With a consistent and commendable AQI of 31, Dublin maintains an enviable record of having one of the best and cleanest air qualities in the world. When compared to most of the other European cities, Dublin maintains a comparatively cleaner air.

However, there is room for further improvement. Considering all the aspects, the council and the government may enhance the norms and implement further restrictions to improve the air quality further while observing a sustainable approach and ensuring efficient waste management.

5. Stockholm, Sweden

Maintaining an AQI of 34, Stockholm proves to be very strict regarding maintaining clean and fresh air. They implement multiple environmental initiatives to ensure the retention and improvement of the air quality and pollution reduction. This ensures the easy availability of clean and fresh air throughout the country.

Despite such strong efforts, the pollution levels tend to rise during the winter. The PM and NOx levels escalate due to an upsurge in combustion and the resuspension of studded tyres during early spring. These happen mostly in the urban regions.

However, despite such challenges, Stockholm manages to comply with the standards of the European National Air Quality.

The entire country is striving to ensure a cleaner and greener environment, starting from the air to the water bodies, free from pollution and conserving the greenery, maintaining a healthy farmland ecosystem.

6. Lusaka, Zambia

A paradise for wildlife and forest lovers, Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, is one of the best places in the world, having the cleanest air quality. The Sunday markets are heaven for the shopaholics, making it one of the best tourist destinations across the world.

The average AQI in Lusaka revolves around 20. The authorities are always striving to ensure maintaining the greenery is maintained at its best and keep the pollution levels as low as possible, even in the urban areas. This requires consistent efforts and practice.

The overall environmental quality of not only Lusaka but also that of the entire Zambia is top-notch and noteworthy.

Conclusion

The importance of clean air cannot be exaggerated. It is extremely crucial for economic prosperity, environmental well-being, and human health. Air pollution is the root cause of multiple health issues like respiratory ailments, cancer, heart issues, asthma, etc., many of which are capable of causing premature deaths.

However, ensuring proper waste and pollution management, we can ensure clean air with reduced pollution levels and healthier and greener living environments.

To enjoy a taste of fresh, clean air, you can visit these countries and some others, like Singapore, Auckland, Sydney, Copenhagen, etc. These are some of the world’s cleanest cities.

It is best to invest in a multi-trip travel insurance plan to smooth your frequent foreign trips. Considering that foreign trips are expensive affairs, it is best to ensure efficient financial management by maintaining reliable travel insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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