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Top 10 Happiest Nations—and What They Know That You Don’t

Ian Hernandez

1. Finland: The Art of Sisu and Social Support 1. Finland: The Art of Sisu and Social Support (image credits: unsplash) Finland is not just cold and covered with forests; it’s also the happiest nation on Earth, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. Finns score a remarkable 7.8 out of 10 in happiness, which …

Inside the World’s Smallest Country: Vatican City

Ian Hernandez

1. A Country Smaller Than a Mall 1. A Country Smaller Than a Mall (image credits: unsplash) Vatican City is so tiny, you could fit it inside many shopping malls with room to spare. Officially, it covers just 44 hectares or about 0.17 square miles. This makes it the world’s smallest independent nation by both …

7 Nations Famous for Clean Streets—and 3 With Sanitation Issues

Ian Hernandez

1. Japan: The Pinnacle of Cleanliness 1. Japan: The Pinnacle of Cleanliness (image credits: wikimedia) Japan is renowned for its immaculate streets and public spaces, a testament to its cultural emphasis on cleanliness and respect for the environment. According to a 2024 survey by the Japan Cleanliness Association, 95% of Japanese citizens believe that maintaining …

Why Spain Is Planning to Push Back on Overtourism

Ian Hernandez

The Overtourism Crisis in Spain The Overtourism Crisis in Spain (image credits: unsplash) Spain is experiencing an overtourism crisis that has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. The Spanish Tourism Agency reported that tourist arrivals soared to 83 million in 2023, a new record that has outpaced even pre-pandemic numbers. This influx has put immense …

Why Venice Is Planning to Curb Mass Tourism

Ian Hernandez

The Overwhelming Numbers: Tourist Influx The Overwhelming Numbers: Tourist Influx (image credits: wikimedia) Venice has found itself at the center of a global tourism storm, drawing in staggering numbers of visitors every year. In 2024, city officials estimate that about 25 million tourists will flood into Venice, a figure nearly one hundred times greater than …

8 Nations That Could Ban Tourists to Protect the Environment

Ian Hernandez

Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation (image credits: unsplash) Bhutan stands out globally for its ambitious environmental strategies, having achieved carbon-negative status since 2015. Over 70% of Bhutan’s land is covered by forests, which act as a massive carbon sink and help the country absorb more carbon dioxide than it emits. …

Top 3 Countries With Poor Hygiene and 7 That Lead in Cleanliness

Ian Hernandez

1. Niger: A Struggle with Sanitation 1. Niger: A Struggle with Sanitation (image credits: wikimedia) Niger faces significant challenges in sanitation and hygiene. In 2022, approximately 65% of the population practiced open defecation, the highest rate globally. ([statista.com](https://www.statista.com/statistics/952388/countries-least-sanitations-services/?utm_source=openai)) This widespread practice contributes to the transmission of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. The lack of …

7 Very Clean Countries and 3 With Major Sanitary Problems

Ian Hernandez

1. Switzerland: The Pinnacle of Cleanliness 1. Switzerland: The Pinnacle of Cleanliness (image credits: unsplash) Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the cleanest countries globally, with a 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) score of 91.5. The Swiss government has implemented strict waste management policies, including a comprehensive recycling system where over 50% of waste is …

Where Cleanliness Wins: 7 Clean Nations and 3 to Avoid

Ian Hernandez

Finland: The Cleanest Nation Finland: The Cleanest Nation (image credits: pixabay) Finland stands at the pinnacle of cleanliness worldwide, securing an impressive 86.5 on the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The country’s waste management practices are astounding, with a 99% recycling rate for municipal waste, setting a near-unmatched global standard. Finnish cities are known for …

Top 6 Most Eco-Friendly Countries and 3 That Are Falling Behind

Ian Hernandez

Sweden: A Beacon of Green Innovation Sweden: A Beacon of Green Innovation (image credits: pixabay) Sweden has become a shining example for the rest of the world when it comes to environmental responsibility. The country is determined to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2045, a goal that has inspired countless others to follow suit. In …