Nepal ranks highest on a global nature‑connection index
A new cross‑country analysis published in the journal Ambio surveyed roughly 57,000 people across 61 countries to measure emotional and psychological ties to nature. The study places Nepal at the top of the index (score reported as 1.39), followed by Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh and Nigeria, while Spain ranks lowest among the 61 nations studied. Ambio | The Guardian
Caption: Visuals and reporting based on the Ambio study and press coverage.
What the rankings show
- Top five (reported): Nepal (1.39), Iran (1.22), South Africa (1.20), Bangladesh (1.14), Nigeria (1.11). The Guardian
- Bottom places include Spain (last) and several high‑income Western countries toward the lower end of the index; Britain is reported around 55th out of 61. The Independent | Anadolu Ajansı
Caption: Study authors and reporters note cultural, spiritual and geographic factors underpinning higher nature‑connectedness in some countries.
Study context and drivers
The Ambio paper examines how macro‑level factors — social, cultural, economic and geographic — correlate with people’s self‑reported connection to nature. Authors argue that higher nature connectedness is linked to pro‑environmental attitudes and may be influenced by traditions, religiosity, everyday contact with natural environments and national development patterns. Ambio | The Guardian
Join the Discussion
- What impact could the study’s findings have on local conservation and policy in countries that scored highly (for example, Nepal)?
- Do you agree with media coverage that highlights cultural or spiritual reasons for higher nature connectedness? Why or why not?
- How should policymakers in low‑scoring countries respond to strengthen citizens’ connection with nature?
- What lessons can communities or educators take from high‑scoring countries to boost nature engagement and well‑being?
Sources: Ambio — Macro‑level determinants of nature connectedness; coverage at The Guardian, Anadolu Ajansı and The Independent.