The 2026 Best Countries rankings announced by publisher U.S. News & World Report on May 14, 2026, placed Cambodia first in the Natural Environment category. The publisher said the 2026 edition uses data indicators, replacing the perceptions-based approach used in previous years. This category ranking does not directly establish a world-leading position on individual environmental indicators such as air quality.
According to reporting at the time, Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth (អ៊ាង សុផល្លែត) described the ranking as international recognition for the Cambodian people in the environmental field. He linked environmental work to the long-term policies of Senate President and former Prime Minister Hun Sen, as well as the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy being implemented by the seventh-mandate government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet. Cambodia was also the highest-ranked Southeast Asian country in the Natural Environment category.
Figures cited in the contemporary report put Cambodia's protected natural areas at 73, covering more than 7 million hectares, or approximately 41% of the country's total area. The report said stronger law enforcement and the protection of forests and wildlife habitats helped conserve biodiversity and support local communities that depend on natural resources.
The report also said the Ministry of Environment was working with partners, local authorities and conservation communities to advance environmental protection.
As part of the Circular Strategy on Environment, which focuses on cleanliness, greenery and sustainability, the contemporary report described a campaign promoted by the ministry for the free distribution and planting of at least 1 million saplings.
The report linked this greening initiative to responding to climate change, supporting local livelihoods and Cambodia's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
