Cambodia ranked first in the Natural Environment category of the 2026 Best Countries rankings, according to the results announced by publisher U.S. News & World Report on May 14, 2026.
The publisher said the 2026 rankings use data indicators, replacing the perceptions-based approach used in previous years. The result is a ranking in the Natural Environment category and does not establish that Cambodia ranks first worldwide on every environmental indicator, such as air quality.
According to reporting at the time, Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth (អ៊ាង សុផល្លែត) described the ranking as international recognition for Cambodia and its people in the fields of the environment and natural resources. He said it reflected the Cambodian leadership's work on environmental policies and the protection and conservation of natural resources.
The report also noted that the seventh-mandate government, led by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, was implementing the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy to promote environmental protection and sustainable development.
The contemporary report also cited information published by SEA Infographics, describing Cambodia as the highest-ranked Southeast Asian country in the Natural Environment category.
According to the report at the time, Cambodia had 73 protected natural areas covering more than 7 million hectares, or approximately 41% of the country's total area. The report said stronger law enforcement and the conservation of wildlife habitats contributed to protecting forests and biodiversity.
The report further said the Ministry of Environment was promoting a campaign to plant and distribute at least 1 million saplings to the public, with the aim of restoring forests, expanding green cover, strengthening resilience to climate change and contributing to Cambodia's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. By: ប៉ៃ សុឃីម
