Nations balancing economic strength, social progress and environmental care emerge as models for sustainable long-term growth


The United Kingdom has emerged as the world’s most sustainable economy in 2025, securing the top position in the Hinrich–IMD Sustainable Trade Index (STI) with an overall score of 100. The index measures sustainability through three pillars, economic, societal and environmental — and tracks countries’ ability to balance growth with equity and ecological responsibility.

The UK led the global list with a perfect 100 in environmental sustainability, 86.45 in the economic pillar and 89.42 in the social pillar. New Zealand followed in second place with a score of 97.01, reflecting its strong environmental record and balanced social and economic indicators. Australia ranked third with 93.26 points, supported by a full score in the economic pillar and high levels of social well-being.

Singapore took the fourth position with a score of 90.01, driven by its robust economy and continued investment in green infrastructure. South Korea ranked fifth with 87.22 points, showing solid economic and social performance though with room for environmental improvement.

Hong Kong (83.79), Japan (83.48), Canada (80.45), the United States (79.54) and Taiwan (77.9) completed the top ten. Each of these economies demonstrated a combination of economic strength and advancing social indicators, though environmental challenges persist in several cases.

India stood at the 23rd position in the 2025 rankings, with an overall STI score of 33.15. The country recorded 51.69 in the economic pillar, 47.08 in the societal pillar and 18.61 in the environmental pillar. The report noted India’s steady progress in renewable energy, social welfare schemes and inclusive development, while identifying environmental sustainability as an area requiring greater policy focus.

The findings underline that nations excelling in all three pillars – economic resilience, social cohesion and environmental balance — are better equipped to sustain long-term growth. As the global economy adjusts to climate and trade transitions, these high-ranking economies set the benchmark for integrating sustainability into mainstream policy and commerce.