Published on
November 5, 2025
Nepal and Iran have emerged as the leaders in a new global study on nature connectedness, driven by their strong cultural, spiritual, and environmental values that foster a deep bond with the natural world. Following closely behind are South Africa, Nigeria, Chile, Croatia, Ghana, Bulgaria, and Tunisia, where similar cultural reverence for nature and a deep-rooted respect for the environment contribute to their high rankings. These nations’ connection to nature goes beyond policy and activism, reflecting a shared worldview that sees humanity as an integral part of the natural world.
A global study has revealed that Nepal leads the world in terms of nature connectedness, a psychological measure of how individuals perceive their relationship with the environment and other living species. This ranking places Nepal first out of 61 countries surveyed, according to the study published in Ambio and based on data from the Journal of Environmental Psychology. The research examined the responses of 57,000 people worldwide, revealing that the levels of nature connection vary greatly across cultures, influenced by spiritual beliefs, cultural norms, and economic conditions, rather than geography alone.
The concept of “nature connectedness” has gained significant attention in recent years as societies face increasing environmental challenges. While many modern societies associate environmentalism with activism, policy, or corporate responsibility, this study brings a subtler dimension to the conversation: how people perceive their relationship with the natural world on a personal level. How individuals value nature and their place within it can have a profound impact on environmental behaviors, even in the absence of formal policies or campaigns.
Nepal’s top position in this ranking is largely attributed to the country’s deep-rooted spirituality, where religious beliefs and daily life are closely tied to nature. In Nepal, the natural environment is not merely a backdrop for human life, but an integral part of the spiritual and cultural fabric. Many Nepali communities view the mountains, rivers, forests, and wildlife as sacred, reflecting a worldview that sees humanity as part of the natural world. This spiritual connection to nature permeates daily life and is reinforced by cultural practices, festivals, and religious ceremonies that celebrate nature’s bounty.
In fact, the study found that societies with a higher level of spirituality were more likely to have a stronger connection to nature. This finding underscores the power of belief systems in shaping how people perceive their relationship with the environment. Countries where faith plays a central role, such as Nepal, tend to view nature as sacred and worthy of protection, fostering an emotional connection that goes beyond environmental stewardship. The second-ranked country in the study shares similar values, where the natural world is revered within religious and philosophical traditions, further demonstrating the link between spirituality and nature connection.
Other countries that ranked highly in terms of nature connectedness include South Africa, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Chile, Croatia, Ghana, Bulgaria, and Tunisia. These countries, while geographically and culturally diverse, share a common theme of integrating nature into everyday life, whether through cultural practices, religious beliefs, or community-driven efforts. The emphasis on spirituality, connection, and reverence for the environment is a key factor that transcends geographic boundaries and contributes to higher levels of nature connectedness.
Conversely, some of the world’s most urbanized and economically developed countries ranked lower in the study. Countries such as Japan, Germany, and Canada, despite their advanced environmental policies and high standards of living, were found to have relatively low levels of nature connectedness. This suggests that while environmental policy and sustainability performance are crucial for preserving the planet’s resources, they do not necessarily foster a deep, personal connection to the natural world. In these highly urbanized societies, nature often becomes something distant and disconnected from daily life, reducing the emotional bond individuals feel with their environment.
Spain, surprisingly, ranked at the bottom of the 61 countries surveyed, identified as the least connected to nature. Despite its rich biodiversity and history of environmental conservation efforts, the cultural and economic shifts in modern Spain have distanced people from the natural world. This finding challenges the assumption that physical proximity to nature or a country’s ecological diversity directly correlates with nature connectedness.
Another interesting case is that of the United Kingdom, which ranked 55th. Despite the country’s high levels of participation in environmental organizations and its commitment to environmental policy, it still lags in terms of individual connections to nature. This finding highlights an important distinction: institutional and policy efforts, while important, do not always translate into personal engagement with nature. People may support environmental causes in theory but feel little direct connection to the land, forests, or wildlife around them.
This study’s ranking is not a measure of environmental quality or sustainability performance; rather, it reflects the emotional and cultural dimension of how humans relate to the world around them. It emphasizes that nature connectedness is more about worldview than about wealth or resources. Countries that rank high on the list, like Nepal, demonstrate that nature connection is rooted in cultural values and spirituality, where people see themselves as part of, not separate from, the natural world.
As global environmental challenges continue to grow, this study offers valuable insight into how fostering a deeper connection with nature might be key to encouraging more sustainable behaviors. It suggests that, beyond policy and activism, cultivating a strong emotional bond with the environment could play a crucial role in preserving the planet for future generations.
Nepal and Iran top the new global study on nature connectedness due to their deep cultural and spiritual ties to the environment, followed closely by South Africa, Nigeria, Chile, Croatia, Ghana, Bulgaria, and Tunisia, where similar cultural values foster strong relationships with nature.
Nepal’s position at the top of the global rankings for nature connectedness reflects the power of cultural and spiritual values in shaping environmental perceptions. The study underscores that a strong personal and emotional connection to nature is not a matter of wealth or development but a product of worldviews, cultural beliefs, and religious practices. As we move forward in addressing environmental issues, this understanding may be crucial for encouraging individuals and societies to take more personal responsibility for the planet’s future.
