The Economist Intelligence Unit has published findings from its index of countries that make up its new ESG ratings service.

Highlights from EIU’s ESG index include:

• Europe dominates the top of EIU’s ESG index, accounting for 12 of the 14 countries that receive an overall A rating—defined as a country that has a significant positive impact on sustainability

• The Nordics are leading the way in the overall ESG rankings with Denmark, Finland and Norway taking the top three spots

• Yemen, Sudan and Myanmar rank the lowest overall in the ESG rankings

• Turkey, South Africa and Bolivia are amongst those that have fallen the furthest in the rankings from 2015 to 2022

• The Gambia has made the most progress in the rankings, driven by a change of government in 2016 that led to the country’s gradual reintegration into the international community after decades of relative isolation

• Among the fastest climbers, Malaysia stands out for breaking into the top third of the rankings

Covering 95% of the global economy with an index of 150 countries, EIU says its ratings measure the true impact that governments, businesses, and society have on sustainability.