KATHMANDU: Nepal has been named the world’s most “nature-connected” nation, ranking first in a global study that examined how people in 61 countries relate to the natural world, The Guardian reported.

According to the study — published in the journal Ambio and cited by The Guardian — Nepal leads the list, followed by Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. Other countries in the top ten include Chile, Croatia, Ghana, Bulgaria, and Tunisia.

At the other end of the ranking, the least nature-connected nations include Russia, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. Also among the lowest are the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Spain, which placed last.

The comprehensive study — led by Professor Miles Richardson of the University of Derby and supported by researchers from Austria — surveyed 57,000 participants across 61 countries to measure “nature connectedness,” a psychological concept that gauges how closely individuals feel bonded with nature and other living beings.

As reported by The Guardian, researchers found that nations with higher levels of spirituality and faith tend to have stronger emotional and cultural ties with nature. Nepal’s top ranking reflects its deeply rooted traditions that value harmony with the environment, its strong spiritual heritage, and its daily connection to natural landscapes and biodiversity.

The findings contrast sharply with results from more industrialised and urbanised nations, where factors such as higher income, urban lifestyles, and technological dependence were associated with weaker bonds to nature.