Top 14 most polluted countries in the world (15 photos)

Some countries suffer from critical pollution, poor sanitation, and excess waste. This is due to overcrowding, industrial activity, or weak environmental policies. While these places aren't bad overall, their air quality (PM2.5), water quality, and soil quality are depressing. The Swiss company IQAir conducted its own research and compiled a list of the 14 most polluted countries in the world based on these factors.





One indicator of air pollution is the presence and composition of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

The abbreviation PM (from particulate matter) refers to particles suspended in the air. They are a mixture of fine solid particles of dust, ash, soot, smoke, and mineral or organic compounds.

The length of time PM particles remain suspended in the atmosphere depends directly on their size: PM2.5 can remain suspended for up to several weeks.

14. Indonesia



PM2.5 Particulate Matter Concentration: 35.5

Air pollution in Indonesia is higher than in most other Southeast Asian countries. Jakarta, the capital, is among the ten most polluted cities in the world. Experts attribute the poor air quality to vehicle emissions, drought, and waste incineration.

Bali also faces environmental challenges. About 3,436 tons of waste are generated on the island every day, amounting to more than 1.2 million tons per year.

Since 2000, waste volume in Bali has increased by 30%. This is due to underdeveloped infrastructure, low public awareness, and a culture of overconsumption.

13. Ghana





PM2.5 Particulate Matter Concentration: 35.8

According to The New Humanitarian, Ghana ranks second in West Africa and fourth on the continent for unsanitary conditions.

Patrick Apoya, Executive Secretary, called the ranking a "reality check" and emphasized that the country is experiencing a national sanitation crisis. He called on the government to urgently address the current situation. Only 30% of daily waste in Ghana is properly recycled.

Health Minister Kuraj Quarfigah noted that this problem results in eight deaths per hour.

12. Iraq



PM2.5 concentration: 38.4

Iraq is a key source of greenhouse gases in the Middle East. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, emissions are growing faster than the population.

In Baghdad, the country's capital, air quality is among the worst in the world, with pollution often exceeding safe limits.

11. Egypt



PM2.5 particulate matter concentration: 39.8

Cairo, the capital of Egypt with a population of over 23 million, suffers from severe air pollution.

The main causes are vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, urbanization, and weather conditions: dry air and weak winds.

The Nile River is also polluted. Studies show it contains high levels of toxic heavy metals such as lead, nickel, and cadmium.

The main source of pollution is untreated runoff from fields and wastewater from cities and factories.

10. Burundi



PM2.5 Particulate Matter Concentration: 40.3

The air in Burundi is extremely polluted, negatively impacting human health, the environment, and the country's economy.

The economy loses $376 million annually due to environmental problems.

Poor air quality kills 14% of children and causes a quarter of all hospital admissions. Pollution also harms wildlife: fish are dying due to poor agricultural practices and poor sanitation.

9. Rwanda



PM2.5 concentration: 40.8

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is known for its cleanliness and the active participation of local residents in cleaning. They have even banned plastic bags.

However, despite all efforts, the country continues to struggle with air pollution. Old cars, factory emissions, and the lack of strict environmental laws worsen the situation.

8. Uganda



PM2.5 particulate matter concentration: 41.0

In Uganda's capital, Kampala, PM2.5 levels often exceed the World Health Organization's safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, according to IQAir.

The main causes are industrial zones, unpaved roads, waste burning, traffic, and rapid urban growth. Low humidity and light winds further complicate the situation.

In response to this problem, the government developed the Kampala Action Plan. Initiatives focus on public education and vehicle-free days.

7. Nepal



PM2.5 Particulate Matter Concentration: 42.8

Nepal is located between India and China, the largest sources of air pollution. Its geographic location makes the country particularly vulnerable to this problem.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, often suffers from pollution. The mountainous terrain and weak winds contribute to the accumulation of dust and exhaust fumes in the valleys, deteriorating air quality.

The situation worsened after the 2015 earthquake, which caused widespread damage to buildings and released large amounts of dust.

6. Tajikistan



PM2.5 particulate matter concentration: 46.3

Over the past decade, harmful emissions in Tajikistan have nearly doubled, reaching 4.5 million tons (in CAREC countries). The main source of pollution is transport, accounting for 88% of emissions. The remaining 12% comes from industrial facilities, including factories and power plants.

5. India



PM2.5 particulate matter concentration: 50.6

India consistently ranks among the most polluted countries in the world. It currently ranks fifth.

The country's air pollution is due to high population density, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and litter dumped on the streets and in rivers.

These problems are particularly acute in Delhi, where smog has become a year-round problem.

"The air is killing us," said journalist Hartosh Singh between coughing fits.

"The government is condemning us to death so that India can grow. Every year there are more cars, more buildings, more garbage, more factories polluting the air."

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo



PM2.5 concentration: 58.2

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has the most polluted air in Africa.

According to the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, air pollution in the country poses a greater health threat than HIV/AIDS, malaria, or child malnutrition.

On August 8, 2025, the capital, Kinshasa, was recognized as the most polluted city in the world. Causes include the use of biofuels, automobile and industrial emissions, mining, toxic waste from neighboring areas, and hazardous pollutants such as arsenic and lead.

3. Pakistan



PM2.5 concentration: 73.7

In 2024, Pakistan experienced a severe smog season. Nearly two million people required medical attention due to air pollution.

PM2.5 levels in the country were 15 times higher than the World Health Organization's acceptable level. Breathing was especially difficult in Punjab. Here, vehicle exhaust, industrial smoke, construction dust, and burning biomass made the air toxic.

2. Bangladesh



PM2.5 concentration: 78.0

According to a 2025 report by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute, air pollution levels in Bangladesh are so high that they shorten the average person's life by 5.5 years. Between 1998 and 2023, particulate matter levels in the air increased by more than 66%. In Dhaka, the most densely populated part of the country, the air is so polluted that life expectancy is reduced by almost seven years. Other heavily polluted cities include Chittagong, Comilla, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Cox's Bazar.

1. Chad



PM2.5 concentration: 91.8

Chad has the highest PM2.5 level in the world, more than ten times higher than acceptable levels. Chad is now recognized as the most polluted country on the planet.

Indoor air pollution kills approximately 9,600 people in Chad each year.

Open burning of waste, including plastic and tires, releases hazardous substances such as dioxins and furans.