In this article, we will look into the 10 countries with the worst air pollution. If you want to read our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 30 Countries With the Worst Air Pollution.
10. Congo
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 40.8 μg/m³
Congo is ranked among the countries with the worst air pollution. As of 2023, the country has an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 40.8 μg/m³, 8.2 times higher than the WHO guidelines about particulate matter concentration in the air.
9. Egypt
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 42.4 μg/m³
Egypt is ranked 9th on our list. As of 2023, the country has an annual average particulate matter concentration of 42.4 μg/m³. Its PM2.5 concentration is 8.5 times higher than the WHO standard.
8. Nepal
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 42.4 μg/m³
Ranked 8th on our list, Nepal has an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 42.4 μg/m³. The most air polluted city in the country is Katunje, as of 2023. The PM2.5 concentration of Nepal is 8.5 times more than the WHO limit.
7. United Arab Emirates
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 43.0 μg/m³
The United Arab Emirates is ranked among the countries with the worst air pollution. As of 2023, the country has an annual average particulate matter concentration of 43 μg/m³. The most polluted city in the country is Ras Al Khaimah.
6. Iraq
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 43.8 μg/m³
Iraq is ranked 6th on our list. The country has a particulate matter concentration of 43.8 micrograms per cubic meter, as of 2023. The most polluted city in Iraq is Baghdad.
5. Burkina Faso
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 46.6 μg/m³
The West African country, Burkina Faso is ranked among the countries with the worst air pollution. As of 2023, the country has an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 46.6 μg/m³.
4. Tajikistan
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 49.0 μg/m³
Tajikistan ranks 4th on our list of the countries with the worst air pollution. As of 2023, the particulate matter concentration in the country is 49 μg/m³. Its PM2.5 concentration is 9.8 times higher compared to the WHO guidelines.
3. India
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 54.4 μg/m³
India ranks 3rd on our list. As of 2023, the country has an annual average particulate matter concentration of 54.4 μg/m³. The most polluted city in India is Begusarai, as of 2023.
2. Pakistan
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 73.7 μg/m³
Pakistan is one of the countries with the worst air pollution. It has a particulate matter concentration of 73.7 μg/m³, as of 2023. Its PM2.5 concentration is 14.7 times higher than the WHO guidelines. It is ranked 2nd on our list.
1. Bangladesh
Annual Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 79.9 μg/m³
Bangladesh tops our list of the countries with the worst air pollution. As of 2023, the country has an annual average particulate matter concentration of 79.9 μg/m³, 16 times higher than the WHO standard. The most polluted city in Bangladesh is Dhaka.
You can also look at 15 Most Visited Countries in Europe and 25 Countries with the Least Access to Safe Drinking Water.
