In this article, we will take a look at the 25 least hygienic countries in the world.
The majority of us give great emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness. People increasingly seek to reside in locales characterized by cleanliness, picturesque landscapes, access to clean water, and freedom from pollution and dust. The pervasive pollution of today’s era contributes to global warming and various health issues. While substantial efforts are dedicated to mitigating pollution and promoting cleanliness awareness campaigns, it is disheartening to note that a significant portion of the global population still lacks access to basic sanitation facilities.
Dangerous levels of air pollution are prevalent in nearly all countries across the globe. The primary source of this pollution stems from the combustion of fossil fuels, with the most significant contributors being vehicles powered by fossil fuels such as cars, trucks, ships, aircraft, etc., and industrial facilities like coal and oil-fired power plants and factories. Nevertheless, any activity involving the combustion of wood or fossil fuels has the potential to release particulate matter into the atmosphere. This encompasses everyday household sources like tobacco products, stoves, ovens, candles, and fireplaces. Additionally, natural events such as volcanic eruptions and wildfires can also constitute noteworthy sources of air pollution.
According to research from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, air pollution reduces the average global life expectancy by over two years. A significant contributor to this problem is fossil fuel combustion, responsible for 60% of particulate matter air pollution.
Air quality is a significant determinant of a country’s cleanliness. Several factors contribute to the air quality of a nation, including population density, air pollution laws and regulations, and the extent of forested areas. When discussing clean air, we have assembled a roster of countries with the purest air on the planet. It is unsurprising that some of the countries featured on this list also make appearances on the list of the world’s cleanest nations.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 90% of the world’s population is exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the WHO’s air quality guidelines. Researchers have discovered that on more than 70% of days in 2019, daily air pollution levels globally surpassed the safe threshold value recommended by the WHO, which is set at 15 μg/m3. What’s even more alarming is that only 12% of the global population resides in cities that meet the WHO’s recommended standards for acceptable air quality. Consequently, approximately 7 million individuals succumb to the effects of ambient or household air pollution each year. This grim statistic represents just the visible part of the problem, as it is accompanied by a substantial burden of illness, hospitalization, reduced life expectancy, and related social and economic consequences, including lost productivity and healthcare expenditures.
In India, the residents can’t deny the fact that many parts of the country are polluted. The vast majority of their lakes and rivers suffer from severe contamination due to urban and chemical pollutants. The air quality in most cities, especially in North India, exceeds the recommended severe pollution levels. Moreover, India’s heavy dependence on biomass fuels, particularly in rural regions, exacerbates its pollution issue. These fuels, such as firewood, cow dung, and crop residues, release significant quantities of pollutants when they are combusted. Meanwhile, Iceland is one of the 25 Cleanest Countries in the World in 2023. Although this may seem counterintuitive at the moment, given recent volcanic ash disruptions to flights across northern Europe, a study conducted by Yale and Columbia universities places the Nordic island at the top of their Environmental Performance Index among 163 countries, which makes Iceland one of the most hygienic countries in the world.
Among major U.S. cities, Columbus, Ohio, ranked as the most polluted, with Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Dallas following closely. In 2022, Columbus recorded an air quality level of 13.1 micrograms of PM 2.5 particles per cubic meter, earning it the dubious distinction of being the most heavily polluted major city in the United States.
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Our Methodology
We examined air pollution data for the year 2022, sourced from IQAir, encompassing 6,475 cities spanning 117 countries, in order to identify the least hygienic countries in the world. IQAir’s assessment is determined by the annual mean concentration of PM2.5 particles measured in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³). PM2.5 refers to ultra-fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. The World Health Organization advises that annual average PM2.5 concentrations should not exceed 5 µg/m³. We also identified the percentage of access to sanitation by country based on their population. This metric is composed of personal hygiene ranking per country or those individuals utilizing basic sanitation services as well as those benefiting from safely managed sanitation services in their country. Enhanced sanitation facilities encompass a range of options, including flush systems connected to sewer networks, septic tanks, and composting toilets. Our initial phase involved identifying more than 40 countries referenced within our given metrics. We then averaged their scores and by conducting thorough data analysis, we were able to come up with our list of the top 25 least hygienic countries in the world.
25 Least Hygienic Countries in the World
25. China
Air Pollution: 30.6 μg/m³
Population: 1,412,360,000
China ranks 25th in our list of the least hygienic countries in the world. Air pollution in China leads to an annual death toll of approximately 2 million people. Among these fatalities, over 1 million can be attributed to ambient air pollution, with an additional million lives lost due to household air pollution resulting from using polluting fuels and cooking technologies during the same timeframe in China.
24. Kyrgyzstan
Air Pollution: 31.1 μg/m³
Population: 6,691,800
According to the World Health Organization’s guidelines, the air quality in Kyrgyzstan is categorized as moderately unsafe for the majority of the year. Recent data reveals that the country’s annual average PM2.5 concentration stands at 31.1 µg/m³, surpassing the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m³. In 2o2o, Kyrgyzstan was also among the top 25 least hygienic countries in the world.
23. Ethiopia
Air Pollution: 31.3 μg/m³
Population: 120,283,026
Ranking 23rd in our list of the least hygienic countries in the world is Ethiopia. The primary contributors to air pollution in Ethiopia include the open burning of waste, emissions from vehicles, and traditional practices. Notably, open burning stands out as a significant source of elevated air pollution levels, particularly in major metropolitan areas such as Addis Ababa city. Additionally, the majority of industries in Ethiopia release their untreated toxic wastewater directly into nearby rivers, lakes, and streams. This has led to a rise in pollution stemming from the discharge of industrial wastewater, which often contains hazardous chemicals.
22. Armenia
Air Pollution: 31.4 μg/m³
Population: 2,790,974
As per the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for 16% of annual deaths in Armenia due to stroke and ischemic heart disease. It’s anticipated that this figure would significantly rise if the study also encompassed cancer patients and individuals with chronic respiratory ailments. The primary source of air pollution in Armenia stems from emissions linked to transportation. The high concentration and volume of vehicles in Armenia, hinder residents from enjoying a clean-air environment.
21. United Arab Emirates
Air Pollution: 45.9 μg/m³
Population: 9,365,145
Year by year, air quality in the UAE continues to deteriorate due to increasing air pollution. This issue can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the country’s geographical location makes it prone to dust accumulation. Secondly, the numerous industrial activities operating within the UAE contribute to this pollution. Furthermore, the emission of nitrogen oxide resulting from fossil fuel combustion further degrades air quality.
20. Saudi Arabia
Air Pollution: 41.5 μg/m³
Population: 35,950,396
Ranking 20th in our list of the least hygienic countries in the world is Saudi Arabia. The country faces a range of pressing environmental issues, with the most prominent among them being contaminated well water, waste generated by cement plants, elevated emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, land degradation, desertification, and various other factors that have the potential to heighten pollution and environmental hazards. These challenges are primarily attributed to sustained population growth, swift urbanization, growing water and energy demands, as well as the imperatives of economic development.
19. Bahrain
Air Pollution: 66.6 μg/m³
Population: 1,463,265
Bahrain landed in the 19th spot in our list of the least hygienic countries in the world. The country recorded an air concentration level of 66.6 micrograms per cubic meter (mcg/m3) in 2022, which is a staggering 13 times higher than the annual guideline recommended by the WHO for PM2.5. This indicates that, for every cubic meter of air in Bahrain, there are 66.6 micrograms of harmful PM2.5 particles that pose a threat to lung health. The primary sources of pollutants stem from sandstorms, industrial emissions, private vehicle usage, and fertilizer production.
18. Qatar
Air Pollution: 42.5 μg/m³
Population: 2,688,235
Placing 18th on our list of the least hygienic countries in the world is Qatar. Qatar ranks prominently among the countries facing substantial pollution challenges. The nation contends with issues such as smog, acid rain, and residual air pollution stemming from the Persian Gulf War. Furthermore, pollution originating from the oil industry poses a significant threat to the country’s water resources. Pesticides and fertilizers have also taken a toll on the soil, while the agricultural land is at risk of desertification.
17. Kuwait
Air Pollution: 55.4 μg/m³
Population: 4,250,114
The leading factor significantly deteriorating air quality in Kuwait is the oil industry. This includes activities such as burning fossil fuels, as well as the processes of extraction, drilling, storage, and exportation, all contributing significantly to pollution levels in the country. In 2022, Kuwait recorded an annual average PM2.5 reading of 55.8μg/m³, categorizing it within the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ range, which typically falls between 35.5 to 55.4 μg/m³.
16. Iran
Air Pollution: 32.5 μg/m³
Population: 87,923,432
Iran struggles with significant air quality challenges, as many of its major cities contend with episodes of smoke, haze, and noxious emissions throughout the year. These issues stem from extensive vehicle and industrial emissions, alongside other sources like construction activities and the combustion of fossil fuels, all contributing to a decline in air quality.
15. Uzbekistan
Air Pollution: 33.5 μg/m³
Population: 34,915,100
Ranking 15th in our list of the least hygienic countries in the world is Uzbekistan. According to the State Ecology Committee, nearly 60% of the 1.3 million tons of pollutant emissions released into the atmosphere across Uzbekistan during the initial nine months of 2022 originated from vehicles, with the remaining portion attributed to industrial and manufacturing facilities. Moreover, a report from the World Health Organization reveals that in Uzbekistan, only 83% of schools had basic access to clean drinking water, and 78% had access to fundamental sanitation facilities.
14. Bosnia Herzegovina
Air Pollution: 33.6 μg/m³
Population: 3,270,943
In 2016, Bosnia and Herzegovina generated around 1.24 million tons of municipal waste, averaging approximately 354 kg per year or 0.97 kg per day. Landfills received 952,975 tons of waste that year. Public solid waste transportation disposed of about 920,748 tons in 2016, a slight 0.1% reduction from 2015. The majority of waste came from markets, street cleaning, and public sources. Packaging waste accounted for only 1.9%, while household waste made up 3.6%. Recreational areas contributed just 2.8%. Mixed municipal waste constituted the remaining 91.7%, totaling over 844,000 metric tons.
13. Nigeria
Air Pollution: 36.9 μg/m³
Population: 213,401,323
Nigeria ranks 13th in our list of the least hygienic countries in the world. An estimated 60 million Nigerians lacked access to clean drinking water services in 2019, while 80 million had no access to improved sanitation facilities, and a staggering 167 million had no access to even a basic handwashing facility. In Nigeria, limited access to enhanced water and sanitation facilities continues to be a significant driver of elevated illness and mortality rates in children under the age of five. Utilizing contaminated drinking water and residing in inadequate sanitary environments heighten the susceptibility to waterborne diseases, notably diarrhea, which tragically claims the lives of over 70,000 young children every year.
12. Uganda
Air Pollution: 39.6 μg/m³
Population: 45,853,778
Hygiene-related challenges are pervasive within Uganda. The majority of Ugandans lack access to basic handwashing facilities and proper sanitation infrastructure. Uganda is one of the toiletless countries in the world. Nearly 10% of the Ugandan population practices open defecation, and a significant portion of households do not have access to soap for washing. It is crucial to recognize that the most significant toll of inadequate sanitation falls upon the economically disadvantaged segments of the population.
11. Nepal
Air Pollution: 40.1 μg/m³
Population: 30,034,989
As per the World Health Organization, Nepal faces significant challenges in access to improved sanitation, with 10.8 million people lacking such facilities. Additionally, 3.5 million people in Nepal do not have access to basic water services. Moreover, air pollution in Nepal has evolved into a grave concern for both the environment and public health, with pollution levels exceeding WHO recommendations by a factor of 4.9.
10. Rwanda
Air Pollution: 44 μg/m³
Population: 13,461,888
In Rwanda, just 64% of the population enjoys access to sanitation services, and there’s a notable disparity influenced by family wealth. A striking 94% of the wealthiest households possess their own toilets, whereas this figure drops to 74% for the poorest households. Remarkably, only 5% of households in Rwanda have designated facilities for family members to wash their hands with soap, even though handwashing with soap is crucial for promoting good health, particularly in children.
9. Sudan
Air Pollution: 44.6 μg/m³
Population: 45,657,202
In Sudan, 17.3 million people lack access to a fundamental level of clean drinking water supply, leaving them vulnerable to disease. Furthermore, approximately 24 million people do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities. The progress in sanitation coverage has remained stagnant, with over 10.5 million people still resorting to open defecation practices.
8. Tajikistan
Air Pollution: 46 μg/m³
Population: 9,750,064
In Tajikistan, based on a 2016 World Bank report, a limited 38% of the population enjoys access to safely managed drinking water services. A larger proportion, 78%, relies on basic drinking water services, while only 53% have access to basic sanitation. Despite significant efforts and financial investments, the challenge of accessing clean drinking water remains a prominent issue in Tajikistan, especially in rural regions. A substantial number of inhabitants depend on rivers and open ditches as their source of drinking water.
7. Egypt
Air Pollution: 46.5 μg/m³
Population: 109,262,178
In Egypt, a staggering 8.4 million individuals lack access to enhanced sanitation services, primarily concentrated in rural regions. In 2014, approximately 10% of the Egyptian population remained without the privilege of improved sanitation, revealing notable disparities in both geographical and socio-economic aspects.
6. Burkina Faso
Air Pollution: 63 μg/m³
Population: 22,100,683
In Burkina Faso, where a population of approximately 19.77 million resides, only about 22% of the people have access to proper sanitation facilities. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where a staggering 88% of the population lacks adequate sanitation. Moreover, a significant 62.91% of rural residents do not have access to a reliable and safe water supply, posing additional challenges to community hygiene.
5. India
Air Pollution: 53.3 μg/m³
Population: 1,407,563,842
India ranks 5th in our list of the least hygienic countries in the world. Among India’s vast population of 1.3 billion, a significant 6%, or 91 million people, do not have access to safe water, while a substantial 54%, totaling 746 million individuals, lack access to properly managed household sanitation facilities. These challenges are compounded by issues such as severe water scarcity, surface water contamination, and limited access to piped water supply. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change, including droughts and rising sea levels, exacerbate the difficulties faced by Indian families in securing access to safe water and sanitation.
4. Bangladesh
Air Pollution: 65.8 μg/m³
Population: 169,356,251
Bangladesh secures the 4th spot in our list of the least hygienic countries in the world. In Bangladesh, a country with a population of 165 million, a significant 41% or 68 million people lack access to a dependable and safely managed water source. Furthermore, a staggering 61% of the population, accounting for 100 million people, faces the challenge of not having access to safely managed household sanitation facilities. Additionally, a substantial 29% of the population lives below the poverty line, with incomes of less than $3.10 per day. Bangladesh also topped our list of the 25 Most Unhygienic Countries in the World.