10 Most Polluted Countries in the World Where Air Quality Is at Its Worst

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The cleanliness of the air has a linear influence on human health. Many diseases arise as a result of polluted air. Several countries are still unable to fully address the issue of air pollution. This can be seen through the high concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air in these countries, which if left unchecked, will pose a significant health risk.

Referring to Statista, World Population Review, and other sources, here is the list of the top 10 most polluted countries in the world, including countries in South Asia, such as India and Pakistan.

List of the Most Polluted Countries in the World 2024

IQAir, a Swiss company that tracks global air quality, observed fine particles, or PM2.5, one of the smallest but most dangerous pollutants. PM2.5 comes from sources such as the burning of fossil fuels, dust storms, and forest fires. Its size is so small that it can enter the lungs or bloodstream.

These particles cause irritation and inflammation and have been linked to respiratory problems and chronic kidney disease. Exposure can trigger cancer, stroke, or heart attacks, and has been associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

The following list refers to data from Statista that ranks the most polluted countries in the world in 2024 based on the average PM2.5 levels.

1. Chad (91.8 microgram/m3)

Chad tops the list with an average particulate concentration of 91.8 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024, making it the most polluted country in the world. Vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and desert dust are the main factors exacerbating air quality in Chad.

2. Bangladesh (78 microgram/m3)

In 2024, the average PM2.5 levels in Bangladesh reached 78 micrograms per cubic meter. The high concentration is largely due to vehicle emissions and coal industry.

3. Pakistan (73.7 microgram/m3)

The Pakistani government has yet to find an effective solution to mitigate air pollution issues across the country. Exhaust gases from vehicles and agricultural land burning are two other factors exacerbating air pollution in the South Asian country. In 2024, the PM2.5 concentration in Pakistan nearly touched 74 micrograms per cubic meter.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo (58.2 microgram/m3)

According to Interactive Country Fiches, the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces various environmental problems, one of which is air pollution. The use of wood and charcoal for cooking is the main source of air pollution in the country. The PM2.5 concentration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reached 58.2 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024.

5. India (50.6 microgram/m3)

India is the fifth most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 level of 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter. Several cities in India even made it to the list of the most polluted cities in the world in 2024, namely Byrnihat and Delhi. Ranking first and second, Byrnihat and Delhi respectively had average particulate concentrations of 128.2 and 108.3 micrograms per cubic meter.

6. Tajikistan (46.3 microgram/m3)

Tajikistan still needs to find ways to lower its annual average particulate concentration, which reached 46.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. Based on information from The Diplomat, the cement industry as well as waste and coal burning significantly contribute to Tajikistan's poor air quality.

7. Nepal (42.8 microgram/m3)

Nepal adds to the list of other South Asian countries with poor air quality, with a PM2.5 level reaching 42.8 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. There is still no clear solution to the air pollution problem in Nepal. Yet, low air quality, according to WHO, is a leading cause of death and disability in Nepal.

8. Uganda (41 microgram/m3)

Uganda is one of the countries in Africa with poor air quality, with a PM2.5 concentration of 41 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. Most of it is caused by waste burning and vehicle emissions, Interactive Country Fiches mentioned that this issue is increasingly concerning especially due to the rising death and illness rates from polluted air.

9. Rwanda (40.8 microgram/m3)

The use of wood and charcoal is a major factor in the poor indoor air quality in Rwanda. This condition is further exacerbated by emissions from industries and vehicles. In 2024, the particulate concentration in Rwanda averaged 40.8 micrograms per cubic meter.

10. Burundi (40.3 microgram/m3)

Burundi concludes the list of the most polluted countries in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 40.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. The use of biomass is one of the major factors contributing to air pollution in the country.

STATISTA | CNN | THE DIPLOMAT | WHO

Editor's Note: The measurements in each heading have been corrected.

Editor’s Choice: World's 10 Dirtiest Countries, Is Indonesia Included?

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News