12 Countries with the Dirtiest Air in the World

Air pollution is increasing problem all around the world, but you should definitely avoid these top 12 countries with the dirtiest air in the world since they truly have the worst problems when it comes to air pollution.

On the other hand, these 10 countries with the cleanest air in the world are definitely worth visiting if you wish to breathe some fresh, high-quality air. Parameters of choosing cleanest or dirtiest countries in the world vary, and you will be surprised that for example, Sweden found its place on our list of 10 Dirtiest Countries in Europe: France and Sweden Are Dirtier than Most Places. It is actually funny since Sweden, along with many other Scandinavian countries tops the list of 16 Cleanest Countries in the World. These countries are also least polluted countries. The reason for this is the successful implementation of eco-friendly solutions such as improving public transportation, recycling and using eco-friendly fuels. When it comes to determining the most polluted countries in the world, one has to take into consideration that various websites and online magazines use different data which is sometimes outdated. According to The Telegraph, the most air-polluted country in the world in 2016 was Pakistan with average PM2.5 of 115.7. It is expected that countries that find themselves on the list of most polluted countries in the world are at the same time among top polluting countries in the world. The Telegraph also published an article on CO2 emissions per country, and according to this data, top polluting countries in 2017 are Qatar (35.73 tonnes), Curacao (30.43 tonnes) and Latvia (29.44). The United States also found its place in the top 10 polluting countries in 2017. According to data published by Statista, top polluting countries in 2016 are China and United States of America.

There are two types of pollution: indoor and outdoor pollution. Outdoor air pollution is caused by harmful gases produced by factories, power plants and of course, vehicles. Heavy metals and other pollutants area easily spread by a wind which means that no country is safe as long as global changes do not happen. This explains why dirties air is concentrated in specific areas/countries and most of top 10 countries with worst air pollution in the world are developing countries which are close to each other. Industrial growth and urbanization aggravate the problem even more, especially in countries which are not economically stable and have no means to implement eco-friendly solutions and reduce air pollution.

While we are well-familiar with outdoor pollutants and air pollution in general, very few people know about the existence of so-called “household” or indoor pollution. Many people use solid fuels such as wood, coal, and charcoal for heating and cooking. Inefficient heating and cooking practices produce high levels of indoor pollution, especially pollutants such as fine particles and carbon monoxide. Exposure is higher among women and children who spend more time indoors. According to World Health Organization, 4.3 million people die from exposure to household pollution. Based on mortality rates, some of the newest data show that the most air-polluted country in the world is North Korea and our list will tell which country is the most air-polluted country in the world based on the amount of PM2.5 particles.

Since data for air quality around the world constantly changes (and varies from source to source), we decided to check a couple of sources before compiling this list of 12 countries with the dirtiest air in the world. The starting point was The Telegraph’s map based on WHO 2014 data. Then we checked out The Guardian’s article on global air pollution and some sites such as Numbeo and Statistic Brain which ranked countries around the world according to air pollution. However, we’ve decided to rank countries on our list according to data provided by WHO since it is the most comprehensive and accurate data. Countries are ranked according to annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas. Countries that have a higher concentration of PM2.5 are ranked higher on the list. Let’s take a look:

12. Myanmar

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 56.6

Yangon is city most affected by air pollution. One in four deaths occurs due to environmental risks, especially air pollution. Besides outside pollution that is caused by inefficient modes of transport and industrial waste, Myanmar has large issues with household pollution. Many people rely on the use of solid fuels such as wood, coal, dung, and charcoal for cooking and heating (95% in rural and 81% in urban areas).

11. Libya

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 58.2

Libya ranks 11th on our list of countries with the dirtiest air in the world. It is slowly acknowledging its environmental problems caused by oil and gas production. Besides air pollution, Libya has problems with water pollution also caused by drilling.

10. Cameroon

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 63.6

A lot of African countries have problems with pollution and Cameroon is no different. Air pollution in Cameroon, which ranks 10th on our list of countries with the dirtiest air in the world, is becoming a threat to lives of its inhabitant, and it is estimated that around 7,000 people in Cameroon die every air due to issues closely connected with air pollution.

9. The United Arab Emirates

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 64.4

The United Arab Emirates have very high carbon dioxide emissions mostly caused by the boom of the oil industry. Aware of air pollution, United Arab Emirates are targeting improvements, especially increased use of renewable energy sources.

8. India

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 65.7

End of this year marked New Delhi as the most polluted city on planet Earth. Some stations measured air quality index of 999 which is way above the worst category of air pollution (hazardous). The upper limit for “Unhealthy” air is 200. PM2.5 particles are hazardous and can settle deep inside one’s lungs, and when the overall air pollution is this high, there is no question how dangerous it is to breathe this dirty air.

7. Nepal

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 74.3

Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu is among the most polluted cities in the world. During the winter, pollution is at its peak and the air people breathe is no better than cigarette smoke. Consequently, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is on the rise. Although it is mostly connected with smoking, COPD can also be caused by (extremely) poor air quality as it is the case in the Nepal.

6. Kuwait

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 78.4

Air pollution is one of the most pressing issues in Kuwait which ranks 6th on our list of countries with the dirtiest air in the world. Kuwait’s oil industry is the major cause of air pollution in Kuwait. Although the country tries to rely more on renewable energy sources, the oil industry is its major source of income, and it is impossible to stop oil production. However, various policies created awareness of this issue and preliminary steps to reduce gas emissions and in progress.

5. Mauritania

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 86.2

Mauritania has very low air quality, mainly caused by gas emissions from vehicles and indoor pollution caused by using inadequate fuels for cooking and heating. Indoor pollution is a common problem in most developing countries since people do not have access to renewable energy sources and cannot afford to choose what they will use for cooking/heating. According to World Health Organization, 90% of the population in rural households in developing countries relies mostly on unprocessed biomass fuels (wood, cow dung, crop residues, etc.). This example shows that countries with high indoor pollution can reach the top of our list of 12 countries with the dirtiest air in the world although many of us think that indoor pollution cannot be compared to outdoor pollution and that it is more harmless.

4. Bangladesh

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 88.8

Air pollution is an acute problem in Bangladesh, the number 4 on our list of countries with the dirtiest air in the world, as it is the case in many other countries that are densely populated. In Bangladesh, the worst place when it comes to air pollution is its capital city, Dhaka.

3. Egypt

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 100.6

Air pollution is well known and not-so-new problem in Egypt. Known as “black cloud,” the dense smoke appeared for the first time in 1997. It spread rapidly and now, it accounts for 42% of countries air pollution. Smog is mostly produced by farmers who pile and burn rice straws instead of recycling them. The Egyptian Ministry of Environment takes this issue seriously, and they use satellites to locate the farmers who burn rice straws.

2. Qatar

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 104.6

It is interesting that when you google any of the countries from our list of 12 countries with the dirtiest air in the world, you will find results that state that this particular country has the dirtiest air in the world. The same thing goes for Qatar, although it is not at the top of our list. Air pollution in Qatar exceeds safe limits, and it is a cause of major health issues. According to Doha News, Qatar’s urban areas have an annual average of 105 μg/m3 of PM2.5 which is very high. These particles are made up of heavy metals and cannot be seen by the bare eye, but they impact respiratory system and can cause a cough, reduced lung function, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and many other health issues.

1. Saudi Arabia

Annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas (μg/m3): 127.1

Causes of air pollution in Saudi Arabia vary from industrial pollution to indoor pollution and dust as well. Saudi Arabia produces largest amounts of crude oil in the world and production of crude oil inevitably contributes to air pollution. It comes as a no surprise that Saudi Arabia takes the number one spot on our list of 12 countries with the dirtiest air in the world.