Top 10 Most Polluted Countries in the World 2024

By Priyanka Roshan | Nov 20, 2024

Top 10 Most Polluted Countries in the World 2024

Air pollution remains a major concern in India, with stark contrasts in AQI levels across regions. While North Indian cities face hazardous air quality, some cities enjoy clean, breathable air. Here are the top 5 most and least polluted cities in India today.

(Image: Canva)

India tops the list with alarming pollution levels driven by industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and agricultural burning. Cities like Delhi and Ghaziabad are among the world’s most polluted.

1. India | AQI: 569 (Severe)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Air pollution in Uganda stems from urban congestion, industrial growth, and rampant deforestation, impacting both urban and rural areas.

2. Uganda | AQI: 273 (Hazardous)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Industrial emissions and sandstorms contribute heavily to Egypt’s poor air quality, particularly in urban areas like Cairo.

3. Egypt | AQI: 217 (Hazardous)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Pakistan faces significant air quality challenges due to urbanization, industrial pollution, and widespread energy consumption.

4. Pakistan | AQI: 170 (Unhealthy)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Chad’s air pollution issues are exacerbated by desertification, dust storms, and biomass burning, affecting both cities and rural areas.

5. Chad | AQI: 168 (Unhealthy)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Despite efforts to curb emissions, China continues to struggle with high pollution levels, primarily from its industrial hubs and coal consumption.

6. China | AQI: 167 (Unhealthy)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Serbia’s reliance on coal power plants and industrial activity contributes to its ranking among the most polluted countries.

7. Serbia | AQI: 166 (Unhealthy)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Urban air pollution from traffic and industrial zones places Türkiye among the world’s top polluted nations.

8. Türkiye | AQI: 161 (Unhealthy)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Congo’s air pollution arises from deforestation, mining activities, and the use of biomass fuels for cooking and heating.

9. Democratic Republic of the Congo | AQI: 161 (Unhealthy)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Industrial emissions, heavy vehicular traffic, and seasonal wildfires are the main contributors to Italy’s poor air quality, particularly in cities like Milan.

10. Italy | AQI: 158 (Unhealthy)

(Source: Waqi, as of Nov 20, 2024, 10:55am | Image: Canva)

Next: India’s AQI Report Today: Top 5 Most and Least Polluted Cities
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