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Journalism of Courage
Top 10 most and least polluted countries in the world 2024-25: Air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental health risks globally. It contributes to one in nine deaths each year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is especially harmful, and is linked to conditions like heart disease, asthma, cancer, and developmental issues in children.
Recent reports reveal a growing divide in air quality across countries. In regions like South Asia and parts of Africa, worsening pollution – driven by urbanisation, industrial activity, and climate factors – has led to dangerously high PM2.5 levels. Countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India are consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted, facing serious public health challenges as a result.
In contrast, some countries have managed to keep their air remarkably clean. Nations like Iceland, New Zealand, and Finland have some of the lowest PM2.5 levels globally, thanks to strong environmental policies, sustainable practices, and clean energy investments. These countries not only protect the health of their citizens but also offer cleaner, greener environments that many around the world aspire to.
This listicle highlights the 10 most and 10 least polluted countries in 2024–25, showing the stark contrast in global air quality.
According to the 2024–25 IQAir report, South Asia continues to dominate the list of the world’s most polluted countries, with three of the top five spots occupied by Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Bangladesh ranks second, Pakistan third, and India fifth. India saw a slight improvement in air quality, dropping from third to fifth place, with its average PM2.5 concentration decreasing to 50.6 µg/m³ from 54.4 µg/m³ in 2023. Meanwhile, Pakistan clinched the 3rd spot with an alarming average PM2.5 level of 73.7 µg/m³, underscoring the region’s ongoing struggle with severe air pollution.
| Rank | Country | PM2.5 concentrations (2024) |
| 1. | Chad | 91.8 |
| 2. | Bangladesh | 78 |
| 3. | Pakistan | 73.7 |
| 4. | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 58.2 |
| 5. | India | 50.6 |
| 6. | Tajikistan | 46.3 |
| 7. | Nepal | 42.8 |
| 8. | Uganda | 41 |
| 9. | Rwanda | 40.8 |
| 10. | Burundi | 40.3 |
Source: IQAir
The Bahamas topped the list of least polluted countries in 2024, boasting exceptional air quality with a PM2.5 concentration of just 2.3 μg/m³. This Caribbean nation has set a global benchmark for clean air. While South Asian countries dominate the list of the most polluted nations, Nordic countries – including Iceland, Finland, and Sweden – feature prominently among the cleanest, thanks to their strong environmental policies and commitment to sustainability.
In the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand and Australia also rank among the least polluted countries. New Zealand, with a PM2.5 concentration of 4.3 μg/m³, enjoys excellent air quality, supported by its temperate climate marked by warm summers and mild winters. Similarly, Australia’s air quality remains largely clean, with its climate ranging from tropical in the north to temperate in the south.
| Rank | Country | PM2.5 concentrations (2024) |
| 1. | Bahamas | 2.3 |
| 2. | French Polynesia | 2.5 |
| 3. | Barbados | 3.1 |
| 4. | Grenada | 3.2 |
| 5. | Iceland | 4 |
| 6. | New Zealand | 4.4 |
| 7. | Australia | 4.5 |
| 8. | Estonia | 4.6 |
| 9. | Finland | 5.2 |
| 10. | Sweden | 5.3 |
Source: IQAir
