Based on recent data, Bangladesh had the worst air pollution in the world in 2023.
Air quality is often measured using an index like the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI). A higher AQI value indicates worse air quality and greater health concern.
According to data from IQAir for 2023, which ranks countries based on their average U.S. AQI, Bangladesh topped the list.
Top Countries by Average Air Quality in 2023
Here are the top countries with the highest average US AQI in 2023, based on the provided information:
| Rank | Country | 2023 AVG. US AQI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangladesh | 164 |
| 2 | Pakistan | 160 |
| 3 | India | 147 |
| 4 | Tajikistan | 134 |
As the table shows, Bangladesh recorded the highest average US AQI of 164, indicating severe air pollution levels throughout the year.
High levels of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can have significant health impacts, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Addressing air pollution requires concerted efforts focusing on emission reduction from various sources like industry, vehicles, and agriculture, as well as promoting clean energy and sustainable practices.
