New Delhi: Pakistan has emerged as the most polluted country in the world, followed by Bangladesh and Tajikistan, while India ranks sixth, according to the latest global air quality report.
The findings are based on data compiled by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, which analysed air pollution levels across 9,446 cities in 143 countries, regions and territories.
The report highlights that China ranks 20th among the most polluted countries, while the United States stands at 120th position and the United Kingdom at 110th.
According to the report, only 13 countries and territories meet the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for annual average PM2.5 levels. These include French Polynesia, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Barbados, New Caledonia, Iceland, Bermuda, Reunion, Andorra, Australia, Grenada, Panama and Estonia.
The data underscores growing concerns over deteriorating air quality in South Asia, with several countries continuing to face severe pollution challenges affecting public health and the environment.
