Helena Joyce
Asia is home to some of the world's most polluted countries and cities. In 2024, 83 of the 100 cities with the worst air pollution were in Asia, with 29 of the 30 most polluted cities located in either India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. South Asia suffers from the worst pollution in the world overall, with Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan being the four most polluted countries in the region. However, Southeast Asian cities are also among the most polluted in the world, with Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Bangkok ranking among the top five most polluted cities globally in 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the highest average PM2.5 concentration in Asia | Bangladesh (161 μg/m³ in 2023) |
| Countries with high PM2.5 concentration in Asia | India (84 μg/m³ in 2023), Pakistan (79 μg/m³ in 2023), Laos, China, Tajikistan, Nepal, North Korea, Mongolia, South Korea, Burma, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Thailand |
| Most polluted cities in Asia | New Delhi, India (92.7 μg/m³ in 2024), Lahore, Pakistan (99.5), Dhaka, Bangladesh (80.2), Begusarai, India (118.9 μg/m³ in 2023) |
| Primary sources of pollution in Asian countries | Vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, agricultural practices like crop burning |
| Impact of air pollution in Asian countries | Reduction in life expectancy by 3.9-5.3 years, respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases |
| Government initiatives to combat pollution | India's National Clean Air Programme |
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What You'll Learn
- India: 83 of the 100 most polluted cities in the world are in India
- Bangladesh: recorded the worst air quality of 134 countries monitored
- Pakistan: air pollution is estimated to reduce life expectancy by 3.9 years
- China: noted a small improvement in air quality in recent years
- Laos: among the most polluted countries in Asia with an average PM2.5 level of 70 μg/m³
India: 83 of the 100 most polluted cities in the world are in India
India is home to 83 of the 100 most polluted cities in the world. The air pollution in these cities exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality guidelines by more than ten times. The air quality in India is predominantly composed of particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have detrimental effects on respiratory health and reduce the life expectancy of residents by an average of 5.3 years.
The primary sources of pollution in India include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and agricultural practices such as crop burning. Northern India and Delhi are particularly affected by biomass burning, the burning of wood or crop wastes for fuel, and coal burning. The annual crop burning practice of farmers in India, where they burn plant residue after harvesting rice to prepare fields for wheat plantations, also contributes to the poor air quality.
The geography of South Asia further exacerbates the pollution problem. Pollutants emitted from across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which includes Bangladesh, a large part of eastern Pakistan, most of northern and eastern India, and the south of Nepal, mix with pollutants brought in by coastal winds. These pollutants then become trapped by the Himalayas, which border the north of the region.
While the Indian government has implemented initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme to combat pollution, rapid urbanization and industrial growth continue to pose significant challenges in improving air quality. India's booming economic growth, largely fuelled by coal, and its traffic-congested megacities, contribute to the country's poor air quality.
It is important to note that other countries in Asia, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Laos, China, and Tajikistan, also face significant air pollution issues, with seasonal variations impacting PM2.5 levels, particularly during the winter months.
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Bangladesh: recorded the worst air quality of 134 countries monitored
Bangladesh has been ranked as the most polluted country in Asia, with the worst air quality of 134 countries monitored by the Swiss climate group, IQAir. The country's poor air quality is disproportionately large compared to its overall carbon footprint. Bangladesh contributes only about 0.4% of global carbon emissions, yet its cities, particularly the capital Dhaka, have some of the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) scores in the world.
The country's alarming AQI has many causes, including vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, agricultural waste burning, cremation practices, and the widespread use of kilns to make bricks. The burning of solid fuel for cooking and heating, especially during the colder months, also adds to the air pollution. Dhaka, the capital city, is a prime example of the country's pollution levels. In January and December 2023, Dhaka recorded AQI readings of 181.8 μg/m³ and 146.3 μg/m³, respectively.
Bangladesh's PM2.5 levels, which refer to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, stand at 79.9 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly 16 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. This extreme level of air pollution has severe health impacts, reducing the average life expectancy in Bangladesh by 6.9 years.
While Bangladesh is taking steps to address its air pollution crisis, such as banning older vehicles in its capital, the country faces profound challenges in transitioning to a safer and more sustainable energy system. Bangladesh's coal consumption has been increasing, and if this trend continues, it will not only further degrade the country's air quality but also potentially harm its economic goals, as the European Union and other jurisdictions impose carbon border adjustments.
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Pakistan: air pollution is estimated to reduce life expectancy by 3.9 years
South Asian countries, including Pakistan, have some of the worst air pollution in the world. Pakistan is the second or third most polluted country in Asia and the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 79 μg/m³ in 2023, according to one source, and 147 μg/m³, according to another.
The air pollution in Pakistan is estimated to reduce life expectancy by 3.9 years, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policies that prioritise environmental health. The country's smog-ridden city of Lahore recorded an average of 99.5 μg/m³ in 2023. In November 2023, Punjab province, which includes Lahore, declared an emergency due to dangerous levels of air pollution, and face masks were made mandatory in Lahore.
The poor air quality in Pakistan is caused by a variety of factors, including industrial emissions, agricultural waste burning, and crop burning. The geography of South Asia also plays a role in the accumulation of air pollution. Pollutants emitted from across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which comprises Bangladesh, a large part of eastern Pakistan, most of northern and eastern India, and the south of Nepal, mix with pollutants brought in by winds from the coast. They then become trapped by the Himalayas to the north.
The predominant type of pollution in Pakistan is particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious health risks such as respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. PM2.5 molecules are released during natural events such as dust storms and wildfires, or they can be caused by human activities such as coal burning or agricultural work. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, average annual levels of PM2.5 should not surpass 5 μg/m³.
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China: noted a small improvement in air quality in recent years
According to a list of the top 10 most polluted countries in Asia in 2024, Bangladesh is the most polluted, with the highest average PM2.5 concentration in Asia at 161 μg/m³ in 2023. This is followed by India, Pakistan, Laos, China, Tajikistan, Nepal, North Korea, Mongolia, and South Korea.
China, which is among the most polluted countries in Asia, has noted a small improvement in air quality in recent years. China's national air quality monitoring network revealed a rapid improvement in air quality during the 2010s. In 2024, the annual average PM2.5 concentration decreased by 2.7% year-on-year, reaching the 2025 target of a 10% reduction from 2020 levels ahead of schedule. Chengdu, a city in China, achieved an 18% reduction in PM2.5 concentrations from the previous year, becoming one of the top five cities with the most significant improvements. The city prioritized controlling emissions from mobile sources by accelerating the electrification of public-sector vehicles, strengthening regulations on fuel-powered vehicles, and promoting new-energy heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
Despite these improvements, China still faces challenges in improving its air quality. In 2024, Shanghai experienced heavy smog, and Beijing saw a 14% increase in the annual average PM2.5 concentration. Hotan, China's most polluted city, was listed as number 14 on the IQAir ranking. China's current air quality standard, with an annual PM2.5 concentration limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter, is only stricter than those of India and Egypt and is above the World Health Organization's recommended level of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
To further enhance air quality, China is focusing on strengthening PM2.5 standards and implementing air pollution control measures. The country is also working towards its "dual carbon" goals, which aim to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. These efforts are expected to positively impact public health and environmental governance.
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Laos: among the most polluted countries in Asia with an average PM2.5 level of 70 μg/m³
Laos is among the most polluted countries in Asia, with an average PM2.5 level of 70 μg/m³ in 2023. This is four times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended safe levels. PM2.5 refers to the measurement of harmful 2.5-micron-width air pollution particles, which can cause serious health issues and even contribute to premature deaths.
The primary sources of pollution in Laos include vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and agricultural burning practices during the dry seasons. Cities like Vientiane are particularly affected by these factors, resulting in significant air quality challenges. The situation remains a concern as urbanization continues, and environmental regulations struggle to keep pace with the growing pollution sources.
To address this complex issue, Laos has taken several initiatives. For instance, air quality sensors have been installed across the country, providing vital data on air quality and enabling more informed discussions among stakeholders regarding health impacts and emission reduction strategies. The World Health Organization has also been actively involved in Laos, conducting extensive community focus group discussions and nationwide online surveys to tailor messaging and raise awareness about air pollution risks.
Despite these efforts, Laos continues to face challenges in improving its air quality. The country's real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, which are categorized as good, satisfactory, or unhealthy, among others, have been fluctuating. While the AQI levels in Laos during July 2025 were predominantly in the "'good'" range, the levels varied from 32 to 48 within a 24-hour period.
Laos is not alone in its struggle against air pollution. Several other Asian countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and China, have also been listed among the most polluted. Rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and agricultural practices contribute to the deteriorating air quality in these countries, posing significant health risks to their residents.
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Frequently asked questions
Bangladesh has the highest average PM2.5 concentration in Asia, followed by India and Pakistan.
Cities in India, such as New Delhi and Begusarai, are among the most polluted. Lahore in Pakistan, Dhaka in Bangladesh, and Hotan in China are also highly polluted cities.
The primary sources of pollution in these countries include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, agricultural practices like crop burning, and biomass burning.
