The data was collected from AQI.IN to know the air quality trends worldwide over the months of 2022. On the basis of average AQI data of various cities of different countries were compared to find out the top 10 most polluted cities in the world in 2022. Kashgar, China was in first place, followed by New Delhi, India.

World Air Pollution 

air pollution

Air pollution is NOT a myth. In short, 99% of the population is inhaling the air that exceeds WHO air quality standards. Air pollution changes from region to region. Based on geographical disparities in air quality worldwide, the air pollution differs from area to area, city to city, and hence country to country. Air quality trends differ on the basis of that and while recording the data of air quality trends, we’ve come across the top 10 most polluted cities in the world in 2022. 

Top 10 Most polluted Cities in the world – 2022:

S. NO.CityCountryAverage AQI 2022
1.KashgarChina222
2.New DelhiIndia219
3.GhaziabadIndia218
4.BegusaraiIndia206
5.NoidaIndia206
6.FaridabadIndia204
7.LahorePakistan198
8.SaharsaIndia197
9.BirganjNepal196
10.PatnaIndia196
Most polluted Cities in the world in 2022
world's top10 most polluted cities

Top 20 Most polluted countries in the world – 2022

S. NO.CountryAverage AQI 2022
1.Bangladesh172
2.Kuwait155
3.Chad142
4.United Arab Emirates117
5.India96
6.Iraq95
7.Pakistan91
8.Sudan85
9.Bahrain79
10.Nepal75
11.Armenia69
12.China68
13.Iran66
14.Bosnia & Herzegovina58
15.Ethiopia52
16.Mexico50
17.Uzbekistan49
18.Macedonia48
19.North Korea47
20.Turkey46
Top20 Most polluted Countries in the world in 2022
world's top most polluted countries 2022

Observations:

Top 10 most polluted cities in the world in 2022– 

  • The most polluted city in the world is Kashgar, China. 
  • From the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, 7 most polluted cities are in India. 
  • Remaining three cities are Kashgar, China (the most polluted city); Lahore, Pakistan (7th most polluted city); and Birganj, Nepal (9th most polluted city).

Top 20 most polluted countries in the world in 2022-

  • The most polluted country in 2022 was Bangladesh.
  • India was the 5th most polluted country in the world.
  • Nepal and China were the 10th and 12th most polluted countries in the world respectively.
  • Despite Kashgar being China’s most polluted city, China ranks 12th among the world’s top 20 most polluted countries.

Conclusion:

exhaust emission health effects
Long-term air pollution effects

As air quality is a major issue worldwide. According to the WHO, 9 out of 10 people inhale the air that exceeds the WHO air quality standards. Therefore, we should work collectively as individuals and fight against the deteriorating air quality. Wear proper masks if you leave your house when pollution levels are high. Check for pollution forecasts and real-time air quality data so you can be prepared. Air pollution has caused more than 6 million premature deaths, and is the second largest killer in the world after tobacco smoke. Therefore, it has become extremely important to monitor, measure, and reduce air pollution to remain healthy, and make a healthy environment for our parents and children.

Click here to check live AQI city rankings of the world.

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