Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in the World (2025 Update)

Air pollution has become one of the biggest global challenges, especially in developing regions where industrial growth and urbanization are rapidly increasing. In 2025, many cities continue to struggle with PM2.5 levels, poor air quality, and rising health risks. Here are the Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in the World, based on the latest data from global air quality monitoring reports.

1. Lahore, Pakistan 🇵🇰

Lahore remains the most polluted city in the world, with smog levels regularly exceeding safe limits. Industrial emissions, vehicle smoke, and crop burning contribute to dangerously high PM2.5 levels.
Average AQI: 210–250 (Hazardous)

2. Delhi, India 🇮🇳

India’s capital continues to face severe air pollution, mainly from vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and seasonal stubble burning in nearby states.
Average AQI: 200–240 (Very Unhealthy)

3. Dhaka, Bangladesh 🇧🇩

Dhaka struggles with poor air quality due to brick kilns, heavy traffic, and construction dust. Limited green spaces worsen the city’s pollution levels.
Average AQI: 190–220 (Very Unhealthy)

4. Kabul, Afghanistan 🇦🇫

Kabul’s air is filled with smoke from old vehicles, burning coal, and unregulated factories. Winters are especially dangerous as residents burn low-quality fuels for heating.
Average AQI: 180–210 (Unhealthy)

5. Kathmandu, Nepal 🇳🇵

Nestled in a valley, Kathmandu faces pollution from brick kilns, traffic, and poor air circulation, trapping harmful particles over the city.
Average AQI: 170–200 (Unhealthy)

6. Beijing, China 🇨🇳

Though China has made improvements, Beijing still experiences high pollution during winter due to industrial heating and heavy traffic.
Average AQI: 160–190 (Unhealthy)

7. Karachi, Pakistan 🇵🇰

Pakistan’s largest city faces constant air pollution from traffic congestion, open waste burning, and industrial activities along the coast.
Average AQI: 160–180 (Unhealthy)

8. Jakarta, Indonesia 🇮🇩

Jakarta’s dense traffic, coal power plants, and limited green areas contribute to persistent air pollution, affecting millions of residents daily.
Average AQI: 150–180 (Unhealthy)

9. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 🇲🇳

Mongolia’s capital faces extreme winter smog due to widespread coal use for heating. Despite government initiatives, pollution remains a major concern.
Average AQI: 150–170 (Unhealthy)

10. Kolkata, India 🇮🇳

Kolkata’s industrial base and outdated public transport lead to high emissions, making it one of India’s most polluted urban centers.
Average AQI: 140–160 (Unhealthy)