India is a stunning nation, celebrated for its rich tapestry of cultures and iconic landmarks. Unfortunately, it has recently gained attention for less favorable reasons this time. The 2025 World Air Quality Report, published by Swiss organization IQAir, ranks India as the sixth most polluted country globally. This evaluation is based on average annual PM2.5 levels, a common metric used to gauge air pollution, which is associated with significant health risks.
The 2025 IQAir World Air Quality Report offers a detailed assessment of global air quality for that year. This report compiles PM2.5 data from 9,446 cities across 143 nations, territories, and regions, utilizing information from over 40,000 monitoring stations and low-cost sensors. This extensive data collection involves contributions from government organizations, educational institutions, non-profits, private companies, and dedicated citizen scientists worldwide. PM2.5 levels are measured in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³), in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines and interim targets.
India Ranked 6th Most Polluted Globally, As Per The World Air Quality Report
And while India ranked 6th on the list, its capital, Delhi, continues to hold the title of the world’s most polluted capital for the eighth year in a row, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 82.2 μg/m³ – more than 16 times the WHO’s recommended level of 5 µg/m³.
Furthermore, Loni in Ghaziabad, India, was named as the most polluted city globally in 2025, with an alarming average of 112.5 µg/m³, exceeding the WHO limit by over 22 times. India remains heavily impacted by pollution, with a notable portion of its cities ranking among the most polluted worldwide.
In terms of other countries, Pakistan emerged as the most polluted, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 67.3 μg/m³, closely followed by Bangladesh at 66.1 μg/m³. Other poorly rated nations include Tajikistan and Chad.
In fact, only 13 countries met the WHO’s air quality standards in 2025, with Australian cities like Nieuwoudtville recognized as among the cleanest globally, maintaining an average of just 1 μg/m³. Overall, the report underscores the deteriorating air quality, particularly in Asia, the most affected continent.
