Countries by Average PM2.5 Air Quality 2024

About This Dataset

Countries ranked by annual mean concentration of PM2.5 fine particulate matter in micrograms per cubic metre in 2024, according to IQAir World Air Quality Report data. Bangladesh and Pakistan consistently record the world's worst average air quality — with annual PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 70 micrograms per cubic metre, more than 14 times the WHO guideline of 5 micrograms. The health burden of this pollution — measured in reduced life expectancy, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular mortality — represents one of the most significant preventable public health crises in both countries.

Analysis

Bangladesh heads the table on 79.9, ahead of Pakistan (73.7) and India (53.3) in Annual Mean PM2.5 (µg/m³) in 2024. 75.4 separates the highest figure (79.9) from the lowest (4.50). First and second are separated by 6.20, so the leader sits inside the field rather than apart from it. The field is close behind: 6 of the 8 sit at half the leader's figure or above (40.0+).

Source: Wikipedia

Key Findings

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Bangladesh leads in Annual Mean PM2.5 (µg/m³) with 79.90 in 2024.

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Average Annual Mean PM2.5 (µg/m³) in 2024: 45 · median: 49.

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Gap in 2024: Bangladesh is 17.8× larger than Iceland.