World's 10 Dirtiest Countries, Is Indonesia Included?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Environmental pollution is one of the world's most pressing problems. Air and water pollution are two of the most challenging issues in a massive global population.

So where are the world's dirtiest countries? 

The Numbeo database compiled the list of 111 countries in Asia, Africa, America, Europe, and Oceania that have the highest pollution level in the middle of 2023. Several factors determined the pollution index, such as air and water pollution, waste discharge, cleanliness, sound and light pollution, green space, and pollution reduction facilities.

According to Numbeo, the highest level was air pollution, followed by water pollution and accessibility, which were considered as two main pollution factors. Most of the data was obtained from the world's perception and inclusion of relevant data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other related. 

Here is the list of the dirtiest countries in 2023:

1. Mongolia

Mongolia received the highest Pollution Index score of 92.4. Located between China and Russia, Mongolia’s pollution problems are primarily from burning coal and biomass. In Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, cases of respiratory infections have increased by 270 percent over the past decade.

2. Myanmar

Myanmar faces a huge environmental challenge with air and industrial pollution becoming the main focus. Poor management of industrial waste and deforestation contribute to the country's pollution, with an index score of 89.8. 

3. Lebanon

Air pollution in Lebanon has increased since the crisis in 2019, with a pollution index of 89.4. The main cause is the proliferation of private power plants across the city, due to the government's failure to reform the energy sector. In Beirut, more than 8,000 power-generating machines are operating almost around the clock.

4. Ghana

Air pollution is becoming the number one environmental risk for Ghanaians. Nearly 100 percent of the population is exposed to PM2.5 air pollution, which exceeds the WHO standard. In addition, Ghana produces more than 3,000 tons of plastic waste every day, resulting in a pollution index of 88.4. 

5. Nigeria

With a pollution index of 88.2, Nigeria is one of the dirtiest countries in the world. Onitsha's residents are blanketed by pollution from incineration, particles from wood-burning stoves, car exhaust, and red road dust. But Onitsha is not the only city in Nigeria threatened by toxic air, there are also Port Harcourt and Lagos.

6. Afghanistan

Afghanistan's air pollution index reached 85.5. Around 26,000 people died in the country in 2017 due to air pollution-related illnesses. The Afghanistan Research Center also reported that around 3,000 people in Kabul die from respiratory infections every year.

7. Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the most slum-ridden countries in the world, with a pollution index of 85.2. Dhaka is one of the most polluted cities due to the brick industry, which employs one million people and produces 23 billion bricks per year.  Wood-fired brick kilns in Bangladesh produce large amounts of smoke and dust.

8. Vietnam

In 2016, around 60,000 deaths in Vietnam were reported to be related to air pollution. According to the World Bank, dirty air has cost the country about 5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) per year. Transportation is the main source of pollution in Vietnam, with a pollution index of 84.2.

9. Nepal

With a pollution index of 84.1, Nepal has become one of the most polluted countries in the world. Every year, air quality in the Kathmandu Valley and other major cities in the southern plains deteriorates during winter, leaving people gasping for clean air.

10. Peru

Peru is one of the dirtiest countries in the world with a pollution index of 83.0. Mining activities and vehicle exhaust contribute to the high emissions in the country. Deforestation and poor waste management are the challenges in Peru. 

Meanwhile, Indonesia is in the 41st position of the dirtiest countries in the world with the score of pollution index of 67. The cities of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek) have recorded bad air pollution several times.  

MELYNDA DWI PUSPITA

Editor's Choice: 11 Most Beautiful Countries to Travel for a Crowd-Free Holiday in 2024

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News