Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan was ranked the world’s smoggiest country in 2025, with PM2.5 concentrations reported at up to 13 times higher than the World Health Organization recommended level, research released on Tuesday showed. Cyprus ranked 85th globally and 12th among the European Union’s 27 countries.
Pakistan’s 2025 ranking and PM2.5 levels
With a population of 231 million, Pakistan was placed first in the 2025 ranking, according to the research. The report cited concentrations of hazardous small particles known as PM2.5 reaching up to 13 times the WHO recommended level.
Cyprus and European Union comparisons
Cyprus ranked as the 85th most polluted country and the 12th most polluted among European Union countries. Romania, Poland and Greece were identified as the three most polluted EU countries.
IQAir report findings
Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir said in its annual report that 13 countries and territories recorded average PM2.5 levels at the WHO standard of less than 5 micrograms per cubic metre last year, up from seven in 2024.
How do air quality rankings in your country compare with the WHO recommended PM2.5 standard?
