Top-10 Most Polluted Cities in the World by October 2025, Check the List

Air pollution has become one of the biggest global challenges of our time. Many cities around the world are struggling with poor air quality due to rapid industrial growth, heavy traffic, and urban expansion. Breathing in polluted air affects people’s health, environment, and overall quality of life. In 2025, several cities continue to face alarming levels of air pollution.

IQAir Global Report 2025

The IQAir Global Report 2025 highlights that air pollution remains a serious global threat. Most cities around the world now record PM2.5 levels far above safe limits, and only a small fraction of cities meet WHO air quality standards. The report also shows that regions like South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa are among the worst affected by poor air quality.

Top-10 Most Polluted Cities in the World 2025

Baghdad city of Iraq, with an AQI of 183, stands as the most polluted city of the world in 2025, followed by Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Lahore (Pakistan).

Here is the list of top-10 most polluted cities of the world by 2025:

Rank	City	Country/ Region	AQI (US)
1.	Baghdad	Iraq	183
2.	Kolkata	India	170
3.	Dhaka	Bangladesh	162
4.	Lahore	Pakistan	160
5.	Manama	Bahrain	158
6.	Kampala	Uganda	158
7.	Doha	Qatar	157
8.	Karachi	Pakistan	157
9.	Delhi	India	155
10.	Mumbai	India	152

Baghdad, Iraq, World’s Most Polluted City

Baghdad has recorded an AQI above 180, placing it firmly in the “unhealthy” category. The city faces severe air pollution due to industrial emissions, construction dust, and limited pollution control. Frequent sandstorms and a hot, dry climate also contribute to poor visibility and worsening air conditions.

Kolkata, India

Kolkata ranks second with an AQI of around 170. Rapid population growth, heavy traffic, and industrial emissions make it one of India’s most polluted cities.
During winter, pollution worsens as cooler air traps dust and smoke close to the ground, creating a thick smog.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka continues to face high pollution levels with an AQI above 160. The city’s rapid urban expansion, brick kilns, vehicle emissions, and poor waste management are major contributors.
Residents frequently experience haze and breathing difficulties, especially during dry months.

Lahore, Pakistan

With an AQI of 160, Lahore once again ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. Each year, during the post-harvest season, stubble burning and traffic fumes combine to create a thick blanket of smog over the city.
Schools often close temporarily due to poor visibility and unsafe air.

Manama, Bahrain

The capital of Bahrain, Manama, records an AQI of 158, mainly due to industrial emissions, construction dust, and vehicle exhaust.
Its coastal geography and arid climate often trap fine dust particles, worsening the air quality.