The dirtiest cities in the world 2024-2025: TOP-10 rating

Taking care of our surroundings or the city we live in is a collective responsibility that is sometimes facilitated by government programs. However, the selfish attitude of some people towards their surroundings and the failure of local authorities to combat illegal activities can really have an impact on our environment.

We are witnessing the biggest plague of humanity, and if it continues, this problem will become an impossible task, turning our planet into a huge dump. In this article, we would like to share with you the top 10 the dirtiest cities in the world based on the Mercer Health and Sanitation Index.

10. Brazzaville, Congo (Score: 39.1)

With a score of 39.1, Brazzaville in Congo is the 10th most polluted city in the world. Air pollution from gas emissions from cars and factories around it, as well as a lack of access to clean water due to a poor sewage system, contribute to the destruction of the city's environment.

Every aspect of this pollution has deprived local residents of an even shorter life expectancy.

9. Almaty, Kazakhstan (Score: 39.1)

The index score of Almaty, Kazakhstan is somewhat similar to Brazzaville, as the situation is considered to be the same. The combination of oil-related activities and lack of protection from pollution has led to an environmental crisis that is worsening in this city.

Proper disposal of toxic waste requires a lot of money to improve, but if left unattended, it will be very costly.

8. Baghdad, Iraq (39 points)

The poor quality of water in Baghdad has created a threat to local residents and has also led to the easy transmission of diseases. Cholera is rampant in the city, causing many deaths in 2007.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said air pollution caused by fuel burning and ongoing warfare needed attention. In 2012, Baghdad was listed as one of the most uninhabitable areas in the world.

7. Mumbai, India (score 38.2)

 

Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra and has a population of over 20 million, making it the eighth most populous city in the world. The city of Mumbai has a bad reputation for waste disposal, poor air quality, and noise pollution.

Just looking at the photo, you can see how dire the situation is. The Indian government had hoped to transform Mumbai into a developed metropolis after the recent economic downturn. Some of the plans include infrastructure, pollution control, and an economic growth strategy.

6. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Score: 37.9)

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and an African city with a population of over 5 million people. Since many people have little or no access to clean toilets, waste is simply scattered throughout the environment.

This has led to waterborne diseases, higher infant mortality rates and lower life expectancy. The city has some of the worst sanitation problems in the world.

5. Mexico City, Mexico (Score: 37.7)

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and one of the most important financial centers in South America. The city of over 22 million people is notorious for its air and road pollution.

The worst time of year for air pollution will be November and May, when toxic smoke is estimated to kill thousands. Mexico's geographic location in the middle of volcanic mountains has made matters worse, making foggy conditions common.

4. Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Score: 34)

The city, which can be found in the Caribbean, is the capital of Haiti. The population of this metropolis is 3 million people, which is half of the country's population.

With violence and bribery among the city's other problems, air and water pollution are also at dangerous levels. Port aux Prices, one of the main ports on the island of Hispaniola, is the center of Haiti's economy.

The city produces about 5,000 tons of waste every day, and several sources estimate that government services only recycle 7% of that waste.

3. Antananarivo, Madagascar (score: 30.1)

The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, is a highland in the center of the island. Some of the common problems of this city range from air and water pollution, improper garbage disposal, and poor green city development.

Rapid industrial growth in this city is a major contributor to air pollution, deforestation and water pollution.

2. Dhaka, Bangladesh (score: 29.6)

Situated in South Asia between India and Myanmar, Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh, which faces an ongoing water pollution crisis. Surface water is often saturated with diseases and contamination from commercial pesticides.

Factories here emit more than 9.8 million tons of green gases into the air each year due to old technology, poor enforcement and a lack of corporate responsibility.

With over 160 million people living in the small country, an initiative to clean up the entire city would require a lot of hard work. Dhaka also struggles with poor traffic that never ends.

1. Baku, Azerbaijan (Score: 27.6)

Unless you work in the oil and gas industry, there is no point in living here. Azerbaijan has long been an oil hub, and because of this, Baku is polluted with contaminated water, oil puddles, and air pollution that can cause serious harm to your health.

This is the effect of oil drilling and transportation in the city. Ultimately, it affects Baku's reputation as one of the most unique architectural projects of the 21st century.