The top 12 most polluted countries in the world!

"Welcome to our planet – a place of incredible beauty, but also great environmental challenges. One of the most pressing issues today is air pollution, which affects millions of lives worldwide. In this video, we’re counting down the Top 12 Most Polluted Countries in the World, based on air quality data and pollution statistics. From smog-filled cities to industrial powerhouses, these countries face severe environmental concerns."

"At number 12, we start with Bangladesh. Dhaka, the capital, is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Rapid urbanization, unregulated industrial practices, and heavy traffic have contributed to severe air pollution. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is often at dangerous levels, making breathing a daily challenge for millions."

"Next at number 11 is Pakistan. Cities like Lahore and Karachi frequently experience hazardous levels of air pollution, primarily from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning of crop residues. This has resulted in dangerous air quality, leading to respiratory diseases and a decline in overall public health."

"Coming in at number 10 is India, where air pollution is a daily reality for millions of people. New Delhi often tops the list of the world's most polluted cities, with PM2.5 levels far exceeding safe limits. Agricultural burning, coal-powered plants, and vehicular emissions all contribute to the country’s hazardous air quality."

"At number 9, we have Mongolia, where the capital, Ulaanbaatar, faces extreme pollution, especially during the winter months. The primary cause? Coal-burning stoves used in homes for heating, combined with emissions from power plants. The harsh winters mean more reliance on coal, leading to dangerously high levels of pollution."

"Number 8 is Afghanistan, particularly in the capital, Kabul, where a combination of factors like traffic congestion, outdated vehicles, and reliance on burning low-quality fuels make air pollution a severe problem. In addition, natural dust storms further contribute to the country’s poor air quality."

"At number 7 is Qatar, where rapid development and construction have contributed to poor air quality. Industrial activities and desert dust combine to create a challenging environment for residents. The reliance on fossil fuels in this oil-rich country exacerbates the problem, making Qatar one of the most polluted nations in the world."

"At number 6 is Nepal, where the capital, Kathmandu, struggles with heavy air pollution due to vehicle emissions, industrial output, and the widespread burning of agricultural waste. The city is located in a valley, which traps pollution, making it particularly difficult for the population to escape the dangerous smog."

"Coming in at number 5 is Saudi Arabia. The combination of natural dust storms from the desert, heavy traffic, and oil production creates a toxic mix in the air. Cities like Riyadh frequently experience dangerous levels of fine particulate matter, contributing to widespread respiratory issues and environmental degradation."

"At number 4 is Bahrain, where industrial emissions, particularly from oil refineries and factories, have created significant air quality issues. As an island nation, Bahrain also faces pollution from maritime activities, making it one of the most polluted countries in the world.

"Number 3 is Kuwait, where the heavy reliance on oil production and refining has led to some of the worst pollution levels in the region. Oil fires and industrial emissions are a major contributor, alongside dust storms, which regularly blanket the country in harmful particulates."

"At number 2 is China. While the country has made significant strides in reducing pollution in recent years, major cities like Beijing and Shanghai still experience periods of dangerously high air pollution, particularly from coal-fired power plants, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities. However, China’s clean energy initiatives have shown promising signs of improvement."

"And finally, at number 1, we have Chad, a country that often flies under the radar when discussing global pollution. However, due to a lack of infrastructure, burning of biomass for cooking, and dust storms, Chad has some of the worst air quality in the world. The country’s air is filled with fine particulate matter, leading to serious health challenges for the population."

Aerial shots of polluted areas and contrasting pristine nature]

"These 12 countries highlight the growing global challenge of air pollution. While industrial growth and economic progress are necessary, the health of millions of people is at stake. Addressing pollution requires a global effort, with governments, industries, and individuals all playing a part in reducing emissions and creating a cleaner future."