Although climate change is an issue that all countries must face, some nations are currently experiencing far poorer air quality than others. Check out the most and least polluted countries on the planet below!

Bangladesh Is The World’s Most Polluted Country

According to World Population Review, Bangladesh is the world’s most polluted country. The South Asian country located to the east of India experiences high levels of air and water pollution, groundwater contamination, noise pollution, and solid wastes. The capital of Dhaka City is among the most polluted cities on the planet.

The largest source of air pollution in Bangladesh is the thriving brickmaking industry. 2 billion bricks are created in Bangladesh every year and one million people are employed in the factories that produce the bricks. The factories contain kilns that burn wood and coal to make the bricks, creating large amounts of smoke and dust in the process.

Unfortunately, the pollution in Bangladesh is only expected to get worse in the future as there is an increased demand for bricks. Experts expect the industry to keep growing and wreaking havoc on the environment.

Iceland Is The Cleanest Country In The World

While Bangladesh is the world’s most polluted country, Iceland is the cleanest. The country has low levels of air and water pollution and the strong winds help to blow away any toxins in the air. The water in Iceland is thought to be so clean that in many cases it’s actually safe to drink straight from the streams. Iceland also relies on geothermal energy for heating.

Iceland is an ideal country for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to visit. Home to dramatic landscapes and stunning views, Iceland is clean enough for travelers to enjoy its wonders without having to compromise their comfort or health.

In addition to being named the least-polluted country in the world, Iceland has also been named the world’s safest country for 2020. This nation is definitely doing something right!

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The Pollution In Pakistan Is Rising Due To The Rising Number Of Vehicles On The Roads

Pakistan is the world’s second-most polluted country and is only expected to get worse in the coming years. The main source of pollution in the South Asian country is the number of vehicles on the roads and the exhaust fumes they emit into the atmosphere. Additionally, there have been large-scale losses of trees in Pakistan, which undeniably leaves a negative impact on the quality of air. The country is also home to many brick and steel mills, whose kilns produce smoke and dust in the same way that they do in Bangladesh. The burning of garbage is also a problem in Pakistan which has led to the country having such a bad pollution problem. The government in Pakistan has been criticized for not taking enough action to deal with the pollution crisis, which is thought to be evolving every day. RELATED: Tips Every Backpacker Going To Asia Needs To Remember

Feel Good About Breathing The Air In Finland

In the past, Finland has been labeled the world’s greenest country. In 2020, it sits at number two on the list of least-polluted nations, falling just under its fellow Nordic neighbor, Iceland. There are strong environmental regulations in Finland which help to keep the air clean. The Finnish government invests in renewable energy and takes measures to protect forests and lakes. Finnish people are also encouraged to drive electronic vehicles in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Other factors contributing to the clean air in Finland include low population levels, a lack of industrial waste, large areas of forest cover, and extremely low levels of pollutants in the air. RELATED: 10 Interesting Things You Didn't Know About Finland

India Is The World’s Third-Most Polluted Country

Home to the world’s second-largest population, India is the third-most polluted country on the planet. Although India is a major tourist destination, the poor quality of air is beginning to affect the experience that travelers have while visiting major landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal in Agra. The monument’s famous white walls have turned a green color after overexposure to the air. The extreme levels of pollution in India come from vehicles, dust storms, forest fires, and the burning of coal and wood. In the past, pollution has been responsible for canceled flights, traffic accidents, and school closures. 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are located in India. The city of Kanpur, which is the most polluted city in the world, sees 600 respiratory illness patients admitted to the medical college every month. The capital region of Delhi, and also one of the most popular among tourists, also experience unhealthy levels of pollution. While it seems that rural areas in India would have cleaner air than the bustling urban centers, this isn’t entirely true. In fact, many rural areas are even more affected by the pollution because they tend to rely on practices such as wood ovens for cooking. NEXT: 10 Best Places To Visit In India