Pollution and air quality is a huge issue worldwide. Around the globe, conditions are worsening as third-world countries become more industrialized, and the population soars in many places.

In the countries with the worst quality air, it is so bad that you can visually see the pollution in photos. For residents in highly polluted cities, just breathing causes major health concerns like asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease. And, it negatively impacts the overall quality of life.

In the cities with the cleanest air, people are happier, healthier, and they enjoy more fulfilling lives. Environmentally-friendly cities typically attract mote tourists, too. However, there are some popular destinations where it is dangerous to breathe, as well.

So, take a look at our list of the cities with the cleanest and dirtiest air in the world. It might help you choose your next home or travel destination.

20 Onitsha, Nigeria Wins Most Polluted City In The World

In Onitsha, Nigeria, lax regulations on emissions from automobiles and unregulated industrial businesses like smelting, mining, and construction wreak havoc on the air quality. In the city, it is often difficult to breathe, and unlike in other polluted cities, the people living there take very little precaution to protect themselves.

19 Untreated Chemicals And Burning Trash Pollute The Air In Peshawar, Pakistan

Peshawar, Pakistan, is contributing to the already poor quality of air across the middle east. There, people burn trash and give very little thought to the environment, which all leads to air that is not at all healthy to breathe. In fact, the air pollution in Peshwar is "extremely high."

18 Delhi, India Has Crazy Traffic And Insane Pollution

In Delhi, India, air pollution fluctuates drastically throughout the year. It is never excellent, but from October to December, it is far more dangerous. The weather there, as well as an increase in industrial activity, is responsible for the changes. However, the Indian government is creating regulations that should.

17 Business And Schools Close In Tehran, Iran Due To Poor Air Quality

Tehran, Iran, is another place where residents are in danger of numerous health conditions. Dust storms and hot weather combine with the effects of lax regulations on coal-burning industries to create unsafe ozone levels. In fact, schools and businesses have actually closed several times due to dangerous levels of pollution.

16 Unsafe Air In Mazari Sharif, Afghanistan

The air quality has been a significant issue in Mazari Sharif, Afghanistan, for years. The war-torn area has very few trees to help purify the air of pollution, and sandstorms and heat add to the problem. The atmosphere is said to be more dangerous than conflicts in the region.

15 Cairo, Egypt Has Horrible Air Due To Tons Of Traffic

Cairo, Egypt, is home to some of the most amazing UNESCO World Heritage monuments in the world. Yet, the air is so bad there that it not only threatens lives. The pollution is destroying the pyramids that have been there for thousands of years.

14 The Air In Beijing Causes Residents To Wear Masks

Beijing, China, has its enormous population and manufacturing industries to thank for its poor air quality. Luckily, more people are aware of the health risks there, and they wear masks to protect themselves from the adverse health consequences associated with living in a city with high levels of pollution.

13 Dammam, Saudi Arabia Suffers From Horrible Air Due To The Oil Industry

The effects of providing oil to the rest of the world are evident in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The sixth-largest city in the Arab country is wealthy. Yet, the residents there suffer the health effects of breathing air that is detrimental to their health.

12 Pollution Is On The Rise In London

The air quality in London is far from the worst in the world, but it isn't getting any better. In this photo, you can see the "London fog," which is a shame in such a beautiful place, especially since the city is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide.

11 Los Angeles Pollution Causes Major Health Concern

The United States has some of the cleanest air in the world. However, Los Angeles residents still suffer from dangerous ozone levels thanks to the massive population, bustling ports, and vehicle emissions on the state's busy highways.

10 There Is A Fresh Ocean Breeze In Naples, Florida

Naples, Florida, is a beautiful place to watch a stunning sunset and enjoy some of the cleanest air in the country. The city has a relatively low population, lush vegetation, and a coastal breeze, which all help to keep the environment crisp and clean.

9 Brisbane, Australia's Air Is Difficult To Beat

The air in Brisbane, Australia, is known for being some of the cleanest in the world. This is extremely impressive, considering the city is the third most populous in the country, with nearly 2.5 million residents. The people there pride themselves on being able to enjoy spending time outdoors safely.

8 Enjoy Crisp Air In Anchorage, Alaska

Visiting Anchorage, Alaska, might not be on your bucket list, but you are in for a treat if you do make the trip. Not only is the scenery stunning, but the air is also crisp and pure. So, you can breathe easy while taking in the unique landscape.

7 Honolulu, Hawaii Has Beautiful Fresh Air

Honolulu, Hawaii, is a dream destination for many people. While there, you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing, surfing, hiking, and visiting beautiful monuments all while breathing some of the purest air in the world. So, if you needed another reason to plan a trip, there you go.

6 Auckland, New Zealand's Air Is Among The Cleanest In The World

Auckland is a major port city in New Zealand. However, that does not negatively impact the outdoor quality of life there. Actually, residents and visitors enjoy the best of both worlds, incredible city life and some of the cleanest air in the world.

5 Halifax, Canada Has Fantastic Air Quality

Halifax, Canada, is a significant business destination and a perfect example of how proper regulations can keep the atmosphere optimal. This shouldn't come as a surprise, though, the Canadian government does an excellent job of keeping the country's magnificent natural resources in pristine condition.

4 Helsinki, Finland's Air Quality Is Excellent

If you are planning on visiting Helsinki, Finland, you can leave your mask at home. The air quality there is superb. There are also lots of exciting things to do in the harbor city. Just beware the locals are environmentally friendly, and they will expect you to be the same.

3 It Is Clear In Reykjavík, Iceland

More people than ever are traveling to Reykjavik, Iceland, and it is pretty clear why. The capital city is a European City of Culture, a UNESCO Literary City, and it is known for having air you wouldn't mind traveling to breathe.

2 Enjoy A Clean Escape In Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is the quaint capital of Estonia. The entire impeccably preserved city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we are happy to report that this city isn't having any issues with the air pollution deteriorating the beautiful buildings.

1 You Can Breath Easy In Stockholm, Sweden

If you want to experience breathing at its finest, you must visit Stockholm, Sweden. While you are there, enjoy walking the city, taking in the magnificent architecture and beautiful bright colored buildings, and inhaling the most refreshing air.