KATHMANDU: Nepal has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world, according to the air quality monitoring website IQAir. The country’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has been recorded at a hazardous level of 214, indicating extremely unhealthy air conditions.

IQAir classifies pollution levels above 200 AQI as “very unhealthy,” and Nepal is the only country currently listed in this category.

According to the rankings, Hanoi, Vietnam, is the second most polluted city, followed by Lahore, Pakistan, in third place, Dhaka, Bangladesh, in fourth, and Dakar, Senegal, in fifth. Mumbai, India, is ranked 10th on the list.

The severe air pollution in Nepal poses a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable groups, and highlights the urgent need for environmental interventions.