An overwhelming majority of the world's population breathes polluted air, according to a new report from State of Global Air.
The 13 countries with the highest death rates from air pollution
An overwhelming majority of the world's population breathes polluted air, according to a new report from State of Global Air.
Ninety-five percent of the world's population lives in an area where the air quality does not meet the World Health Organization's healthy air guideline, which is PM2.5.
PM2.5 means particulate matter in the air — caused by motor exhaust or anything combustible — that is less than 2.5 micrometers.
The State of Global Air report also includes data detailing the number and rate of deaths attributable to air pollution in each country in 2016.
Below are the 13 countries with the highest death rates from air pollution:
13. Cote d'Ivoire
Death rate per 100,000 people: 248
Overall deaths: 23,700
Source:
12. North Korea
Death rate per 100,000 people: 249
Overall deaths: 56,100
Source:
11. Togo
Death rate per 100,000 people: 250
Overall deaths: 6,800
Source:
10. Soloman Islands
Death rate per 100,000 people: 250
Overall deaths: 700
Source:
9. Chad
Death rate per 100,000 people: 252
Overall deaths: 17,100
Source:
8. Sierra Leone
Death rate per 100,000 people: 261
Overall deaths: 7,200
Source:
7. Somalia
Death rate per 100,000 people: 265
Overall deaths: 12,200
Source:
6. Guinea
Death rate per 100,000 people: 265
Overall deaths: 15,200
Source:
5. Niger
Death rate per 100,000 people: 267
Overall deaths: 23,500
Source:
4. Guinea-Bissau
Death rate per 100,000 people: 317
Overall deaths: 2,500
Source:
3. Central African Republic
Death rate per 100,000 people: 320
Overall deaths: 8,600
Source:
2. Papua New Guinea
Death rate per 100,000 people: 322
Overall deaths: 11,300
Source:
1. Afghanistan
Death rate per 100,000 people: 406
Overall deaths: 51,700
Source:
Although China and the US are the largest
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