FX.co ★ In which countries it is easier to breathe and in which – not

The first place among countries with the most polluted air goes to China. Chinese residents literally choke on exhaust gases and smoke coming from numerous plants. In 2016, the level of air pollution in Beijing reached record highs. Due to it, the country's authorities decided to reduce the local use of coal by 30% this year.

A key indicator that demonstrates the full extent of the air pollution is PM 2.5. The presence of such particles in the air carries the most danger to people. The consecration of PM 2.5 must be 10 micrograms per cubic meter or less to be considered normal. In some cities of China the figures show more than 500 micrograms per cubic meter, which is absolutely frightful.

The next country with the dirtiest air is Saudi Arabia. Experts say that in terms of PM 2.5 content, the air of the state is one of the most toxic in the world.

Qatar, Egypt, and Bangladesh follow China and Saudi Arabia. The top ten countries with the dirtiest air also includes Kuwait, Cameroon, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, India, and Libya.

At the same time the highest level of mortality due to air pollution does not belong to China. Oddly enough, Turkmenistan is recognized to be the leader. The second place goes to Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan is the third. Also, the top five list comprises Egypt and finally China.

The countries with the cleanest air are New Zealand and Brunei. Also the top ten includes Sweden, Australia, Canada, Finland, the USA, Iceland, Estonia and Spain.

The list of countries with the lowest mortality associated with air pollution has a little bit different distribution of places. So, the first place is taken by Sweden and Australia. The second place is shared by Brunei and New Zealand. Finland, Cameroon, Iceland, Norway, the USA and Spain are also stated in the list.