Almaty tops global air pollution ranking

Almaty ranks first among 125 cities in the IQAir global air quality index / Photo: Shutterstock, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

Almaty has claimed the top spot in IQAir’s real-time ranking of the most polluted large cities. IQAir, a Switzerland-based company specializing in air quality monitoring and solutions, ranked Cairo second and Delhi third.

As of 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, Almaty’s air quality index (AQI+) reached 256, which falls under the «very unhealthy» category. At this level, serious health effects are likely for everyone.

Residents are urged to take precautions to protect their health under such conditions. Recommended steps include keeping windows closed, wearing masks, avoiding outdoor exercise and using air purifiers indoors.

The ranking includes 125 cities worldwide. Johannesburg, South Africa, sits at the bottom of the list with the least pollution.

In December 2024, Almaty officially entered the IQAir ranking for the first time, debuting in fifth place. According to Ravkat Mukhtarov, project manager at Almaty Air Initiative, the city’s high position in the anti-ranking was primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions.