Country ranking for field: environment current issues 1996

Other rankings:  


This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry:


1flag of AfghanistanAfghanistan0 
2flag of Pacific OceanPacific Oceanendangered marine species include the dugong sea lion sea otter seals turtles and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea 
3flag of Navassa IslandNavassa IslandNA 
4flag of NepalNepalthe almost total dependence on wood for fuel and cutting down trees to expand agricultural land without replanting has resulted in widespread deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution 
5flag of New CaledoniaNew CaledoniaNA 
6flag of New ZealandNew Zealanddeforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by species introduced from outside 
7flag of NicaraguaNicaraguadeforestation; soil erosion; water pollution 
8flag of NigerNigerovergrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations 
9flag of NigeriaNigeriasoil degradation; rapid deforestation; desertification; recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities 
10flag of NiueNiuetraditional methods of burning brush and trees to clear land for agriculture have threatened soil supplies which naturally are not very abundant 
11flag of Norfolk IslandNorfolk IslandNA 
12flag of North KoreaNorth Korealocalized air pollution attributable to inadequate industrial controls; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water 
13flag of Northern Mariana IslandsNorthern Mariana Islandscontamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage contributes to disease 
14flag of NorwayNorwaywater pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions 
15flag of OmanOmanrising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very limited natural fresh water resources 
16flag of PakistanPakistanwater pollution from raw sewage industrial wastes and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification 
17flag of NamibiaNamibiavery limited natural fresh water resources; desertification 
18flag of PalauPalauinadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging and illegal fishing practices that involve the use of dynamite 
19flag of Palmyra AtollPalmyra AtollNA 
20flag of PanamaPanamawater pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation 
21flag of Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinearain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects 
22flag of Paracel IslandsParacel IslandsNA 
23flag of ParaguayParaguaydeforestation 
24flag of PeruPerudeforestation; overgrazing of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes 
25flag of PhilippinesPhilippinesuncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in Manila; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps which are important fish breeding grounds 
26flag of Pitcairn IslandsPitcairn Islandsdeforestation 
27flag of PolandPolandforest damage due to air pollution and resulting acid rain; improper means for disposal of large a.htms of hazardous and industrial waste; severe water pollution from industrial and municipal sources; severe air pollution results from emissions of sulfur dioxide from coal-fired power plants which also drifts into Germany and the Netherlands 
28flag of PortugalPortugalsoil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution especially in coastal areas 
29flag of Puerto RicoPuerto Ricothe recent drought has caused water levels in reservoirs to drop and prompted water rationing for more than one-half of the population 
30flag of QatarQatarlimited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities 
31flag of NauruNaurulimited natural fresh water resources roof storage tanks collect rainwater; phosphate mining threatens limited remaining land resources 
32flag of MyanmarMyanmardeforestation; industrial pollution of air soil and water; inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease 
33flag of RussiaRussiaair pollution from heavy industry emissions of coal-fired electric plants and transportation in major cities; industrial and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and sea coasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination 
34flag of MaldivesMaldivesdepletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies 
35flag of LatviaLatviaair and water pollution because of a lack of waste conversion equipment; Gulf of Riga and Daugava River heavily polluted; contamination of soil and groundwater with chemicals and petroleum products at military bases 
36flag of LebanonLebanondeforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills 
37flag of LesothoLesothopopulation pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing severe soil erosion soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project will control store and redirect water to South Africa 
38flag of LiberiaLiberiatropical rain forest subject to deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; pollution of rivers from the dumping of iron ore tailings and of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage 
39flag of LibyaLibyadesertification; very limited natural fresh water resources; the Great Manmade River Project the largest water development scheme in the world is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities 
40flag of LiechtensteinLiechtensteinNA 
41flag of LithuaniaLithuaniacontamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases 
42flag of LuxembourgLuxembourgdeforestation; air and water pollution in urban areas 
43flag of MacauMacauNA 
44flag of MacedoniaMacedoniaair pollution from metallurgical plants; Natural hazards:high seismic risks 
45flag of MadagascarMadagascarsoil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered 
46flag of MalawiMalawideforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agricultural runoff sewage industrial wastes; siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish population 
47flag of MalaysiaMalaysiaair pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation 
48flag of MaliMalideforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching 
49flag of MozambiqueMozambiquecivil strife and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters 
50flag of MaltaMaltavery limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination 
51flag of Marshall IslandsMarshall Islandsinadequate supplies of potable water 
52flag of MartiniqueMartiniqueNA 
53flag of MauritaniaMauritaniaovergrazing deforestation and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal which is the only perennial river 
54flag of MauritiusMauritiuswater pollution 
55flag of MayotteMayotteNA 
56flag of MexicoMexiconatural fresh water resources scarce and polluted in north inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; serious air pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border 
57flag of Midway IslandsMidway IslandsNA 
58flag of MoldovaMoldovaheavy use of agricultural chemicals including banned pesticides such as DDT has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods 
59flag of MonacoMonacoNA 
60flag of MongoliaMongolialimited natural fresh water resources; policies of the former communist regime promoting rapid urbanization and industrial growth have raised concerns about their negative effects on the environment; the burning of soft coal and the concentration of factories in Ulaanbaatar have severely polluted the air; deforestation overgrazing the converting of virgin land to agricultural production have increased soil erosion from wind and rain; desertification 
61flag of MontserratMontserratland erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation 
62flag of MoroccoMoroccoland degradation/desertification 
63flag of RomaniaRomaniasoil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands 
64flag of RwandaRwandadeforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion 
65flag of KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstanwater pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells as a result water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices 
66flag of United KingdomUnited Kingdomsulfur dioxide emissions from power plants contribute to air pollution; some rivers polluted by agricultural wastes and coastal waters polluted because of large-scale disposal of sewage at sea 
67flag of TogoTogodeforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; recent droughts affecting agriculture 
68flag of TokelauTokelauvery limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to emigration to New Zealand 
69flag of Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobagowater pollution from agricultural chemicals industrial wastes and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches; deforestation; soil erosion 
70flag of Tromelin IslandTromelin IslandNA 
71flag of TunisiaTunisiatoxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and presents human health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification 
72flag of TurkeyTurkeywater pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air pollution particularly in urban areas; deforestation 
73flag of TurkmenistanTurkmenistancontamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals pesticides; salinization water-logging of soil due to poor irrigation methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification 
74flag of Turks and Caicos IslandsTurks and Caicos Islandslimited natural fresh water resources private cisterns collect rainwater 
75flag of TuvaluTuvalusince there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not potable all water needs must be met by catchment systems with storage facilities; beachhead erosion because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral reefs from the spread of the crown of thorns starfish 
76flag of U.S. Virgin IslandsU.S. Virgin Islandslack of natural freshwater resources 
77flag of UgandaUgandadraining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching is widespread 
78flag of UkraineUkraineinadequate supplies of potable water; air and water pollution; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant 
79flag of United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirateslack of natural freshwater resources being overcome by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills 
80flag of United StatesUnited Statesair pollution resulting in acid rain in both the U.S 
81flag of The GambiaThe Gambiadeforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent 
82flag of UruguayUruguaysubstantial pollution from Brazilian industry along border; one-fifth of country affected by acid rain generated by Brazil; water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry; inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal 
83flag of UzbekistanUzbekistandrying up of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders; increasing soil salinization; soil contamination from agricultural chemicals including DDT 
84flag of VanuatuVanuatua majority of the population does not have access to a potable and reliable supply of water 
85flag of VenezuelaVenezuelasewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution especially along the Caribbean coast 
86flag of VietnamVietnamlogging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices are contributing to deforestation; soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing threatening marine life populations; inadequate supplies of potable water because of groundwater contamination 
87flag of Wake IslandWake IslandNA 
88flag of Wallis and FutunaWallis and Futunadeforestation 
89flag of West BankWest BankNA 
90flag of Western SaharaWestern Saharasparse water and arable land 
91flag of Western SamoaWestern Samoasoil erosion; Natural hazards:occasional typhoons; active volcanism 
92flag of YemenYemenvery limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification 
93flag of ZaireZaire0 
94flag of ZambiaZambiaair pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros and elephant populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks 
95flag of The NetherlandsThe Netherlandswater pollution in the form of heavy metals organic compounds and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain 
96flag of The BahamasThe Bahamascoral reef decay 
97flag of Saint HelenaSaint HelenaNA 
98flag of SomaliaSomaliafamine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification 
99flag of Saint Kitts and NevisSaint Kitts and NevisNA 
100flag of Saint LuciaSaint Luciadeforestation; soil erosion particularly in the northern region 
101flag of Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaint Vincent and the Grenadinespollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive 
102flag of San MarinoSan MarinoNA 
103flag of Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabiadesertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills 
104flag of SenegalSenegalwildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing 
105flag of Serbia and MontenegroSerbia and Montenegropollutio.htmcoastal waters from sewage outlets especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor; air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube 
106flag of SeychellesSeychellesno natural fresh water resources catchments collect rain water 
107flag of Sierra LeoneSierra Leonerapid population growth pressuring the environment; overharvesting of timber expansion of cattle grazing and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion; civil war depleting natural resources; overfishing 
108flag of SingaporeSingaporeindustrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems 
109flag of SlovakiaSlovakiaair pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests 
110flag of SloveniaSloveniaSava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution 
111flag of Solomon IslandsSolomon Islandsdeforestation; soil erosion; much of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying 
112flag of South AfricaSouth Africalack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage threatens to outpace supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification 
113flag of ThailandThailandair pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting 
114flag of South KoreaSouth Koreaair pollution in large cities; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; driftnet fishing 
115flag of SpainSpainpollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; air pollution; deforestation; desertification 
116flag of Spratly IslandsSpratly IslandsNA 
117flag of Sri LankaSri Lankadeforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff 
118flag of SudanSudaninadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification 
119flag of SurinameSurinamedeforestation as foreign producers obtain timber concessions 
120flag of SvalbardSvalbardNA 
121flag of SwazilandSwazilandlimited access to potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion 
122flag of SwedenSwedenacid rain damaging soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea 
123flag of SwitzerlandSwitzerlandair pollution from vehicle emissions and open air burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of agricultural fertilizers; loss of biodiversity 
124flag of SyriaSyriadeforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution from dumping of raw sewage and wastes from petroleum refining; inadequate supplies of potable water 
125flag of TaiwanTaiwanwater pollution from industrial emissions raw sewage; air pollution; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species 
126flag of TajikistanTajikistaninadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides; part of the basin of the shrinking Aral Sea which suffers from severe overutilization of available water for irrigation and associated pollution 
127flag of TanzaniaTanzaniasoil degradation; deforestation; desertification; destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent droughts affected marginal agriculture 
128flag of LaosLaosdeforestation; soil erosion; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water 
129flag of KuwaitKuwaitlimited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification 
130flag of AlbaniaAlbaniadeforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents 
131flag of Christmas IslandChristmas IslandNA 
132flag of BruneiBruneiNA 
133flag of BulgariaBulgariaair pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage heavy metals detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes 
134flag of Burkina FasoBurkina Fasorecent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities population distribution and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation 
135flag of BurundiBurundisoil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation 
136flag of Cabo VerdeCabo Verdeovergrazing of livestock and improper land use such as the cultivation of crops on steep slopes has led to soil erosion; demand for wood used as fuel has resulted in deforestation; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several indigenous species of birds and reptiles; overfishing 
137flag of CambodiaCambodialogging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand are resulting in habitat loss and declining biodiversity 
138flag of CameroonCameroonwater-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing 
139flag of CanadaCanadaair pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting coal-burning utilities and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural industrial mining and forestry activities 
140flag of Cayman IslandsCayman Islandsno natural fresh water resources drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchment 
141flag of Central African RepublicCentral African Republictap water is not potable; poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertification 
142flag of ChadChadinadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification 
143flag of ChileChileair pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion; desertification 
144flag of ChinaChinaair pollution from the overwhelming use of high-sulfur coal as a fuel produces acid rain which is damaging forests; water shortages experienced throughout the country particularly in urban areas; future growth in water usage threatens to outpace supplies; water pollution from industrial effluents; much of the population does not have access to potable water; less than 10% of sewage receives treatment; deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1957 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in endangered species 
145flag of Clipperton IslandClipperton IslandNA 
146flag of British Indian Ocean TerritoryBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryNA 
147flag of Cocos IslandsCocos Islandsthere are no natural fresh water resources on the island groundwater does accumulate in natural underground reservoirs 
148flag of ColombiaColombiadeforestation; soil damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution especially in Bogota from vehicle emissions 
149flag of ComorosComorossoil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation 
150flag of CongoCongoair pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation 
151flag of Cook IslandsCook IslandsNA 
152flag of Coral Sea IslandsCoral Sea Islandsno permanent fresh water resources; Natural hazards:occasional tropical cyclones 
153flag of Costa RicaCosta Ricadeforestation largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching; soil erosion 
154flag of CroatiaCroatiaair pollution 
155flag of CubaCubapollution of Havana Bay; overhunting threatens wildlife populations; deforestation 
156flag of CyprusCypruswater resource problems 
157flag of Czech RepublicCzech Republicair and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia centered around Zeplica and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests 
158flag of Côte d'IvoireCôte d'Ivoiredeforestation 
159flag of DenmarkDenmarkair pollution principally from vehicle emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes 
160flag of British Virgin IslandsBritish Virgin Islandslimited natural fresh water resources 
161flag of BrazilBrazildeforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers the existence of a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro Sao Paulo and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities 
162flag of DominicaDominicaNA 
163flag of AustriaAustriasome forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe 
164flag of AlgeriaAlgeriasoil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage petroleum refining wastes and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea in particular becoming polluted from oil wastes soil erosion and fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable water 
165flag of American SamoaAmerican Samoalimited natural fresh water resources; in many areas of the island water supplies come from roof catchments 
166flag of AndorraAndorradeforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion 
167flag of AngolaAngolapopulation pressures contributing to overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest attributable to the international demand for tropical timber and domestic use as a fuel; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water 
168flag of AnguillaAnguillasupplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system 
169flag of Antigua and BarbudaAntigua and Barbudawater management_a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources_is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production causing rainfall to run off quickly 
170flag of Arctic OceanArctic Oceanendangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage 
171flag of ArgentinaArgentinaerosion results from inadequate flood controls and improper land use practices; irrigated soil degradation; desertification; air pollution in Buenos Aires and other major cites; water pollution in urban areas; rivers becoming polluted due to increased pesticide and fertilizer use 
172flag of ArmeniaArmeniasoil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; energy blockade the result of conflict with Azerbaijan has led to deforestation as citizens scavenge for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan 
173flag of ArubaArubaNA 
174flag of Ashmore and Cartier IslandsAshmore and Cartier IslandsNA 
175flag of Atlantic OceanAtlantic Oceanendangered marine species include the manatee seals sea lions turtles and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US southern Brazil and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico Lake Maracaibo Mediterranean Sea and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea North Sea and Mediterranean Sea 
176flag of AustraliaAustraliasoil erosion from overgrazing industrial development urbanization and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast the largest coral reef in the world is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources 
177flag of AzerbaijanAzerbaijanlocal scientists consider the Abseron 
178flag of Bouvet IslandBouvet IslandNA 
179flag of BahrainBahraindesertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land periods of drought and dust storms; coastal degradation 
180flag of Baker IslandBaker Islandno natural fresh water resources 
181flag of BangladeshBangladeshmany people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; limited access to potable water; water-borne diseases prevalent; water pollution especially of fishing areas results from the use of commercial pesticides; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation; deforestation; severe overpopulation 
182flag of BarbadosBarbadospollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers 
183flag of Bassas da IndiaBassas da IndiaNA 
184flag of BelarusBelarussoil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' 
185flag of BelizeBelizedeforestation; water pollution from sewage industrial effluents agricultural runoff 
186flag of BeninBeninrecent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification 
187flag of BermudaBermudaNA 
188flag of BhutanBhutansoil erosion; limited access to potable water 
189flag of BoliviaBoliviathe clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods 
190flag of Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovinaair pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; widespread casualties water shortages and destruction of infrastructure because of civil strife 
191flag of BotswanaBotswanaovergrazing primarily as a result of the expansion of the cattle population; desertification; limited natural fresh water resources 
192flag of DjiboutiDjiboutiinadequate supplies of potable water; desertification 
193flag of Dominican RepublicDominican Republicwater shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation 
194flag of KiribatiKiribatiNA 
195flag of IrelandIrelandwater pollution especially of lakes from agricultural runoff 
196flag of HaitiHaitiextensive deforestation 
197flag of Heard Island and McDonald IslandsHeard Island and McDonald IslandsNA 
198flag of Holy SeeHoly SeeNA 
199flag of HondurasHondurasurban population expanding; deforestation results from logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled development and improper land use practices such as farming of marginal lands; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa 
200flag of Hong KongHong Kongair and water pollution from rapid urbanization 
201flag of Howland IslandHowland Islandno natural fresh water resources 
202flag of HungaryHungaryair pollution; industrial and municipal pollution of Lake Balaton 
203flag of IcelandIcelandwater pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment 
204flag of IndiaIndiadeforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap water is not potable throughout the country; huge and rapidly growing population is overstraining natural resources 
205flag of Indian OceanIndian Oceanendangered marine species include the dugong seals turtles and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea Persian Gulf and Red Sea 
206flag of IndonesiaIndonesiadeforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes sewage; air pollution in urban areas 
207flag of IranIranair pollution especially in urban areas from vehicle emissions refinery operations and industrial effluents; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf; inadequate supplies of potable water 
208flag of IraqIraqgovernment water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas west of Al Qurnah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Shi'a Muslims who have inhabited these areas for thousands of years has been displaced; furthermore the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate supplies of potable water; development of Tigris-Euphrates Rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation 
209flag of Isle of ManIsle of ManNA 
210flag of GuineaGuineadeforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing 
211flag of IsraelIsraellimited arable land: and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste chemical fertilizers and pesticides 
212flag of ItalyItalyair pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities 
213flag of JamaicaJamaicadeforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste sewage and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions 
214flag of Jan MayenJan MayenNA 
215flag of JapanJapanair pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain; acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life; Japan's appetite for fish and tropical timber is contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere 
216flag of Jarvis IslandJarvis Islandno natural fresh water resources 
217flag of JerseyJerseyNA 
218flag of Johnston AtollJohnston Atollno natural fresh water resources 
219flag of JordanJordanlimited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification 
220flag of Juan de Nova IslandJuan de Nova IslandNA 
221flag of KazakhstanKazakhstanradioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with its former defense industries and test ranges are found throughout the country and pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers which flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salinization from faulty irrigation practices 
222flag of KenyaKenyawater pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching 
223flag of Kingman ReefKingman ReefNA 
224flag of GuyanaGuyanawater pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation 
225flag of Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bissaudeforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing 
226flag of EcuadorEcuadordeforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution 
227flag of French GuianaFrench GuianaNA; Natural hazards:high frequency of heavy showers and severe thunderstorms; flooding 
228flag of EgyptEgyptagricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; increasing soil salinization below Aswan High Dam; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs beaches and marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides raw sewage and industrial effluents; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining natural resources 
229flag of El SalvadorEl Salvadordeforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes 
230flag of Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guineatap water is not potable; desertification 
231flag of EritreaEritreafamine; deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing; loss of infrastructure from civil warfare 
232flag of EstoniaEstoniaair heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products chemicals at military bases 
233flag of EthiopiaEthiopiadeforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; famine 
234flag of Europa IslandEuropa IslandNA 
235flag of Falkland IslandsFalkland IslandsNA 
236flag of Faroe IslandsFaroe IslandsNA 
237flag of Federated States of MicronesiaFederated States of MicronesiaNA 
238flag of FijiFijideforestation; soil erosion 
239flag of FinlandFinlandair pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations 
240flag of FranceFrancesome forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes agricultural runoff 
241flag of French PolynesiaFrench PolynesiaNA 
242flag of GuernseyGuernseyNA 
243flag of French Southern and Antarctic LandsFrench Southern and Antarctic LandsNA 
244flag of GabonGabondeforestation; poaching 
245flag of Gaza StripGaza Stripdesertification 
246flag of GeorgiaGeorgiaair pollution particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals 
247flag of GermanyGermanyemissions from coal-burning utilities and industries and lead emissions from vehicle exhausts 
248flag of GhanaGhanarecent drought in north severely affecting agricultural activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water 
249flag of GibraltarGibraltarlimited natural freshwater resources so large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rain water 
250flag of Glorioso IslandsGlorioso IslandsNA 
251flag of GreeceGreeceair pollution; water pollution 
252flag of GreenlandGreenlandNA; Natural hazards:continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island 
253flag of GrenadaGrenadaNA 
254flag of GuadeloupeGuadeloupeNA 
255flag of GuamGuamNA 
256flag of GuatemalaGuatemaladeforestation; soil erosion; water pollution 
257flag of ZimbabweZimbabwedeforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd_once the largest concentration of the species in the world_has been significantly reduced by poaching 


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