Carbon Dioxide Emissions 2025
Carbon dioxide emissions reveal environmental impact. Explore rankings, compare countries, and analyze historical trends with interactive maps.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
Seychelles
- #2
Burundi
- #3
Somalia
- #4
Faroe Islands
- #5
Cayman Islands
- #6
Eritrea
- #7
Bhutan
- #8
Antigua and Barbuda
- #9
Cabo Verde
- #10
Djibouti
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #204
French Polynesia
- #203
Lesotho
- #202
Aruba
- #201
Eswatini
- #200
Sierra Leone
- #199
Barbados
- #198
Fiji
- #197
Rwanda
- #196
South Sudan
- #195
Guam
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2025, the country with the highest Carbon Dioxide Emissions is the Seychelles, emitting a staggering 893,000 units, while the lowest emission is recorded by Sierra Leone at 1.34 units. The global emissions range widely, with an average of 83,786.59, illustrating significant disparities in environmental impact across different countries.
Economic Factors Driving Emissions
The vast differences in Carbon Dioxide Emissions can often be traced back to economic factors. Countries with rapidly growing economies or significant industrial activities, such as the Seychelles and Burundi—both exceeding 800,000 units—tend to have higher emissions. These nations typically rely on energy-intensive industries and increased fossil fuel consumption to sustain economic growth. Conversely, countries like Sierra Leone and Barbados have emissions below 2 units, reflecting less industrial activity and smaller carbon footprints.
Policy and Environmental Controls
Government policies and environmental regulations also play a crucial role in shaping Carbon Dioxide Emissions. Countries such as Bhutan and Eritrea, each with emissions around 733,000 units, might be experiencing high emissions due to less stringent environmental controls or reliance on non-renewable energy sources. On the other hand, Russia and Maldives, with emissions under 2 units, may benefit from policies promoting renewable energy and efficient energy use, contributing to their lower emission rates.
Geographic and Demographic Influences
Geographic and demographic factors significantly influence emission levels. Island nations like the Cayman Islands and Faroe Islands, with emissions of 737,000 and 742,000 units respectively, often face unique challenges such as limited land for renewable energy projects and reliance on imported fossil fuels. In contrast, countries with vast land areas and smaller populations, such as Guam and Malawi, have emissions below 3 units, benefiting from lower population densities and potentially more sustainable practices.
Year-over-Year Trends and Significant Changes
Analyzing the year-over-year trends, notable increases in emissions are observed in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Comoros, with jumps of 203,000 (83.2%) and 64,000 (17.2%) units, respectively. These increases might be driven by burgeoning tourism industries and associated energy demands. In contrast, the Faroe Islands and Antigua and Barbuda have achieved significant reductions, decreasing by 83,000 (-10.1%) and 44,000 (-5.7%) units, respectively, possibly due to increased adoption of renewable energy technologies or improved energy efficiency measures.
The analysis of Carbon Dioxide Emissions in 2025 underscores the complex interplay of economic, policy, geographic, and demographic factors influencing environmental impact. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted strategies to mitigate emissions and promote sustainable development globally.
Insights by country
Ghana
In 2025, Ghana ranks #118 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 20.822 million metric tons. This figure is notably higher than the bottom-ranked country, which has minimal emissions due to limited industrial activity. Key drivers of Ghana's emissions include its growing economy, which is heavily reliant on energy-intensive sectors like mining and agriculture, alongside increasing urbanization and energy demands.
Bahrain
Bahrain ranks #92 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions with a total of 47.818 metric tons in 2025. This figure places Bahrain above several regional neighbors, reflecting its unique industrial landscape. The country's emissions are primarily driven by its oil-refining sector and energy-intensive industries, which contribute significantly to its economic output.
Afghanistan
In 2025, Afghanistan ranks #153 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 7.757 million metric tons. This figure is relatively low compared to regional neighbors, reflecting a broader trend of lower emissions in conflict-affected areas. The country's emissions are primarily driven by its reliance on traditional biomass for energy and limited industrial activity, compounded by ongoing socio-economic challenges and political instability.
Dominica
In 2025, Dominica ranks #31 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 168,000 tons. This figure is relatively low compared to larger Caribbean nations, reflecting the country's smaller industrial base and population. Dominica's commitment to environmental sustainability, including a focus on renewable energy sources, significantly contributes to its lower emissions profile.
Liberia
In 2025, Liberia ranks #11 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 671000 metric tons. This figure is significantly higher than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting the country's reliance on biomass fuels and limited access to cleaner energy alternatives. Key drivers of Liberia's emissions include its growing population and economic activities centered around agriculture and mining, which contribute to increased carbon output.
Cameroon
In 2025, Cameroon ranks #160 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 6.707 metric tons. This figure positions Cameroon below many of its regional neighbors, indicating a lower level of industrialization compared to countries like Nigeria, which has significantly higher emissions. The nation's emissions are influenced by its reliance on biomass for energy and a growing population that increases demand for resources, alongside limited regulatory frameworks for environmental protection.
Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe ranks #32 globally in Carbon Dioxide Emissions with a total of 146,000 tons in 2025. This figure is relatively low compared to larger nations, reflecting the country's small population and limited industrial activity. Key drivers of these emissions include the reliance on biomass for energy and the growing agricultural sector, which is increasingly impacting carbon output.
Cyprus
In 2025, Cyprus ranks #159 globally in Carbon Dioxide Emissions with a total of 6.837 metric tons per capita. This figure is notably lower than many European nations, reflecting the island's smaller industrial base compared to larger economies. Key drivers of Cyprus's emissions include its reliance on fossil fuels for energy and a growing tourism sector, which contributes to increased transportation emissions.
South Sudan
In 2025, South Sudan ranks #196 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 1.725 metric tons per capita. This places South Sudan among the lowest emitters, significantly below many of its regional neighbors. The country's emissions are largely influenced by its ongoing economic challenges, reliance on traditional biomass for energy, and limited industrial activity, which collectively contribute to its low carbon footprint.
Estonia
In 2025, Estonia ranks #173 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 4.607 metric tons per capita. This figure positions Estonia below many of its European neighbors, reflecting a commitment to reducing emissions compared to higher-ranking countries. The country's reliance on fossil fuels for energy production and its industrial sector, which is heavily influenced by oil shale extraction, are significant drivers of these emissions. Additionally, Estonia's relatively small population contributes to its overall emissions profile.
Data Source
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook, also known as the CIA World Factbook, was a reference resource produced by the US Central Intelligence Agency between 1962 and 2026 with almanac-style information about the countries of the world. From 1971 it was not classified, and available to the public in print since 1975, initially by the CIA, and later the Government Publishing Office.
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