Countries with the Largest Homeless Populations

Select Language:

Countries with the Largest Homeless Populations in 2025: A Closer Look

Pakistan Tops the List with Over 8 Million Homeless Residents

Pakistan continues to hold the alarming position as the country with the highest homeless population, with approximately 8 million individuals without permanent shelter. Factors such as economic instability, natural disasters, and urban migration contribute to this staggering number. Major urban centers like Karachi and Lahore see a significant influx of homeless individuals, often living in makeshift shelters or on the streets. The government and various NGOs are working on initiatives to address this crisis, but with limited resources, progress remains slow.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan Follow Suit with Millions Living Without Homes

Bangladesh is home to roughly 5 million homeless people, primarily in densely populated cities like Dhaka and Chittagong. Rapid urbanization and poverty are major drivers behind this issue. Similarly, Afghanistan has an estimated 4.66 million people experiencing homelessness, compounded by decades of conflict, economic hardship, and ongoing instability. Weak infrastructure and displaced populations exacerbate the crisis, making solutions complex.

African Nations Battle High Numbers of Homelessness

Nigeria and the Philippines each have around 4.5 million homeless residents, representing significant challenges in social safety nets and urban planning. Nigeria faces issues of poverty, conflict, and rapid urban migration, while the Philippines struggles with natural disasters and economic disparities. Yemen, affected by ongoing war, has about 3.86 million people without permanent homes, many residing in overcrowded refugee camps or on the streets.

Middle Eastern and African Crisis Regions

Yemen’s humanitarian crisis remains one of the most severe, with nearly 3.86 million homeless individuals. Somalia, Sudan, and DR Congo collectively face issues of war, famine, and political instability, resulting in millions forced into homelessness. For instance, Somalia reports nearly 3 million homeless residents, stemming from decades of conflict and drought.

China and Egypt’s Growing Homeless Demographics

While China stands out with over 2.5 million homeless individuals, rapid urbanization and economic disparities contribute to this figure. In Egypt, about 2 million are homeless, often in informal settlements or on streets, especially in Cairo. These nations face evolving challenges in balancing modernization with social welfare.

India’s Persistent Homelessness Issue

India, with approximately 1.77 million homeless residents, grapples with urban poverty, inadequate housing, and economic inequality. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi have large populations living in slums or informal settlements, illustrating ongoing housing crises despite economic growth.

Western Countries Also Facing Rising Homeless Numbers

The United States reports over 650,000 homeless individuals, reflecting rising economic disparities, mental health issues, and housing shortages. The UK and France also face homelessness challenges, with 380,000 and 330,000 people respectively, often concentrated in major urban areas.

Smaller Nations and Pacific Countries

Several smaller countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Ghana are experiencing noticeable homeless populations. Australia’s 122,494 homeless residents are driven by housing affordability issues, while New Zealand reports over 102,000. Ghana, in West Africa, has roughly 100,000 people living homeless, often in informal settlements.

The Global Picture: An Ongoing Crisis

This list highlights that homelessness remains a pervasive issue across nations—both developing and developed. While numbers vary due to differing reporting methods and data availability, the core issue persists worldwide: the need for affordable housing, social services, and robust economic policies.

In summary, homelessness is a complex global challenge influenced by economic, political, social, and environmental factors. Countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan face enormous populations living without shelter, while even wealthier nations are not immune to the crisis. Addressing this urgent problem requires coordinated international efforts, innovative housing solutions, and sustained social programs.

Sources: World Population Review, OECD 2020 Report, and latest government statistics 2025.