Top 25 Countries with the Lowest Quality of Life in 2025

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Top 25 Countries with the Lowest Quality of Life in 2025

1. Nigeria 🇳🇬

Nigeria continues to struggle with significant issues affecting its citizens’ quality of life. Political instability, ongoing security concerns, and strained healthcare systems make daily life challenging for many residents. Infrastructure deficits and inconsistent access to clean water and reliable electricity further deteriorate living conditions. Economic woes have also pushed a large portion of the population into poverty, making Nigeria a country with remarkable development needs.

2. Bangladesh 🇧🇩

Despite being one of the most densely populated countries in the world, Bangladesh faces persistent difficulties with air and water pollution, inadequate healthcare facilities, and frequent natural disasters like flooding and cyclones. Urban overcrowding worsens the living environment in cities such as Dhaka, where traffic congestion and sanitation issues are rampant. The cost of living remains high relative to income levels, impacting everyday life.

3. Venezuela 🇻🇪

Venezuela’s economic crisis persists into 2025, with hyperinflation severely limiting access to basic goods and services. Healthcare shortages, power outages, and food insecurity are commonplace, forcing many families to survive under challenging conditions. Political unrest and economic instability have continued to drive millions to seek refuge elsewhere, further impacting the country’s overall quality of life.

4. Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Sri Lanka faces economic downturns, including record inflation and looming debt crises, which have taken a toll on public services. Power outages, limited access to clean water, and shortages of essential medicines have become routine. The country’s tourism sector, once a vital economic driver, has suffered setbacks, hampering recovery efforts.

5. Egypt 🇪🇬

Environmental challenges such as water scarcity, air pollution, and inadequate sanitation continue to undermine health and safety standards in Egypt. Economic hardships are compounded by inflation, unemployment, and limited access to quality healthcare and education. Urban areas face traffic congestion and infrastructure decay, which diminish residents’ quality of life.

6. Iran 🇮🇷

International sanctions and internal political struggles have contributed to economic decline in Iran. Many Iranians face inflation, unemployment, and shortages of essential goods. The healthcare system is strained, and public services are often unreliable, leading to a decreased overall quality of life.

7. Peru 🇵🇪

Peru faces ongoing social conflicts, environmental challenges, and economic disparities that impact its citizens’ well-being. Remote rural communities often lack access to quality healthcare and education, while urban areas grapple with pollution and traffic congestion. The cost of living remains high, straining household budgets.

8. Vietnam 🇻🇳

Rapid economic growth in Vietnam has not fully translated into improved living standards for all. Pollution, traffic safety issues, and urban overcrowding plague cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Healthcare access remains uneven, and rising costs are a concern for most families.

9. Philippines 🇵🇭

The Philippines continues to confront challenges such as natural disasters, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure. Typhoons frequently devastate communities, and access to consistent healthcare and clean water remains inconsistent, especially in rural regions. Urban congestion is a persistent problem in Manila.

10. Lebanon 🇱🇧

Lebanon’s ongoing economic collapse has plunged many into poverty, with shortages of fuel, medicines, and basic goods. Power outages are frequent, and inflation has eroded savings and purchasing power. Political instability and social unrest further deteriorate daily living conditions.

11. Kenya 🇰🇪

Kenya faces a mix of economic instability, corruption, and infrastructural challenges which limit access to quality healthcare, clean water, and education. Rural communities often lack basic services, and urban areas contend with overcrowding and inadequate waste management.

12. Indonesia 🇮🇩

Environmental issues, including deforestation and pollution, impact Indonesia’s quality of life. Urban centers grapple with traffic congestion, air quality problems, and access to clean water. Income inequality persists, and healthcare facilities are often overstretched.

13. Pakistan 🇵🇰

Health and education infrastructure remain underdeveloped in Pakistan. Frequent energy shortages, inflation, and security concerns complicate residents’ daily lives. Rural areas are underserved, and urban poverty remains a significant issue.

14. Albania 🇦🇱

Economic instability, limited healthcare resources, and unemployment continue to challenge Albanian residents. The country faces infrastructure deficits, and restricted access to quality education hampers social mobility.

15. Thailand 🇹🇭

While a popular tourist destination, Thailand wrestles with political unrest, environmental pollution, and income inequality. Urban congestion and quality healthcare access disparities impact the general population’s well-being.

16. Kazakhstan 🇰🇿

Economic dependency on oil revenues makes Kazakhstan vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Environmental degradation, such as in the Aral Sea region, and limited healthcare access contribute to its lower quality of life scores.

17. Chile 🇨🇱

Despite its economic growth, Chile experiences social protests over inequality and access to healthcare and education. The cost of living in Santiago and other major cities remains high, and environmental issues like pollution persist.

18. Colombia 🇨🇴

Ongoing peace processes are hampered by violence, drug cartel activity, and social inequality. Access to quality healthcare and education varies widely between urban and rural areas, affecting national well-being.

19. Morocco 🇲🇦

Morocco faces struggles with poverty, youth unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. Rural areas lack access to adequate healthcare, clean water, and education, impacting overall quality of life.

20. Azerbaijan 🇦🇿

Economic reliance on oil exports, along with unresolved territorial conflicts, influences Azerbaijan’s stability. Limited healthcare facilities and infrastructure challenges hinder residents’ overall well-being.

21. Ukraine 🇺🇦

The ongoing conflict and political turmoil in Ukraine have deeply affected living standards. Infrastructure damage, displacement, and economic instability make everyday existence difficult for many Ukrainians.

22. Russia 🇷🇺

Sanctions, political suppression, and economic challenges continue to impact Russia. Healthcare and social services are strained, especially in remote regions, leading to a decline in overall quality of life for many.

23. Tunisia 🇹🇳

Political instability and economic struggles hinder social development. Unemployment and inflation are high, and access to healthcare and education remains inconsistent across the country.

24. Brazil 🇧🇷

Brazil faces severe issues with crime, political corruption, and inequality. Urban violence and underfunded public services in favelas affect safety and living conditions.

25. Argentina 🇦🇷

Economic instability, high inflation, and debt crises severely impact citizens’ quality of life. Access to healthcare and essential services is uneven, and poverty remains prevalent despite the country’s natural wealth.

The 2025 Quality of Life Index paints a clear picture: many countries still grapple with critical issues that hamper their citizens’ daily wellbeing. Factors such as safety, healthcare, cost of living, and environmental conditions reveal ongoing global challenges that need urgent attention.

Source: Numbeo 2025