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A Global Snapshot of Homeless Populations in 2025
Pakistan Continues to Lead with the Highest Homeless Population
Pakistan holds the unwanted distinction of having the world’s largest homeless population, with approximately 8 million individuals experiencing homelessness in 2025. Economic instability, urban migration, and natural disasters have contributed heavily to this figure. Cities like Karachi and Lahore face ongoing challenges in providing adequate shelter, with many living in informal settlements amid inadequate infrastructure.
Bangladesh’s Persistent Housing Crisis: 5 Million Homeless
Bangladesh ranks second, with over 5 million homeless residents. Rapid urban growth coupled with poverty has strained the country’s housing infrastructure. Dhaka, the capital, is notorious for its dense informal settlements where thousands lack proper shelter, sanitation, or basic utilities.
Afghanistan’s Refugee and Homeless Crisis Deepens
With an estimated 4.66 million individuals homeless, Afghanistan’s crisis is compounded by ongoing conflict and insecurity. Displacement has become a grim norm, forcing many to live in makeshift camps or scattered informal dwellings across rural and urban areas.
Nigeria and the Philippines: Two Countries with 4.5 Million Homeless
Nigeria’s economic challenges and ongoing conflicts, especially in the northeastern regions, have driven homelessness to over 4.5 million. Meanwhile, the Philippines faces frequent typhoons and natural disasters, which displace thousands annually, with many ending up homeless in urban centers like Manila.
Yemen and Somalia: The Middle Eastern and African Struggles
Yemen’s complex humanitarian crisis, fueled by war, has resulted in approximately 3.86 million homeless people. Somalia’s chronic instability and drought conditions have left nearly 3 million without stable housing, with many living in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps.
Sudan and China: Diverse Challenges
Sudan’s upheavals, including recent conflicts, account for 2.73 million homeless, primarily displaced within the country. China’s large population—around 2.58 million homeless—reflects urban migration issues, rural poverty, and housing affordability concerns amid rapid economic growth.
Egypt and India: Significant Homeless Populations in Africa and Asia
Egypt’s homelessness figure hits 2 million, driven by economic struggles and housing shortages. India, home to the world’s second-largest population, reports approximately 1.77 million homeless, with many confined to urban slums and rural areas lacking infrastructure.
Additional Countries with Notable Homeless Figures
South Sudan’s ongoing conflict and displacement contribute to a homeless population of over 1.54 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo follows, with around 1.5 million homeless, mainly due to ongoing violence and instability. Iraq and Zimbabwe each have just over 1.2 million homeless residents, reflecting geopolitical and economic crises.
North American and European Contexts
The United States, while often spotlighted for its homelessness issues, has a population of approximately 653,000 homeless individuals. In Europe, the UK reports around 380,000 homeless, with social and economic factors playing significant roles.
Emerging Trends in 2025
While many of the countries with the largest homeless populations face chronic issues, emerging policies and increased humanitarian aid aim to address homelessness. Innovative housing solutions, targeted social programs, and international cooperation are slowly shaping a better outlook, but significant challenges remain.
Recent data sources, including the OECD report and World Population Review, have highlighted these figures, emphasizing the urgent need for global action.
Note: The data available for various countries often derive from differing years, and ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, along with economic shifts, can rapidly change these populations.
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