Top Countries with the Highest Homeless Populations Worldwide

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Top Countries with the Largest Homeless Populations in 2025

1. Pakistan Continues to Lead With the Highest Homeless Count

Pakistan remains at the forefront with approximately 8 million individuals experiencing homelessness. The ongoing economic struggles, combined with natural disasters and inadequate housing infrastructure, contribute heavily to this staggering figure. Urban centers like Karachi and Lahore see thousands of displaced families seeking shelter wherever they can find it, from makeshift tents to public spaces. The government has been under pressure to provide more affordable housing options, but progress remains slow.

2. Bangladesh and Afghanistan Follow Closely Behind

Bangladesh hosts around 5 million homeless residents, many of whom are displaced due to climate change impacts and overpopulation. Meanwhile, Afghanistan shows a homeless population of roughly 4.66 million, a devastating number exacerbated by decades of conflict and economic instability. Refugee crises from neighboring countries often spill into Afghanistan, complicating efforts to address homelessness.

3. Nigeria and the Philippines Experience Significant Homelessness Numbers

With about 4.5 million homeless individuals each, Nigeria and the Philippines face unique challenges. Nigeria’s homelessness crisis is driven by urban migration, poverty, and frequent displacement from violence. Similarly, the Philippines struggles with natural disasters like typhoons, which displace thousands annually, forcing many into temporary shelters that become permanent homelessness.

4. Yemen and Somalia: Humanitarian Crisis in Numbers

Yemen, caught in a prolonged conflict, has approximately 3.86 million homeless people. Infrastructure destruction and food shortages force many to live on the streets or in informal settlements. Somalia’s homeless population is nearly 3 million, with ongoing droughts and political instability fueling displacement.

5. Countries With Homelessness Falling Between 2 to 3 Million

China, Egypt, India, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo all have homeless populations exceeding 1.5 million. China’s rapid urbanization has left some vulnerable, while conflict and poverty in regions like South Sudan and the DRC contribute heavily to homelessness. Egypt faces economic hardship, and India continues to grapple with rural and urban homelessness alike.

6. The United States and European Countries

In 2025, the United States has an estimated 653,000 homeless individuals, reflecting persistent affordability crises, mental health issues, and housing shortages. European countries like the United Kingdom and France also report significant homeless populations with around 380,000 and 330,000 respectively, often concentrated in major cities.

7. Homelessness in Africa and the Middle East

South Africa and Ethiopia are notable in Africa, with populations around 200,000 and 600,000 respectively. Ethiopia’s rapid population growth and economic challenges contribute to homelessness, while South Africa’s socio-economic disparities persist. Middle Eastern countries like Iraq and Syria also see homelessness, stemming from prolonged conflicts.

8. Emerging Trends in North and South America

Brazil, Canada, and Mexico report homeless counts of around 281,000, 235,000, and 40,911 respectively. North America faces ongoing challenges related to affordable housing shortages, while Latin American countries grapple with poverty as a key driver.

9. Homelessness in Oceania and Asia-Pacific Regions

Australia has approximately 122,494 homeless people, with Australia’s remote communities and urban centers experiencing comparable struggles. Meanwhile, countries like Indonesia, New Zealand, and Vietnam have smaller but notable populations living without adequate shelter.

The numbers are a stark reminder that homelessness remains a global crisis. While some countries struggle with natural disasters and conflicts that displace large populations, others face economic barriers that prevent adequate housing development. Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms, increased funding, and community engagement.

For further information, delve into detailed sources like the 2020 OECD report and the list of sovereign states by homeless population.

Please note: Data may vary as it’s sourced from different years and reports.