Top Countries with the Largest Homeless Population

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Countries with the Largest Homeless Populations in 2025

1. Pakistan: Over 8 Million Homeless Individuals

Pakistan continues to face significant challenges with homelessness, reported to have approximately 8 million people without stable shelter. Economic instability, natural disasters, and insufficient affordable housing contribute heavily to this crisis. Urban centers like Karachi and Lahore see the highest density of homeless populations, often living in makeshift shelters or on the streets.

2. Syria: Estimated 5.3 Million Displaced and Homeless

The ongoing conflict and political unrest in Syria have left an estimated 5.3 million people homeless. Many are internally displaced or residing in refugee camps across neighboring countries, but scattered across urban areas within Syria, homelessness persists, worsened by the destruction of homes and infrastructure.

3. Bangladesh: Nearly 5 Million Without Shelter

Bangladesh faces severe homelessness issues, primarily due to overcrowding, climate change impacts such as flooding, and poverty. Around 5 million residents live without permanent shelter, particularly in densely populated cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, where economic opportunities are limited.

4. Nigeria: Approximately 4.5 Million Homeless Citizens

Nigeria’s homelessness crisis is driven by rapid urbanization, economic hardship, and ongoing insecurity in certain regions. Cities like Lagos and Abuja are hotspots, with many individuals living in informal settlements or on the streets, often lacking access to basic services.

5. The Philippines: Also Home to About 4.5 Million Homeless People

In the Philippines, natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, combined with poverty, contribute to the high homelessness rate. Many live in informal settlements vulnerable to flooding and other hazards, with the government working to implement better housing solutions.

6. Uganda: Over 4 Million Homeless Residents

Uganda’s economic struggles and rapid population growth contribute to homelessness, especially in urban areas like Kampala. Many live in substandard housing conditions or on the streets, often without basic amenities.

7. Argentina: An Estimated 3.6 Million People Homeless

Argentina, with its economic instability, has a sizable homeless population. Large-scale informal settlements and poverty-stricken neighborhoods house approximately 3.6 million people who lack secure housing.

8. Sudan: About 3 Million Homeless Individuals

Years of conflict, economic collapse, and displacement have left Sudan with roughly 3 million homeless citizens. Internally displaced persons and refugees within its borders face daily struggles without stable shelter.

9. China: Nearly 2.58 Million Homeless People

Despite rapid economic development, China faces a growing homelessness problem, especially among migrant workers and those displaced by urban renewal projects. The government has initiated programs, but many remain in vulnerable housing situations.

10. Nepal: Roughly 2.5 Million Without Homes

Nepal’s frequent earthquakes and poverty continue to push thousands into homelessness. Post-earthquake reconstruction efforts are ongoing, but many residents still live in temporary shelters or on the streets.

11-15. Additional Countries with Significant Homeless Populations

Egypt and Iraq both have around 2 million homeless individuals, primarily affected by conflict and economic instability.
India follows with an estimated 1.77 million homeless, mostly in urban slums and impoverished regions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar are home to about 1.5 million homeless people each, with ongoing conflicts and economic challenges.
Somalia reports approximately 1.4 million homeless residents, affected by internal strife and drought.

16-20. Countries with Notable Homeless Counts

Zimbabwe has around 1.2 million homeless inhabitants.
Peru and Burkina Faso each report roughly 700,000 homeless individuals, coping with economic issues and natural disasters.
Colombia’s homelessness is estimated at over 662,000.
The United States remains among the top with about 653,000 homeless individuals, despite advanced infrastructure.
Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Guatemala also have significant homeless communities, with counts nearing or exceeding 600,000.

21-25. Countries with Growing Homeless Populations

The United Kingdom reports approximately 380,000 homeless people.
These numbers reflect growing concerns about affordable housing, rising living costs, and social inequality across developed nations.

The Broader Picture

Homelessness remains a complex issue, deeply rooted in economic, political, and social factors. From conflict zones to rapidly urbanizing cities, millions remain without stable shelter in 2025. While some nations are making strides through policies and initiatives, the global community must prioritize sustainable solutions to reduce homelessness and support vulnerable populations.

Sources: OECD Report, 2025 Data

Note: Figures are rounded and based on the most recent data available in 2025.