Top Countries with the Largest Homeless Populations

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Countries with the Largest Homeless Populations in 2025

Pakistan Tops the List with Over 8 Million Homeless Residents

Pakistan leads the world with an estimated 8 million people experiencing homelessness. Socioeconomic challenges, natural disasters, and inadequate housing infrastructure contribute significantly to this staggering number. The country continues to struggle with urban overcrowding, especially in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, where rapid population growth outpaces available housing options.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan Follow Closely Behind

Bangladesh houses about 5 million homeless individuals. Poverty and climate-related issues such as flooding and cyclones have exacerbated homelessness in the densely populated nation. Afghanistan isn’t far behind, with roughly 4.66 million homeless residents, largely due to ongoing conflicts, economic hardship, and displacement caused by decades-long turmoil.

Africa’s Struggle: Nigeria, Philippines, and Yemen

In Africa, Nigeria and the Philippines both report around 4.5 million homeless residents. Nigeria’s housing deficit, driven by rapid urbanization and economic disparity, leaves millions without secure shelter. The Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters, like typhoons, significantly impacts its homeless population.

Yemen’s crisis, compounded by civil war, displacement, and economic collapse, is responsible for nearly 3.86 million people living without stable shelter. The ongoing conflict in the region continues to displace families and devastate housing infrastructure.

Middle East and East Africa: Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan

Yemen’s ongoing civil war has created a refugee crisis, with over 3.85 million homeless individuals. Similarly, Somalia and Sudan face drought, conflict, and economic instability, with roughly 3 million and 2.7 million homeless residents, respectively.

East Asia and China’s Challenges

China reports approximately 2.58 million homeless people, largely concentrated in urban centers amid rural-to-urban migration. Despite economic growth, affordability issues and social disparities leave pockets of the population without housing.

North Africa’s Housing Crisis: Egypt and Others

Egypt’s homeless population numbers around 2 million, driven by urban migration and economic factors. Many city dwellers face eviction, poverty, and limited housing options, often living in informal settlements or on the streets.

South Asia and the United States

India, with approximately 1.77 million homeless residents, battles urban poverty and inadequate social services. The United States follows with about 653,000 people experiencing homelessness, a figure that reflects issues like affordable housing shortages and mental health challenges.

European and Oceanian Nations

European countries like the United Kingdom (around 380,000 homeless individuals) and France (approximately 330,000) face their own struggles with housing affordability and social services. Australia and New Zealand report homeless populations of roughly 122,500 and 102,100, respectively, impacted by urban housing costs and socio-economic issues.

A Global Issue Needing Urgent Attention

The global homeless crisis remains a multifaceted issue rooted in economic disparities, conflicts, climate change, and social inequalities. Countries at the bottom of the list, such as Sweden, the Netherlands, and Italy, each report between 20,000 and 100,000 homeless individuals, showing homelessness isn’t solely a developing world problem.

Addressing homelessness requires comprehensive strategies including affordable housing projects, social safety nets, disaster resilience plans, and conflict resolution. Governments worldwide are urged to prioritize policies that provide sustainable housing solutions to reduce these alarming numbers.

Data Integrity and Sources

While these figures represent the most recent data available as of 2025, some sources may vary in reporting year or methodology. Always consult official reports from organizations like the OECD and local government statistics for detailed insights and continuous updates.

Note: The provided data includes estimates from various sources and may evolve as new surveys are conducted and policies enacted.

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