Top 10 Countries With Highest Homeless Population| World Habitat Day 2025

Top 10 Countries With Most Homeless People: World Habitat Day 2025 serves as a reminder that everyone should have a safe place to live. However, finding adequate housing remains a challenge for millions of people worldwide. Homelessness is more than just not having a place to live; it's about being denied opportunity, safety and dignity. Among the main causes of homelessness are war, unemployment, poverty and rapid urbanisation. Homelessness is still a serious problem in many countries, despite efforts by governments and organisations to decrease it.

The highest rates of homelessness are found in Pakistan, Syria, and Bangladesh, frequently as a result of natural disasters and conflicts that uproot families from their homes. Meanwhile, the lack of adequate housing resources is becoming a bigger problem for Asian and African nations like Nigeria, Uganda and Nepal.

Top 10 Countries With the Highest Homeless Population

It's crucial to consider how we can help create inclusive and sustainable housing systems so that everyone has a safe place to live as we honour World Habitat Day. Here is the list of the top 10 countries with the highest homeless population. Also, know where India ranks in homelessness.

Source:  World Population Review 

1. Pakistan

Countries by homeless population (Image: Canva)

Approximately 8 million people in Pakistan lack permanent housing, making it one of the countries with the worst homelessness crises. Internal migration from rural to urban areas, poverty, floods and fast population growth are some of the causes. Many displaced people reside on the streets of big cities like Karachi and Lahore or in makeshift camps. The need for affordable housing is far greater than the supply, even with government housing programs.

2. Syria

Years of civil war and conflict are largely to blame for Syria's homelessness issue. Over 5.3 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and destruction. Many are housed in temporary shelters and refugee camps, but living conditions are still appalling. International relief organisations are still helping, but because of the instability, reconstruction is taking a long time.

3. Bangladesh

Over 5 million people are homeless in Bangladesh as of late 2024, primarily as a result of poverty and the country's propensity for natural disasters like cyclones and floods. Dhaka's urban slums are overcrowded and have poor access to sanitary facilities and clean water. The situation is getting worse due to climate change, which causes thousands of people to leave coastal areas each year.

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4. Nigeria

Top 10 Countries by homeless population (Image: Canva)

Approximately 4.5 million people in Nigeria lack sufficient housing, affecting millions of people. The problem has gotten worse due to regional conflicts, economic inequality and fast urban migration. Many residents reside in unofficial settlements or temporary shelters that lack basic facilities. Although housing projects have been started by the government, progress is still slow.

5. Philippines

In the Philippines, around 4.5 million people lack proper housing, especially in crowded cities like Manila. Homelessness is caused by typhoons, earthquakes and poverty. On highways and riverbanks, informal settlements are typical. Government relocation initiatives are still underway, but they are hampered by a lack of available land and funding.

6. Uganda

Over 4 million people are homeless in Uganda, primarily as a result of poverty and population growth. Many rural families move to cities in search of employment, only to wind up in impoverished slums. The limited housing infrastructure in Uganda is further strained by refugees from nearby nations.

7. Argentina

In Argentina, approximately 3.6 million people are either homeless or living in substandard housing as a result of inflation and economic crises. Many are forced into temporary shelters by rising rent and unemployment rates. Although the government has started social housing initiatives, affordability is still a big issue.

8. Sudan

Prolonged political conflict and economic instability have resulted in 3 million homeless people in Sudan. Thousands of families have been uprooted by natural disasters and civil unrest. Living conditions are low in informal settlements and refugee camps as a result of their inability to handle the expanding population.

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9. China

Despite the country's rapid development, over 2.5 million people are homeless in China. The majority are internal migrants who can't afford housing but relocate to cities in search of employment. Social inequality and urban poverty continue to be major issues. The government is still working to make more affordable housing programs available.

10. Nepal

There are roughly 2.5 million homeless people in Nepal, many of whom were impacted by the 2015 earthquake. The issue is made worse by poverty and a lack of employment opportunities. Infrastructure is lacking in remote mountain areas, and efforts to rebuild after natural disasters are still progressing slowly.

Where Does India Stand in the Homeless Population?

Countries by homeless population (Image: Canva)

Well, there is no recent data, but according to the 2011 census data, India has a significant homeless population, with approximately 1.77 million people living without a roof over their heads, ranking it in 13th place as per World Population Review. The main reasons for homelessness in India are poverty, unemployment and lack of access to affordable housing. Urbanisation and natural disasters also contribute to the issue, with many people migrating to cities in search of better opportunities.