By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a recent report by Stativerse Nigeria has been identified as the country with the highest number of homeless people in the world for 2024, with a staggering 25 million individuals lacking proper housing. This alarming figure places Nigeria at the top of a list that includes several other nations facing significant homelessness crises.
Homelessness in Nigeria has been exacerbated by a combination of factors including rapid urbanization, economic instability, and conflict. The displacement caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and clashes between herders and farmers in the Middle Belt have contributed significantly to the growing number of homeless individuals. The lack of affordable housing in urban areas further compounds the problem, leaving millions without a place to call home.
Following Nigeria, India ranks second with 18 million homeless, and Mexico is third with 14 million. Both countries face their own unique challenges. In India, large-scale rural-to-urban migration, poverty, and natural disasters have led to a significant homeless population. Mexico's homelessness is driven by economic disparity, drug violence, and inadequate social support systems.
Other countries with high numbers of homeless people include Bangladesh (5.6 million), Syria (5.3 million), and the Philippines (4.5 million). Bangladesh's situation is aggravated by frequent natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, which displace large numbers of people. In Syria, years of civil war have devastated infrastructure and displaced millions. The Philippines struggles with homelessness due to rapid population growth, poverty, and frequent typhoons.
The list continues with Uganda (4 million), Argentina (3.4 million), Pakistan (3 million), and Sudan (3 million), rounding out the top ten. Each of these countries faces significant socio-economic challenges that contribute to their homelessness issues, from political instability and conflict in Sudan to economic crises in Argentina.
Notably, even countries like the United States are not immune, with 2 million homeless people, placing it 13th on the list. The U.S. faces its own homelessness crisis driven by a lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, and systemic poverty. Other nations in the rankings include Egypt (2.7 million), Nepal (2.5 million), the Democratic Republic of Congo (1.5 million), and Myanmar (1.5 million).
These statistics highlight a global challenge that spans continents and affects millions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to address homelessness worldwide. International organizations, governments, and NGOs must collaborate to develop strategies that include providing affordable housing, improving economic conditions, and addressing the root causes of displacement and poverty. Only through coordinated efforts can the global community hope to reduce the prevalence of homelessness and improve the quality of life for millions of individuals.
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