A new data released by the World Population Review (WPR) has listed Nigeria as the top country in the world with the highest number of homeless people.
In the data released on Wednesday as part of WPR’s outlook on population growth for the year, it noted that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, had continued to grapple with a significant homeless population due to several intertwined factors.
The review stated that the homeless situation in Nigeria stemmed from a combination of factors including high poverty rate, with an estimated over 40% of Nigerians living below the national poverty line, making it difficult for many to access basic necessities like shelter.
“Rapid population growth, at around 2.6% annually, strains the country’s resources, including housing,” it said.
“Homelessness is a global problem, with millions of people around the world living without a safe and stable place to call home. Some countries are more affected by homelessness than others,” the accompanying report said.
“In contrast, urbanization and rapid population growth contribute to homelessness in major African cities, where the scarcity of affordable housing creates significant challenges.
“But the root cause of homelessness in Africa is multifaceted. Economic hardships, unemployment, natural disasters, eviction, social factors, political and legal challenges, and a scarcity of affordable housing, are all on the list.
“Homelessness can be attributed to various factors, such as poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and the scarcity of affordable housing in many countries, all of which contribute to the problem.
“Homelessness can have a devastating impact, leading to increased health issues, vulnerability to violence, social isolation, and educational challenges for both individuals and families.
“While the core causes of homelessness are complicated and numerous, coordinated actions at the local, national, and international levels are required to give people in need shelter, dignity, and hope. We can work toward a society where everyone has a place to call home by tackling the underlying conditions that lead to homelessness,” the report added.
A list of the top 10 countries with the highest homelessness rates in 2023, according to data from World Population Review, reveals below:
Nigeria: 24,400,000
Pakistan: 20,000,000
Egypt: 12,000,000
Syria: 6,568,000
DR Congo: 5,332,000
Bangladesh: 5,000,000
Colombia: 4,943,000
Afghanistan: 4,660,000
Philippines: 4,500,000
Yemen: 3,858,000