Population living in slums 2017

In 2017, South Sudan had the highest Population living in slums at 94.20%, highlighting a severe urban poverty issue. The global range spanned from a minimum of -0.08% in Greece to the maximum in South Sudan. The average percentage of populations living in slums worldwide was 23.45%, reflecting significant urban housing challenges across many regions.

High Slum Populations and Economic Challenges

The prevalence of slum populations often correlates with economic challenges, inadequate urban planning, and rapid urbanization. In South Sudan, where 94.20% of the urban population resides in slums, ongoing conflict and economic instability have severely constrained housing development and infrastructure improvements. Similarly, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo report slum populations of 82.28% and 77.44%, respectively. These countries face high poverty levels and limited government resources, which hinder effective urban planning and housing provision. The high percentage of slum dwellers in these regions underscores the urgent need for international aid and investment in urban development.

Zero Slum Populations: Effective Urban Policies

Several countries reported a 0% population living in slums, including Qatar, Kuwait, and Singapore. These nations benefit from strong economies, comprehensive urban planning, and significant investment in housing infrastructure. For instance, Singapore has implemented robust public housing policies that ensure affordable and quality housing for its citizens, reducing the potential for slum development. Similarly, the wealth generated from oil revenues in Qatar and Kuwait has enabled these countries to invest heavily in urban infrastructure, effectively eliminating slum conditions.

Year-over-Year Trends and Changes

The global average change in the population living in slums from the previous year was a decrease of 0.39% or -2.6%. Some countries, however, saw significant increases. Jordan experienced a 5.25% increase, partly due to the influx of refugees and the resulting pressure on urban housing. Meanwhile, Angola saw a 3.07% rise, reflecting urban migration and economic challenges. Conversely, Burkina Faso and Burundi experienced notable decreases of -2.78% and -2.68%, respectively. These reductions may be attributed to government initiatives aimed at improving urban living conditions and slum upgrading projects.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

The data on slum populations in 2017 highlights the critical need for targeted urban policies and international support. Developing countries with high percentages of slum populations, such as Sudan (73.68%) and Madagascar (71.02%), require comprehensive strategies to address housing shortages and improve living conditions. Successful examples from countries with zero slum populations demonstrate that effective governance, economic resources, and strategic urban planning can significantly reduce slum prevalence. Moving forward, international collaboration and investment in sustainable urban development will be essential to address the challenges faced by countries with high slum populations.