Population living in slums 2026

In 2026, South Sudan leads the world with the highest percentage of its population living in slums, at 94.20%, while the global range spans from -6.68% to 94.20%. The global average percentage of people living in slums is 21.02%, providing a stark contrast to the extremes observed across different countries.

Economic and Political Instability: Driving Forces Behind High Slum Populations

The prevalence of slum populations is often a reflection of underlying economic and political challenges. In South Sudan, where 94.20% of the population resides in slums, prolonged conflict and economic instability have severely hindered urban development. Similarly, Mali and Chad report high slum populations at 88.35% and 80.78% respectively. These countries face significant challenges such as political unrest and limited infrastructure development, which exacerbate urban poverty and inadequate housing conditions.

Conversely, countries with robust economic frameworks and political stability, like Austria and Ukraine, show negative values of -0.52% and -0.58% respectively, suggesting successful urban planning and effective housing policies.

Urbanization and Its Impact on Slum Populations

Rapid urbanization without corresponding infrastructure development often leads to an increase in slum populations. In Congo, Democratic Republic of the, 79.99% of the population lives in slums due to rapid urban growth outpacing the development of adequate housing and services. Similarly, Angola and Niger, with slum populations of 71.90% and 70.44% respectively, face similar challenges as urban centers expand without adequate planning and investment in housing infrastructure.

In contrast, countries that have effectively managed urban growth, such as Kazakhstan and Albania, have managed to maintain negative slum population percentages of -2.21% and -2.40% respectively, indicating successful policies in urban housing and infrastructure development.

Year-over-Year Trends: Significant Changes in Slum Populations

The year-over-year data reveals both increases and decreases in slum populations, offering insights into shifting urban dynamics. Jordan experienced the largest increase, with a rise of 5.25%, bringing its slum population to 75.90%. This surge may be attributed to regional instability and influxes of refugees, straining urban resources. Mali and Angola also saw increases of 2.81% and 2.15% respectively, reflecting ongoing challenges in managing urban growth and economic development.

Conversely, Burundi and Kyrgyzstan saw significant decreases of -2.12% and -1.97%. The substantial drop in Kyrgyzstan, amounting to a 41.7% decrease, suggests effective interventions in urban planning and housing policy, potentially serving as a model for other regions grappling with similar issues.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

The data on slum populations serves as a critical indicator of urban poverty and housing inadequacies, necessitating comprehensive policy responses. Countries like South Sudan and Congo, Democratic Republic of the require international support and investment in urban infrastructure to address their high percentages. Policy interventions that focus on sustainable urban planning, investment in affordable housing, and economic stabilization are crucial for reducing slum populations.

Furthermore, the success stories of countries like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan highlight the importance of targeted policies in managing urban growth. These examples underscore the potential for policy-driven change, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions that consider the specific economic, geographic, and demographic contexts of each country.