In 2025, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Livability Index ranks 173 cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, revealing stark challenges in certain urban centers. The least livable cities, predominantly in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, face issues like conflict, economic instability, and poor infrastructure. With scores ranging from 20 to 44.1, these cities, led by Damascus, struggle with safety, basic services, and quality of life. This article explores the top 10 least livable cities in 2025 and their challenges.
1. Damascus, Syria
Damascus, Syria, remains the least livable city in 2025, with an EIU score of 20, unchanged since 2013 due to ongoing post-conflict challenges. With 2.6 million residents, the city faces crumbling infrastructure, with only 30% of roads functional, and a healthcare system in disarray (29.2/100 score). In 2025, 60% of its population is food insecure, per the World Food Programme, and stability scores a mere 20/100. Despite a political shift in 2024, insecurity and lack of basic services make Damascus unlivable in 2025.
2. Tripoli, Libya
Tripoli, Libya, ranks second in 2025 with an EIU score of 30.7, plagued by political instability and factional violence. Home to 1.2 million residents, Tripoli’s infrastructure (41.1/100) and healthcare (low medical supply access) remain fragile. In 2025, schools face funding shortages, and 70% of residents report unreliable utilities, per UNICEF. High crime rates and ongoing conflict disrupt daily life, making Tripoli one of the least livable cities globally in 2025.
3. Algiers, Algeria
Algiers, Algeria, third in 2025, scores 39.2 on the EIU index, with 2.8 million residents facing economic stagnation and social unrest. The city’s infrastructure (30.4/100) and healthcare systems struggle, with limited political freedoms noted by Arab Centre Washington DC. In 2025, high unemployment (12%) and inadequate public services hinder livability. Algiers’ coastal location is offset by poor urban planning, making it a challenging environment for residents in 2025.
4. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria, ranks fourth in 2025 with an EIU score of 40.9, housing 21 million people. The city faces extreme traffic congestion, with commutes averaging 3 hours daily, and a strained healthcare system. In 2025, widespread poverty (60% below the poverty line) and environmental risks, like flooding due to climate change, reduce livability. Despite economic vibrancy, high crime (4.2 per 100,000) and poor sanitation make Lagos a difficult place to live in 2025.
5. Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan, fifth in 2025, scores 38.7 on the EIU index, with 16 million residents. The city struggles with political violence, water scarcity (40% of households lack consistent access), and inadequate sanitation. In 2025, healthcare (45.8/100) and infrastructure (51.8/100) lag, as noted by economist Kaiser Bengali. High crime and unemployment (10%) further diminish quality of life, making Karachi one of the least livable cities in 2025.
6. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh, ranks sixth in 2025 with an EIU score of 33, home to 22 million residents. Rapid urbanization leads to severe traffic congestion and air pollution (AQI of 180). In 2025, inadequate infrastructure and overpopulation strain resources, with 50% of residents lacking clean water access. Healthcare and education systems are overstretched, and low stability (33.1/100) makes Dhaka a challenging urban environment in 2025.
7. Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe, seventh in 2025, scores 43.8 on the EIU index, with 1.5 million residents facing economic instability and hyperinflation. In 2025, healthcare (29.2/100) and infrastructure (35.7/100) are severely limited, with frequent power outages. Shortages of essential goods and a high unemployment rate (15%) hinder livability. Despite cultural strengths, Harare’s unreliable services make it one of the least livable cities in 2025.
8. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, ranks eighth in 2025 with an EIU score of 44.1, home to 500,000 residents. High crime rates, including violent theft, and a stability score of 30/100 create an unsafe environment. In 2025, limited healthcare access and poor infrastructure, with only 20% of roads paved, reduce livability. The city’s proximity to Australia does little to offset its challenges, making it a difficult place to live in 2025.
9. Kyiv, Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine, ninth in 2025, scores low due to ongoing conflict with Russia, with an EIU stability score of 40/100. With 2.8 million residents, Kyiv’s infrastructure (26.8/100) is damaged by shelling, and safety remains a concern. In 2025, cultural and educational strengths (75/100) persist, but economic difficulties and insecurity dominate. Despite global support, Kyiv’s war-related challenges make it one of the least livable cities in 2025.
10. Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas, Venezuela, rounds out the list in 2025 with a low EIU score, driven by hyperinflation and crime (homicide rate of 50 per 100,000). With 2 million residents, the city faces unreliable electricity and water, with 70% of households affected. In 2025, healthcare (37.5/100) and stability (35/100) are weak, and shortages of basic goods persist. Political unrest and economic collapse make Caracas highly unlivable in 2025.
Conclusion
In 2025, Damascus, Tripoli, Algiers, Lagos, Karachi, Dhaka, Harare, Port Moresby, Kyiv, and Caracas rank as the world’s least livable cities, with EIU scores from 20 to 44.1. Plagued by conflict, economic instability, and poor infrastructure, these cities face challenges like high crime, inadequate healthcare, and unreliable utilities. From Damascus’s war-torn streets to Caracas’s economic crisis, they highlight global disparities in urban livability in 2025, underscoring the need for systemic improvements.
