Exploring the world’s 10 most unlivable cities and how they got there is an eye-opening experience. From war-torn cities like Damascus and Kabul, to cities plagued by poverty like Port-au-Prince and Caracas, these cities have been through a lot and their current state is a result of the hardships they have endured. From political turmoil and violence to extreme poverty, these cities have been pushed to the brink and their citizens suffer the consequences. By taking a closer look at these cities and their histories, we can gain a better understanding of the problems they face and try to find solutions to help them become livable again.
It’s no secret that not all cities are equal when it comes to livability. Some cities are bustling, vibrant hubs of activity with plenty of opportunities for education, employment, and culture. Others, however, are downright unlivable. From poor infrastructure to extreme poverty, these places are often plagued with issues that make them difficult, if not impossible, to live in.
So which cities are the most unlivable? According to a 2018 report from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the following cities are the least livable in the world: Damascus, Syria; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Lagos, Nigeria; Tripoli, Libya; Karachi, Pakistan; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Harare, Zimbabwe; Algiers, Algeria; Douala, Cameroon; and Dakar, Senegal.
What makes these cities so unlivable? In Damascus, Syria, civil war has caused mass displacement and immense destruction. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, poor infrastructure is a major issue, leading to overcrowding and poor sanitation. In Lagos, Nigeria, poverty and crime are rampant. In Tripoli, Libya, a lack of functioning government has led to instability, making it difficult for residents to access basic needs.
In Karachi, Pakistan, a lack of governance has caused immense poverty and a rise in crime. In Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, there is a shortage of basic services such as water, electricity, and healthcare. In Harare, Zimbabwe, poverty, a failing economy, and a lack of basic services have caused severe hardship for many residents. In Algiers, Algeria, a lack of economic opportunities has led to widespread unemployment and poverty.
In Douala, Cameroon, poor infrastructure is an issue, leading to a lack of basic services and transportation. Finally, in Dakar, Senegal, a lack of economic opportunities and poverty have caused immense hardship for many residents.
It is clear that these cities are facing immense challenges, with many of their problems stemming from a lack of governance or economic opportunities. Governments around the world must work together to find solutions to the issues facing these cities and make them more livable for their citizens. Only then will these cities have a chance at a brighter future.
How Poor Governance is Contributing to The Decline of ‘Unlivable’ Cities
The 10 Most Unlivable Cities and the Reasons Behind it
We’ve all heard of the most livable cities in the world, but what about the least livable? According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Livability Ranking, these are the 10 least livable cities in the world.
1. Damascus, Syria
The war-torn city of Damascus tops the list of least livable cities. The ongoing civil war and political instability has caused immense destruction and displacement, making Damascus one of the worst cities for livability.
2. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria and one of the least livable. With poor infrastructure, lack of access to basic services, and a high crime rate, living in the city can be a challenge.
3. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby is the largest city in Papua New Guinea and has a reputation for being dangerous. The city has a high rate of violent crime and a lack of basic services, making it one of the least livable cities.
4. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is the fourth least livable city. The city has a high population density and a lack of infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access basic services.
5. Tripoli, Libya
Tripoli is the capital of Libya and has been plagued by civil war and political instability since 2011. The city has endured a number of violent clashes, making it one of the least livable cities in the world.
6. Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and has a history of violence. The city has a high rate of violent crime and a lack of infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access basic services.
7. Algiers, Algeria
Algiers is the capital of Algeria and is one of the least livable cities in the world. The city has a high rate of crime and a lack of basic services, making it difficult for people to live there.
8. Douala, Cameroon
Douala is the largest city in Cameroon and is one of the least livable. The city has a high rate of crime and a lack of infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access basic services.
9. Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe and is one of the least livable cities in the world. The city is plagued by political instability, a lack of infrastructure, and a high rate of crime, making it difficult for people to live there.
10. Dakar, Senegal
Dakar is the capital of Senegal and is one of the least livable cities in the world. The city has a high rate of crime, a lack of infrastructure, and a poor economy, making it difficult for people to access basic services.
These 10 cities are the least livable in the world, due to factors such as political instability, lack of infrastructure, and high crime rates. Living in these cities can be a challenge, but with the right resources and support, people can still make the most of their lives.
How Poor Governance is Contributing to The Decline of ‘Unlivable’ Cities
Urban areas around the world are becoming increasingly unlivable due to poor governance. Poor governance is a broad term that encompasses a lack of basic services, poor infrastructure, and a lack of economic opportunity. It is a major contributor to the decline of many cities and has a direct impact on the quality of life of the citizens living in them.
In many cities, poor governance has resulted in a lack of basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. This has made life incredibly difficult for citizens, as they are unable to access basic necessities for living. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure has further impeded the progress of these cities. Poorly maintained roads, bridges, and public transportation systems have caused a decrease in the efficiency of travel and commerce, leading to economic stagnation.
Furthermore, poor governance has led to a lack of economic opportunity in many cities. Without economic opportunity, citizens are unable to access the resources they need to thrive, often leading to poverty and social unrest. Without economic growth, cities cannot provide the necessary resources to improve the quality of life of their citizens.
Poor governance has also caused a decrease in public safety in many cities. With limited resources, cities are unable to adequately protect citizens from crime and violence. This has led to an increase in crime rates and a decrease in the overall quality of life.
The decline of many cities is largely due to poor governance. Without adequate governance, cities cannot provide the necessary services and infrastructure to improve the quality of life of their citizens. Additionally, without economic opportunity, citizens cannot access the resources they need to thrive, leading to poverty and social unrest. If cities are to become livable again, it is essential that governments take steps to improve their governance and provide their citizens with the necessary resources to improve their quality of life.
The Social Costs for People Living In Unliveable Conditions
Living in unliveable conditions can have a huge social and economic cost for those affected. People who live in unsafe and unsuitable housing often experience physical and mental health issues, educational difficulties, increased crime, and social exclusion. In many cases, these issues are compounded by a lack of access to public services and a lack of economic opportunities.
Living in these conditions can lead to a lack of self-confidence and an inability to participate in day-to-day activities. Without a safe and secure place to live, people are often unable to work and may be unable to access education, support, or employment opportunities. This can lead to an increase in poverty, crime, and social exclusion.
The physical health effects of living in unliveable conditions can vary from minor illnesses to major health problems. Poor housing can cause issues such as asthma, respiratory illnesses, and skin problems. People living in these conditions can also experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. These issues can make it difficult to function in day-to-day life and can lead to further social exclusion.
Education can also be heavily affected by living in unliveable conditions. Children living in these conditions often struggle to concentrate and perform well in school, as their living environment does not provide them with the stability or comfort to learn. This can have a long-term impact on their education and future prospects.
The economic impact of living in unliveable conditions is severe. People living in these conditions often lack the resources to improve their situation, leading to poverty and a lack of income. This can lead to further social exclusion and reduce their access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
The social costs of living in unliveable conditions are significant. People living in these conditions often face physical and mental health issues, educational difficulties, increased crime, and social exclusion. Without access to public services and economic opportunities, it can be hard for those affected to improve their situation. It is essential that governments, organisations, and individuals take action to address this issue and provide safe and secure housing for those in need.
