By Priyanka Roshan | June 23, 2025
While many cities strive for sustainability and better living, others still face serious setbacks. The 2025 Global Liveability Index by the EIU ranks these ten cities lowest due to conflict, poor services, and instability.
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Still reeling from years of conflict, Damascus remains the world’s lowest-ranked city. Ongoing instability, infrastructure collapse, and limited access to essential services have severely diminished quality of life.
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Political fragmentation and sporadic violence continue to plague Tripoli. A lack of reliable healthcare, poor public safety, and economic turmoil make daily life here a struggle.
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Despite economic growth, Dhaka faces overcrowding, traffic congestion, and pollution. Its infrastructure is under immense strain, with limited green spaces and inconsistent public services.
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Once a thriving port city, Karachi suffers from unchecked urban sprawl, weak governance, and water and power shortages, all of which contribute to its low livability score.
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The Algerian capital battles poor air quality, high unemployment, and limited political freedoms. Infrastructure development remains slow, and public services are often unreliable.
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Africa’s largest city by population, Lagos faces extreme traffic, overcrowding, and frequent power outages. While it’s an economic hub, urban planning has struggled to keep up with its rapid growth.
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Political instability, inflation, and decaying infrastructure continue to define Harare’s urban challenges. Public health services are underfunded and often inaccessible.
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Security concerns, unreliable utilities, and limited access to healthcare and education make Port Moresby one of the world’s most difficult cities to live in.
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The ongoing conflict has dramatically impacted Kyiv’s infrastructure, safety, and services. While culturally rich, its current circumstances have led to a significant drop in livability.
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Economic crisis and political unrest continue to define life in Caracas. Shortages of basic goods, high crime rates, and weak public institutions affect daily living conditions.
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