Defining Hunger and the Global Hunger Index
To understand which country has the highest hunger index, it is crucial to first understand how hunger is measured. The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a peer-reviewed tool designed to track and measure hunger at global, regional, and national levels. A GHI score is calculated based on four key indicators, offering a comprehensive look beyond simple calorie deficiency:
- Undernourishment: The percentage of the population with insufficient caloric intake.
- Child Wasting: The share of children under five who are too thin for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
- Child Stunting: The share of children under five who are too short for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
- Child Mortality: The death rate of children under five, reflecting the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.
Scores are classified into severity levels, from low to extremely alarming, with the highest values indicating the worst nutritional status. The global average GHI has stalled in recent years, with progress on hunger reduction largely stagnating since 2015.
The Countries Facing Catastrophic Hunger in 2025
While a definitive, single answer for 'Which country has the highest hunger index?' is elusive due to constantly shifting metrics and crises, reports from 2025 identify several nations and regions facing the most dire circumstances. The FAO and WFP's Hunger Hotspots report from mid-2025 identified Sudan, Palestine (Gaza), South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali as hotspots of highest concern, where communities faced extreme hunger and risked starvation. Famine was confirmed in Sudan in 2024 due to conflict and displacement. Gaza faces acute food insecurity and malnutrition due to ongoing military operations. Somalia also reported a high rate of malnutrition in 2021-23. South Sudan experiences high food insecurity due to instability and economic challenges.
The drivers of high hunger levels
Multiple, often interconnected, factors fuel these devastating hunger crises:
- Conflict and Civil Insecurity: War disrupts food production and displaces millions.
- Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Extreme weather events disrupt harvests.
- Economic Shocks and Inequality: Inflation and rising food prices make food unaffordable.
- Inadequate Infrastructure and Sanitation: Poor infrastructure limits market access and clean water access is lacking.
The Critical Role of a Nutrition Diet in Combatting Hunger
Malnutrition, from an inadequate nutrition diet, severely impacts physical and cognitive development, hindering economic potential. This includes stunting (chronic malnutrition), wasting (acute malnutrition), and micronutrient deficiencies. Paradoxically, poor diets can also lead to obesity due to reliance on cheap, processed foods.
Comparing Global Food Insecurity Drivers
The following table compares the primary drivers of food insecurity in some of the most vulnerable countries and regions, illustrating why a simple "highest hunger index" designation is insufficient.
| Region/Country | Primary Drivers | Key Challenges | Humanitarian Status (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudan | Conflict, economic collapse, displacement, climate shocks | Widespread violence, destroyed infrastructure, restricted aid access | Famine confirmed; extreme hunger |
| Palestine (Gaza Strip) | Military operations, blockades | Humanitarian access constraints, high food prices, infrastructure damage | Risk of Famine; catastrophic hunger levels |
| South Sudan | Political instability, conflict, climate shocks (flooding), economic crisis | Mass displacement, high inflation, disrupted food production | High levels of acute food insecurity, including Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) |
| Haiti | Gang violence, political instability, economic collapse, natural disasters | Displaced populations, crippled aid access, very high food prices | Catastrophe-level acute food insecurity in parts of Port-au-Prince |
| Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) | Intensifying conflict, violence, displacement | Disrupted agriculture, limited market access, lack of infrastructure | Increased hunger levels, particularly among displaced people |
Interventions for Improving Nutrition and Reducing Hunger
Addressing hunger requires multiple strategies, including immediate relief and long-term change. Key interventions include:
- Humanitarian Aid: Providing emergency food and nutritional supplements.
- Sustainable Food Systems: Investing in resilient agriculture.
- Social Protection and Safety Nets: Using policies like cash transfers.
- Improving Health and Sanitation: Ensuring access to clean water and healthcare.
- Empowering Women: Improving women's status at the household level.
- Fortification and Education: Implementing food fortification and nutrition education programs.
Conclusion: A Multi-faceted Approach to Global Hunger
The question of which country has the highest hunger index highlights a harsh global reality: hunger is not a single problem but a symptom of multifaceted crises. The answer is not static, shifting with geopolitical and environmental factors. From the confirmed famine in Sudan to the catastrophic hunger levels in Gaza, the crisis is immediate and urgent. Yet, as regions like East Africa see fragile improvements, there is hope that coordinated, multi-sectoral strategies can make a difference. The focus must be on tackling root causes—conflict, climate change, and poverty—while building resilient food systems and strengthening social protection. A comprehensive approach, combining immediate aid with long-term investment in sustainable and equitable food practices, is the only way to move closer to the UN's goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.
Outbound Link: For more information on the latest global food crisis assessments and humanitarian needs, visit the World Food Programme's website at https://www.wfp.org/global-hunger-crisis.
