What is the most malnourished country? A global perspective
Identifying a single "most malnourished country" is challenging due to varying data and metrics, but reports consistently highlight nations facing severe food insecurity. As of 2025, Somalia is frequently cited as the country with the highest malnutrition rate, impacting a staggering portion of its population. However, a broader look at global hunger reveals other nations like Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Afghanistan are also experiencing catastrophic food crises driven by a combination of conflict, economic instability, and climate change. The situation is dynamic, with multiple factors contributing to severe undernourishment across different regions.
The devastating role of conflict and instability
Conflict is arguably the most significant driver of severe food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide. In war-torn regions, access to food is deliberately restricted, agricultural land is destroyed, and supply chains are disrupted. This creates a vicious cycle where conflict fuels hunger, and hunger exacerbates instability.
- Yemen: Described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, Yemen's ongoing civil war has led to widespread starvation. An eight-year blockade has severely restricted imports of essential goods like food and medicine, pushing millions to the brink of famine.
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Fuelled by over 25 years of conflict and endemic poverty, the DRC endures one of the world's largest hunger crises. The UN World Food Programme reports tens of millions of people facing acute hunger.
- Central African Republic (CAR): Persistent violence and instability have led to soaring child malnutrition rates. A 2021 report warned that thousands of children under five were at risk of severe acute malnutrition.
The impact of climate change and economic shocks
Beyond conflict, environmental and economic factors play a major role in determining a nation's malnutrition levels. Climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather extremes, such as droughts and floods, which decimate crops and livestock. Meanwhile, economic downturns and high food prices make nutritious food unaffordable for the most vulnerable populations.
- Drought and food prices: In Somalia, a prolonged drought combined with civil war and rising food prices has created a critical food security situation. Similarly, across the Sahel region, a combination of climate extremes and conflict has driven millions into hunger.
- Economic crises: In countries like Pakistan, an ongoing economic crisis, inflation, and high debt burden have worsened access to and affordability of nutritious food. This disproportionately affects children in rural and impoverished areas.
Comparison of severely food-insecure nations
| Feature | Somalia | Yemen | Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) | Central African Republic (CAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Drivers | Drought, civil war, rising food prices | Civil war, blockade, economic collapse | Long-term conflict, endemic poverty, disease outbreaks | Violence, political instability, displacement |
| Population Impacted | Over 51% face some malnutrition (as of 2021-23) | Millions facing severe hunger | Over 23 million facing extreme hunger | 47% of population acutely food insecure |
| Child Malnutrition | Children at high risk of severe acute malnutrition | Over half of all children under five are acutely malnourished | Among the highest malnutrition rates in the world | Over 39% of children under 5 affected by stunting |
| Response Challenges | Insecurity, limited humanitarian access | Blockades, funding shortfalls, access constraints | Remote areas, infrastructure collapse | Insecurity, lack of resources |
How humanitarian organizations are responding
International organizations are on the front lines of the fight against malnutrition. The World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and other partners provide life-saving assistance, but often face significant challenges, including accessing hard-to-reach areas and securing adequate funding.
- Emergency aid: In regions like Somalia and Yemen, organizations distribute specialized nutritious foods and cash transfers to help families afford food.
- Building resilience: Efforts are made to help communities build resilience against future shocks through agricultural training, water conservation projects, and other long-term solutions.
- Advocacy: Humanitarian groups also advocate for policy changes, accountability, and increased funding from governments to address the root causes of hunger.
Conclusion
While a definitive answer to "what is the most malnourished country" remains complex due to fluctuating data and compounding crises, it is clear that nations like Somalia and Yemen are at the epicenter of catastrophic hunger. Conflict, climate change, and economic instability are the primary drivers, creating humanitarian emergencies that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, especially children. International efforts continue to provide life-saving aid and build long-term resilience, but the scale of the challenge requires sustained, coordinated action to end the global cycle of hunger and poverty.
For more information on the global state of hunger and nutrition, visit the World Food Programme's website.
