World's Least 'Livable' Cities

We have heard a lot about the best cities in the world. But seldom does one hear about the least livable cities to settle down. A recent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EUI), however, threw some light on it.

The EUI has recently released a livability survey which determine cities around the world that "provide the best or worst living conditions."

1. Dakar, Senegal

The capital of the West African nation of Senegal, Dakar is facing a new and decidedly modern challenge in its long, colorful and exotic history: rapid urbanization. It is sorely lacking in health and educational facilities, while its infrastructure ranks very low.

"About 65 percent of people in Senegal do not have any health care coverage whatsoever," said an operations officer at the World Bank Groups International Finance Corporation.

Nepotism, raw politics and a lack of will to punish people and organizations violating zoning laws, building regulations or transportation rules seriously undermined efforts to regulate urban expansion in Dakar. All these, are the main reason why this city is listed among the least livable cities in the world.

2. Tripoli, Libya

The capital city and the largest city of Libya, Tripoli, because of its increasing turmoil and its low score in culture and environment healthcare, and stability, has found its place in this list.

Since General Khalifa Haftar launched a military assault against Islamist groups in Benghazi, Tripoli has once again been the site of turmoil which includes an unverified "bombing" by an unidentified plane just recently.

3. Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

The former capital of Cote d'Ivoire as well as the country's principle city, Abidjan is one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world. So, if you plan to move to this economic hub in West Africa, then brush up on your French - there are more French-speaking people in Abidjan than in Montreal.

Though things flourished during the reign of Felix Houphouet Boigny, after his death, the country unraveled into political unrest, draged Abidjan down with it.

Its stability is one of the lowest on the index thanks to crime and the city is very isolated. Its health, educational and entertainment features hover around the average mark, but it scores well for its nearby natural assets.

4. Douala, Cameroon

The largest city in Cameroon and the economic capital of Cameroon, Douala is one of the least livable cities in the world.

In this city, food prices have increased considerably by as much as 20 percent, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. In 2008, rising food and fuel rates led to riots and looting in Douala.

As per the study, Douala scored very low in healthcare and education .

5. Harare, Zimbabwe

With the continuing economic and political crises that face the country, Zimbabwe's capital city Harare rank as one of the least livable cities in the world. This is mainly because its health facilities rank lowest on the index and the infrastructure score can be described embarrassing.

Harare also offers little in terms of green areas such as parks and is very isolated. But its educational facilities buck the trend with a surprisingly above-average score.

6. Algiers, Algeria

The capital city of Algeria, Algiers is notoriously famous for its lack of infrastructure and low stability. So far it has the lowest level of education which makes it one of worst cities to live in the world.

According to entrepreneurs and economists living there, Algeria overall has "dated infrastructure, complicated bureaucracy and a discouraging mentality which are holding back enterprise." It also has one of the highest costs of living among North African cities.

7. Karachi, Pakistan

Karachi, with around 6,000 people for every square kilometer, this Pakistani city is one of the most densely populated in the world. Karachi also has the lowest score for stability on the entire index.

Its infrastructure and educational facility scores are average, while health and culture/entertainment sit below the mark.

Pollution ranks among the highest on the index and while the city is not very isolated, it is poorly connected in terms of air travel.

8. Lagos, Nigeria

In Lagos, the most populous city in Nigeria, industry leaders and the expatriate community have decried growing crime incidents. This has attributed the city's place on the list.

In the EIU study, Lagos scored low for stability (23), healthcare and education (both 33.3). On top of this, it is reported that the Ebola virus had spreaded to Lagos and there have been 10 reported cases as of August 2nd week.

9. Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka, with 18 million people and 400,000 rickshaws calling it home, the capital of Bangladesh has been described as colorful chaos. Just the place for very adventurous tourists, it's somewhat less appealing as a place to stay.

Thanks to its booming growth, pollution ranks very high and the state of its infrastructure is the lowest on this list. Its health score is also very low, so don't get sick, and there are significantly few green areas such as parks. On the upside it doesn't sprawl much at all, so it's easier to get around.


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