Full list: 10 most difficult places to live in the world

Venezuelan flag

Life in every city comes with its challenges, but in some corners of the world, survival isn’t just about making ends meet. It’s about navigating conflict, economic hardship, insecurity and broken systems every single day.

While these cities are home to millions with rich histories and cultural pride, they also rank among the world’s most difficult places to live based on factors like stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure. Stability measures crime levels, civil unrest, and the threat of conflict.

Here’s a closer look at 10 of the most difficult places to live, according to a new global liability index:

Caracas, Venezuela

Index: 45 | Stability: 35

Once a jewel of South America, Caracas has been brought to its knees by a collapsing economy, political unrest and one of the highest crime rates in the world. Inflation has rendered local currency nearly worthless, food and medicine are scarce and power outages are routine. For many Venezuelans, daily life means queuing for basic goods and living with the constant threat of violence in their neighbourhoods.

Kyiv, Ukraine

Index: 44.5 | Stability: 40

Kyiv is a city at war. Since Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s capital has become a frontline for both military defence and civilian survival. Despite the remarkable resilience and unity of its people, Kyiv residents face air raid sirens, missile attacks, energy shortages and widespread displacement. For those who remain, each day is marked by uncertainty and courage.

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea