This article will look at the 5 least egalitarian countries in the world. We have also discussed inequalities in two highly notable countries for their social and economic issues and have analyzed how some companies are trying to help reduce them in another article. If you want to read about that and a more extensive list, head straight to the 20 Least Egalitarian Countries in the World.
5. Cameroon
Average Rank: 22
In Cameroon, women held 33.9% of parliamentary seats as of February 2021. Despite that, gender equality remains elusive as various social and economic inequalities persist. Women continue to face disparities in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. High rates of gender-based violence contribute to social inequalities despite legal frameworks in place to address the issue. Economic disparities are evident in women’s limited access to finance and property, that have consistently hindered their financial independence.
4. Republic of Congo
Average Rank: 14.5
The Republic of Congo is plagued by pronounced inequalities across a number of dimensions. Despite increased income per capita, the country’s Human Development Index (HDI) improvements in health and education remain modest. High infant mortality persists at 32 deaths per 1,000 live births, while educational proficiency levels for primary school children in math and French are only at 30% and 40%, respectively. Disparities in access to basic services are evident as 66% urban and a mere 15% rural population have electricity access, and below-potential access to clean water at 74% overall and 46% in rural areas. Additionally, the country’s multidimensional inequalities extend to gender, youth unemployment, and fragility, ranking poorly on gender inequality indices and experiencing a high youth unemployment rate of 42%, which has exacerbated poverty and social exclusion.
3. Mozambique
Average Rank: 12.5
Between 2014-15 and 2019-20, the national poverty rate in this region saw a huge surge, increasing from 48.4% to 62.8%, with the number of poor individuals rising from 13.1 million to 18.9 million, primarily attributed to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, urban areas experienced a disproportionate rise in poverty due to reduced mobility and slowed economic activity.
Despite some progress in reducing inequality, as observed in the declining Gini Coefficient from 56.1 to 50.4, multidimensional poverty worsened. The share of deprived households increased from 71% to 78.3%, particularly in rural areas and returned to 2002/03 levels. Urban households also faced a sharp increase in multidimensional poverty, rising from 32% to 46% during the same period.
2. Zambia
Average Rank: 12
Zambia grapples with huge inequalities perpetuated by deeply ingrained cultural values that uphold male dominance and hinder women’s involvement in decision-making, asset ownership, and inheritance. Poverty is disproportionately concentrated in rural areas, where 76.6% of women and girls reside, compared to 23.4% in urban areas, further restricting their participation in national development. The dual legal system, where customary law often discriminates against women, conflicts with constitutional provisions for gender equality. Low female education levels also persist as 22% of the population lack formal education.
1. Estwani
Average Rank: 10
In Eswatini, persistent inflationary pressures driven by increased food and transport prices have burdened poor households heavily. Despite some poverty reduction, disparities remain widespread, especially between urban and rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic and sociopolitical unrest have exacerbated economic challenges, contributing to high poverty rates. The lack of quality jobs has increased unemployment, particularly among young people. Eswatini’s high-income inequality further underscores the social disparities, with limited access to public services and substantial consumption disparities. Estwani is the least egalitarian country in the world.
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