As of 2023, most of the world's population was living under water-insecure conditions. That year, a total of 5.6 billion people worldwide – or roughly 70 percent of the global population – lived in countries considered water insecure. Another 640 million people lived under critical water conditions, whereas only about one billion people lived in countries considered water secure. The Solomon Islands ranks as the most water-insecure country worldwide based on a water security score.
Population living in water-insecure conditions worldwide as of 2023, by water security level
(in billions)
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Population living in water-insecure conditions worldwide as of 2023, by water security level
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According to the source, water security is scored in ten components, from water availability and resource stability to infrastructure and safety from floods and drought.
Figures have been rounded.
Citation formats
Erick Burgueño Salas
Research expert covering climate change and the water industry
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Visual Capitalist. (August 11, 2023). Population living in water-insecure conditions worldwide as of 2023, by water security level (in billions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 18, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1458133/global-population-water-security-levels/
Visual Capitalist. "Population living in water-insecure conditions worldwide as of 2023, by water security level (in billions)." Chart. August 11, 2023. Statista. Accessed April 18, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1458133/global-population-water-security-levels/
Visual Capitalist. (2023). Population living in water-insecure conditions worldwide as of 2023, by water security level (in billions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 18, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1458133/global-population-water-security-levels/
Visual Capitalist. "Population Living in Water-insecure Conditions Worldwide as of 2023, by Water Security Level (in Billions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 11 Aug 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1458133/global-population-water-security-levels/
Visual Capitalist, Population living in water-insecure conditions worldwide as of 2023, by water security level (in billions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1458133/global-population-water-security-levels/ (last visited April 18, 2025)
Population living in water-insecure conditions worldwide as of 2023, by water security level (in billions) [Graph], Visual Capitalist, August 11, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1458133/global-population-water-security-levels/
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