The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual report that assesses and ranks countries based on their hunger levels. It is a comprehensive tool developed to highlight the multidimensional nature of hunger, taking into account factors such as undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality.
The GHI serves as an important indicator of food security and nutrition worldwide, shedding light on the progress made and challenges that remain in the fight against hunger.
Significance
GHI is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and advocates working towards a world free from hunger. By analyzing the data presented in the GHI, stakeholders can identify trends, recognize successful strategies, and focus their efforts on regions and countries that require urgent attention.
The GHI not only reflects the current state of hunger but also encourages nations to take action in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by 2030.
Important Trends in 2024
The 2024 report reveals significant insights into the progress of various countries in addressing hunger. Some nations have made commendable strides in reducing hunger, while others continue to struggle with high levels of food insecurity.
The following table presents a detailed overview of the GHI scores for various countries, illustrating their hunger status and the trends observed over the years.
Global Hunger Index List 2024
Here’s a table covering the Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2024, with rankings, countries, and GHI values for the years 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2024:
| Rank in 2024 | Country | 2000 | 2008 | 2016 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-22 | Belarus | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | 9.4 | 6.4 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Chile | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | China | 13.4 | 7.2 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Costa Rica | 6.6 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Croatia | 5.5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Estonia | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Georgia | 12.0 | 6.6 | 5.4 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Hungary | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Kuwait | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Latvia | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Lithuania | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Montenegro | — | 5.7 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | North Macedonia | 7.6 | 5.3 | 5.1 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Romania | 7.9 | 5.7 | 5.0 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Russian Federation | 10.4 | 5.9 | 5.4 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Serbia | — | 5.9 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Slovakia | 6.0 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Türkiye | 11.4 | 6.5 | 5.4 | <5 |
| 1-22 | United Arab Emirates | 5.1 | 6.3 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Uruguay | 7.6 | 5.3 | <5 | <5 |
| 1-22 | Uzbekistan | 24.3 | 13.2 | 5.9 | <5 |
| 23 | Armenia | 19.2 | 11.7 | 6.4 | 5.1 |
| 23 | Bulgaria | 8.9 | 7.8 | 7.5 | 5.1 |
| 25 | Kazakhstan | 11.2 | 11.1 | 5.6 | 5.3 |
| 26 | Moldova (Rep. of) | 17.6 | 14.7 | 6.1 | 5.6 |
| 26 | Mongolia | 29.7 | 16.7 | 7.5 | 5.6 |
| 28 | Colombia | 10.8 | 10.1 | 7.2 | 5.7 |
| 29 | Tunisia | 10.1 | 7.4 | 6.1 | 5.9 |
| 30 | Paraguay | 11.5 | 7.5 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| 31 | Mexico | 10.1 | 9.7 | 6.6 | 6.1 |
| 32 | Azerbaijan | 25.0 | 15.0 | 8.1 | 6.2 |
| 33 | Argentina | 6.6 | 5.4 | 5.2 | 6.6 |
| 33 | Brazil | 11.7 | 6.7 | 5.5 | 6.6 |
| 35 | Algeria | 14.5 | 11.0 | 8.5 | 6.7 |
| 36 | Kyrgyzstan | 17.2 | 12.9 | 8.6 | 6.8 |
| 37 | Saudi Arabia | 12.7 | 10.8 | 9.4 | 6.9 |
| 38 | Iran (Islamic Republic of) | 13.7 | 9.1 | 8.0 | 7.4 |
| 38 | Peru | 21.1 | 13.7 | 7.6 | 7.4 |
| 40 | Jamaica | 8.4 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 7.7 |
| 41 | Dominican Republic | 15.0 | 13.8 | 8.3 | 7.8 |
| 42 | Albania | 16.0 | 15.5 | 6.2 | 7.9 |
| 43 | El Salvador | 14.5 | 11.7 | 9.4 | 8.0 |
| 43 | Panama | 18.7 | 12.7 | 8.1 | 8.0 |
| 45 | Lebanon | 10.2 | 9.1 | 7.5 | 8.1 |
| 46 | Ukraine | 13.0 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 8.6 |
| 47 | Guyana | 17.0 | 14.9 | 10.7 | 9.1 |
| 48 | Cabo Verde | 14.7 | 11.7 | 11.3 | 9.2 |
| 48 | Morocco | 15.5 | 11.7 | 8.7 | 9.2 |
| 50 | Turkmenistan | 20.2 | 14.4 | 10.5 | 9.5 |
| 51 | Oman | 15.2 | 11.5 | 11.9 | 9.9 |
| 52 | Thailand | 18.9 | 12.2 | 9.5 | 10.1 |
| 53 | Fiji | 9.6 | 8.8 | 10.6 | 10.2 |
| 54 | Trinidad & Tobago | 10.8 | 10.6 | 8.6 | 10.8 |
| 55 | Suriname | 14.8 | 10.6 | 11.0 | 10.9 |
| 56 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Rep. of) | 10.7 | 10.1 | 8.8 | 11.3 |
| 57 | Bolivia (Plurinational State of) | 28.6 | 22.5 | 16.4 | 12.3 |
| 57 | Ecuador | 17.5 | 12.4 | 9.7 | 12.3 |
| 59 | Namibia | 26.5 | 27.5 | 20.6 | 19.7 |
| 60 | Eswatini | 29.2 | 24.7 | 17.9 | 12.7 |
| 60 | South Africa | 16.8 | 11.4 | 10.7 | 12.7 |
| 62 | Cambodia | 45.1 | 32.9 | 21.1 | 12.8 |
| 63 | Nicaragua | 26.9 | 22.4 | 17.1 | 13.0 |
| 63 | Sri Lanka | 22.6 | 17.4 | 16.3 | 13.0 |
| 65 | Philippines | 22.1 | 19.3 | 20.0 | 14.4 |
| 66 | Indonesia | 25.4 | 22.1 | 20.9 | 15.1 |
| 67 | Guatemala | 22.3 | 19.7 | 19.7 | 15.2 |
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 presents a detailed assessment of hunger levels across the globe, shedding light on the progress made and the challenges faced by various nations in their quest to eradicate hunger.
This year’s report highlights critical insights into countries that have successfully reduced hunger and those still grappling with significant food insecurity.
Insights from the Global Hunger Index 2024
Countries with Low Hunger Levels
Some nations have achieved remarkable success in minimizing hunger, boasting GHI scores below 5. Countries such as Belarus, Chile, China, Croatia, and Türkiye exemplify effective food security measures and robust government policies.
For instance, China has impressively decreased its hunger score from 13.4 in 2000 to less than 5 in 2024, showcasing significant advancements in its fight against hunger.
Progress in Post-Soviet and Developing Nations
Countries like Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan have made noteworthy improvements in reducing hunger. Uzbekistan’s GHI score plummeted from 24.3 in 2000 to less than 5 in 2024, while Georgia has similarly reached this commendable milestone.
Kazakhstan also recorded a significant decline from 11.2 to 5.3, reflecting the impact of enhanced agricultural policies and economic development in these regions.
Advances in South America
In South America, nations including Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay are demonstrating positive trends in hunger reduction. Brazil, one of the continent’s largest economies, saw its GHI score decline from 11.7 in 2000 to 6.6 in 2024, signaling improved food access and nutrition.
Other countries like Chile and Argentina continue to maintain low hunger levels, highlighting a regional trend toward better food security.
Significant Reductions in Central Asia
Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan have also made substantial progress. Kyrgyzstan lowered its GHI score from 17.2 to 6.8, while Azerbaijan’s score decreased from 25.0 to 6.2.
These achievements underscore successful government initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity and malnutrition.
Challenges in Southeast Asia and South America
Despite advancements, nations like Cambodia and the Philippines still contend with moderate hunger levels. Cambodia improved from 41.3 in 2000 to 14.7 in 2024, indicating progress, yet emphasizing the ongoing need for sustainable food policies.
Similarly, the Philippines reduced its GHI from 24.9 to 14.4, but its moderate score suggests further efforts are necessary to eradicate hunger.
African Nations Facing High Hunger Levels
Several African nations, including Namibia and Eswatini, continue to grapple with high hunger levels despite some progress. Namibia’s GHI score fell from 26.5 in 2000 to 19.7 in 2024, while Eswatini showed improvement, though hunger levels remain concerning.
South Africa, too, has made some strides, with its GHI reducing from 18.0 to 12.5, yet still faces moderate hunger challenges, underscoring the need for sustained interventions.
Countries Showing Moderate Improvement
Nations such as Mexico, Armenia, Colombia, and Tunisia have seen reductions in hunger but still fall within the moderate range (GHI between 5 and 9). For example, Mexico reduced its GHI score from 10.1 to 6.1 over the past two decades, showcasing positive but gradual progress in hunger alleviation.
Countries Facing Persistent Hunger Issues
India
India’s GHI score improved from 38.4 in 2000 to 27.3 in 2024, marking significant progress. However, the country still faces serious hunger levels, highlighting ongoing challenges related to food security, malnutrition, and accessibility.
Compared to other second-world countries, India faces ongoing challenges in addressing hunger, ranking 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI). This ranking underscores the persistent issues of food insecurity and malnutrition that continue to affect millions across the nation.
High child malnutrition rates remain a pressing concern, necessitating more policies, stronger public health initiatives, and nutrition programs. Government initiatives like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme have been crucial, yet comprehensive strategies are essential for sustainable improvement.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s GHI score decreased from 36.6 in 2000 to 27.9 in 2024, indicating moderate progress. However, the country continues to experience moderate hunger, driven by economic instability, climate change, and socio-political challenges.
High inflation and agricultural issues further exacerbate food insecurity. To enhance food security, Pakistan must focus on boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening supply chains, and investing in rural development.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has made remarkable strides, reducing its GHI score from 33.8 in 2000 to 19.4 in 2024. This success reflects effective government interventions, including social safety nets and improved agricultural practices.
However, challenges remain concerning climate change, population density, and nutritional deficiencies among vulnerable groups. Continued investments in nutrition education and resilient agriculture are crucial for sustaining progress.
Middle Eastern and Gulf States’ Gradual Progress
Countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia have shown moderate progress, with GHI scores declining from 13.7 and 12.7 to 7.4 and 6.9, respectively. These improvements reflect better economic conditions and effective policies addressing food access and nutrition.
Countries with Minimal Hunger Levels
Numerous nations, particularly in Europe and the Gulf, have achieved minimal hunger levels. Countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, and Kuwait have successfully reduced their GHI scores to below 5, demonstrating strong food systems and effective governance.
In conclusion, the Global Hunger Index 2024 reveals that while many nations have significantly reduced hunger, others continue to confront challenges in ensuring food security.
Success stories like China, Uzbekistan, and Brazil highlight the efficacy of targeted policies and economic growth. In contrast, countries such as Venezuela and Namibia illustrate the need for ongoing international support and sustainable interventions.