Crisis-Affected Population Surges Across Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria, World Bank Data Shows
Global Desk | January 2026
A sharp rise in the number of people affected by humanitarian crises has been recorded in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria over the past decade, according to long-term data compiled by the World Bank’s Development Data Group. The figures reveal how prolonged conflict, political instability, and economic collapse have pushed tens of millions into crisis conditions.
Yemen: The World’s Largest Crisis Burden
Yemen stands out as the most severely affected country among the three. The crisis-affected population remained relatively low in the early 2000s but began escalating dramatically after 2011. By the mid-2010s, the numbers surged rapidly, crossing the 30-million mark.
Recent estimates indicate that nearly the entire population of Yemen is now living under some form of crisis-related hardship, including food insecurity, displacement, or lack of basic services. The steady upward trend highlights how years of war and economic breakdown have left little room for recovery.
Afghanistan: A Sharp and Unstable Rise
Afghanistan’s crisis-affected population shows a different but equally concerning pattern. Numbers remained modest until the mid-2010s, after which a steep rise began. The increase accelerated following political upheaval and worsening economic conditions.
Although the data reflects some fluctuations in later years, the overall trajectory remains upward, with tens of millions now facing crisis-level vulnerabilities. Experts note that repeated shocks—ranging from governance changes to climate-related disasters—have prevented sustained improvement.
Syria: Prolonged Conflict, Persistent Crisis
Syria’s crisis-affected population increased significantly after the outbreak of conflict in the early 2010s. Unlike Yemen and Afghanistan, Syria’s growth curve appears slower in recent years, suggesting a plateau rather than a full recovery.
Despite this stabilization, the number of affected people remains extremely high, underscoring the long-lasting impact of prolonged conflict, displacement, and economic sanctions on civilian life.
A Growing Global Concern
The combined data paints a stark picture of how long-term conflicts can transform temporary emergencies into permanent humanitarian crises. While international aid and policy responses continue, the scale and duration of these crises raise serious concerns about donor fatigue and shrinking global resources.
Humanitarian agencies warn that without sustained political solutions and economic rebuilding, the crisis-affected populations in these countries are unlikely to decline in the near future.
