Even before the COVID-19 pandemic plunged millions into joblessness, huge numbers of people around world were in danger of losing access to food and shelter. Throughout 2019, Gallup conducted surveys in 142 countries and found that 750 million people — one out of every seven adults in the world — fell into the "High Vulnerability" category, meaning they struggled to afford food or rent and lacked sufficient support from family or friends. Gallup has since published a new Basic Needs Index, which assesses vulnerability to major shocks — like a pandemic. Here's a look at some of the most and least vulnerable countries in each region, according to Gallup's findings.
