Behind the glossy postcards and Instagram-perfect scenes, these 21 countries aren’t as wealthy as we might think.
Italy
Italy, the land of fashion, fast cars, and fabulous food, seems like the epitome of luxury. But peel back the layers, and you’ll find an economy that’s been struggling to keep up. High public debt and staggering youth unemployment tell the story of a country wrestling with economic struggles.
Spain
High unemployment, especially among young people, casts a long shadow over Spain’s culture. The economic crisis of the late 2000s had a huge impact on the country. And while there has been some recovery, the pace is slow. The job market problem is a significant issue that doesn’t quite match the country’s festive image.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s tropical paradise attracts millions of tourists, but the country grapples with significant economic inequality. While Jakarta is booming, many rural areas remain underdeveloped, and poverty is widespread.
Portugal
Portugal’s landscapes and historic cities are a tourist’s dream. But many Portuguese live on low wages. The cost of living might be lower than in other European nations, but so are the salaries, making it tough for many families to make ends meet. While tourism brings in money and the tech industry is growing, these benefits haven’t reached everyone. Rural areas, in particular, struggle with limited opportunities.
Brazil
Brazil is a country marked by severe income inequality. Despite economic growth, the substantial disparities between the rich and the poor are hard to ignore. Employment opportunities are scarce, and when available, they often come with low wages and minimal job security. The government has implemented social programs to address these issues, but the scale of inequality remains a significant challenge.
South Africa
Beneath South Africa’s beauty lies a tale of two economies. Significant wealth exists, particularly in urban areas, but so does widespread poverty and high unemployment. Many South Africans struggle with access to quality education and healthcare. And despite efforts to improve economic growth and job creation, many South Africans struggle to find stable employment.
Argentina
Argentina faces recurring economic instability. Hyperinflation, debt defaults, and currency crises are common, making life unpredictable for its citizens. The charming streets of Buenos Aires and the views of Pampas fields mask the financial struggles many Argentinians face daily. Despite occasional periods of growth, the economy often struggles to remain stable in the long term.
Turkey
Turkey’s bustling markets and ancient history might suggest a thriving nation. But economic instability, high inflation, and a weakening currency reveal a different reality. Many Turks find it increasingly challenging to afford basic necessities despite the country’s outward appearance of wealth.
Mexico
Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and beautiful coastlines hide serious poverty and violence. Despite being one of Latin America’s largest economies, wealth distribution is uneven, and many Mexicans live in dangerous conditions.
India
India has huge disparities between its cities and rural areas. While cities like Bangalore thrive, many rural regions struggle with insufficient infrastructure and basic services. Access to clean drinking water, reliable electricity, and proper sanitation remains a challenge. Healthcare facilities are often underfunded and understaffed, and schools lack necessary resources.
Thailand
Thailand’s beaches and markets attract millions of tourists. But beneath the surface, economic disparity is significant. Many Thais work in low-paying jobs and rural poverty remains a pressing issue, different from the country’s tourist-driven economy.
Egypt
Egypt has faced several economic challenges in recent years. High unemployment, inflation, and a large informal economy contrast with the image of a thriving ancient civilization.
Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and is rich in oil and natural resources. But the wealth isn’t evenly distributed, and a substantial portion of the population lives in poverty. And corruption and infrastructure worsen these issues. This means that even the basic necessities, like reliable electricity and clean water, are often out of reach for many people.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, political instability, conflict, and corruption have hindered its economic development, leaving many Ukrainians in challenging living conditions. And the constant state of uncertainty makes long-term planning difficult, both for individuals and businesses, keeping the country in a cycle of hardship and slow growth.
Venezuela
Venezuela was once one of the richest countries in Latin America, thanks to its oil reserves. But it’s seen a dramatic economic collapse. Hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and political turmoil have led to a humanitarian crisis.
Philippines
While the Philippines’ economy has shown growth, the benefits have not reached everyone, and many Filipinos continue to live below the poverty line. Even access to education, healthcare, and stable employment remains a challenge for many.
Iran
Iran is rich in history and natural resources, but international sanctions have crippled its economy. High unemployment and inflation rates, coupled with limited access to global markets, have significantly impacted the living standards of its people.
Pakistan
Pakistan struggles with economic development. High levels of poverty, low literacy rates, and political volatility present significant challenges to improving the nation’s wealth. And access to quality education is limited, particularly in rural areas.
Romania
Romania faces significant rural poverty. Despite being an EU member, many rural areas lag in development, with limited access to modern amenities and employment opportunities.
Greece
Greece brings to mind idyllic islands and ancient ruins, but its modern story is quite different. After a debt crisis that shook the nation in the 2010s, Greece is still grappling with measures and economic challenges that keep many of its citizens struggling. Pensions were slashed, taxes were hiked, and public services were severely cut. Many Greeks faced unemployment or saw their incomes drastically reduced.
Russia
Russia often casts an image of wealth and power, thanks to its natural resources and Moscow’s luxury. But beyond the major cities, many regions struggle with poverty and poor infrastructure, showing a stark divide between the rich and the rest. In these areas, access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and reliable transport can be limited. Roads are also often in poor condition, and public services are underfunded.
17 Foods Permanently Removed from American Store Shelves
Safety concerns and health risks are two of the main reasons behind the banning of certain foods and ingredients, as food safety regulators sometimes deem different food products to be too dangerous. Here are 18 intriguing and often surprising foods that you won’t find on supermarket shelves in America.
Read: 17 Foods Permanently Removed from American Store Shelves
18 British Foods Americans Are Missing Out On
A lot of British cuisine is unpopular in America or hasn’t even been heard of across the pond, but there’s a variety of British foods, including hearty comfort foods and sweet treats, that every American should try at some point in their life. Dig into these 18 classic foods from Britain if you’re curious about what the Brits eat.
Read: 18 British Foods Americans Are Missing Out On
18 American Foods Foreigners Will Give Anything to Taste
One of the highlights of any trip to the U.S. is getting to taste different foods that we see on TV and in film. For those who can’t make the trip, they desperately try to recreate American food at home or in local restaurants, but nothing beats the real deal. We look at 18 quintessential American foods that foreigners are desperate to try:
Read: 18 American Foods Foreigners Will Give Anything to Taste
