Global loneliness affects one in five people, study finds

A global study based on the Gallup World Poll, analyzing data from over 218,000 people across nearly 150 countries, reveals that approximately one in five people report feeling lonely on a typical day.

The research highlights a significant economic divide in loneliness levels. In high-income countries, the rate is 15.7%, with specific figures of 16.2% in New Zealand and 17.8% in Australia. In contrast, low-income countries face much higher rates, with nearly one in three people (31.3%) reporting feelings of loneliness.

Researchers suggest that loneliness is not merely an individual struggle but a social condition influenced by economic circumstances and community strength. A key protective factor identified is social capital, specifically the presence of reliable support networks and trust. Other contributing factors include unemployment, health issues, and the absence of a partner. While higher education levels correlate with lower loneliness in middle- and high-income nations, this relationship is significantly weaker in low-income regions.