10 Most racially unequal countries in the world (2024)

Racial inequality refers to disparities in opportunities, resources, and treatment based on race or ethnicity. It can manifest in various forms, such as discrimination, unequal access to education or healthcare, and disparities in employment or housing. Racial inequality is a longstanding issue that has plagued many countries across the globe.

While some nations have made significant progress in addressing this problem, others continue to struggle with it. In this article, we will highlight the ten most racially unequal countries in the world. These countries have been ranked based on various factors, including economic disparity, discrimination, and representation in government and public institutions. The list includes countries from different regions and cultures, indicating that racial inequality is a widespread problem that needs to be addressed globally.

The world’s most racially unequal countries 

1. Qatar

Qatar is a wealthy country in the Middle East that has experienced significant economic growth in recent years. However, the country’s economy is heavily dependent on migrant labour, particularly from countries such as Nepal, India, and the Philippines.

These workers often work long hours in poor conditions and face limited rights and protections under Qatari law. Many are also subject to the Kafala system, which ties their legal status to their employer, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Despite efforts to improve working conditions and reduce exploitation, the Qatari government has faced criticism for its treatment of migrant workers.

2. Serbia

Serbia has a complex history of ethnic tension and conflict, particularly with its Albanian minority. The country also struggles with discrimination against the Romani people, who face high levels of poverty and marginalization.

Roma children often receive limited access to education, and adults often face discrimination in employment and housing. The Serbian government has made some efforts to address these issues, including implementing policies to support Roma integration, but progress has been slow.

3. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a conservative Islamic country that has experienced significant economic growth in recent years. However, the country’s economy is heavily dependent on foreign labour, particularly from South and Southeast Asia. These workers often work in poor conditions and face limited rights and protections under Saudi law.

The country also has strict laws governing women’s rights and freedoms, including limitations on their ability to work and travel. While the Saudi government has taken steps to improve working conditions and women’s rights, these efforts have been met with criticism and scepticism from human rights advocates.

4. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a complex history of ethnic conflict between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority. The Tamil population has faced discrimination and violence, particularly during the country’s civil war. Many Tamils were displaced from their homes, and thousands were killed in the conflict.

The country also struggles with ongoing tensions between the two communities, with reports of discrimination and violence against Tamils continuing to this day. While the Sri Lankan government has taken steps to address these issues, progress has been slow, and there are concerns that reconciliation efforts have been insufficient. The United Nations has called for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the country’s history of violence and discrimination.

5. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a wealthy Gulf country that has experienced significant economic growth in recent years. However, the country’s economy is heavily dependent on foreign labour, particularly from South and Southeast Asia. These workers often work in poor conditions and face limited rights and protections under UAE law.

The country has also faced criticism for its treatment of migrant workers, including the Kafala system which ties workers’ legal status to their employer, making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. While the UAE has made some efforts to improve working conditions and reduce exploitation, human rights groups continue to call for further reforms.

6. Slovakia

Slovakia has a significant Romani minority that faces discrimination and poverty. Romani children often receive limited access to education, and adults often face discrimination in employment and housing.

The country has also struggled with xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly in response to the European migrant crisis. The Slovakian government has taken some steps to address these issues, including implementing policies to support Romani integration, but progress has been slow.

7. Myanmar

Myanmar has a complex history of ethnic conflict between its various ethnic groups, particularly the Rohingya minority. The Rohingya have faced persecution, violence, and discrimination in the country, and many have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries.

The Myanmar government has been accused of crimes against humanity and genocide against the Rohingya, and the international community has called for accountability for those responsible. The country has also faced ongoing conflict with other ethnic groups, including the Kachin and Shan, with reports of discrimination and violence continuing to this day.

8. Israel

Israel has a significant Arab minority that faces discrimination and limited opportunities. Arab citizens often face disparities in access to education, healthcare, and employment compared to Jewish citizens.

The country also struggles with tension between its Jewish and Arab populations, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the Israeli government has taken some steps to address these issues, including implementing affirmative action policies for Arab citizens, progress has been slow, and human rights groups continue to call for further reforms.

9. Ukraine

Ukraine has a significant minority population, particularly ethnic Russians who live mainly in the east of the country. This has been a source of tension, particularly in the aftermath of the country’s 2014 revolution and subsequent conflict with Russia.

There have been reports of discrimination and violence against ethnic Russians, as well as other minority groups such as the Roma. The Ukrainian government has taken some steps to address these issues, including implementing policies to promote minority rights and reduce discrimination. However, progress has been slow, and tensions continue to simmer in the country.

10. United States

The United States has a complex history of racial inequality, particularly against African Americans and Native Americans. These communities have faced discrimination and marginalization throughout US history, including through policies such as slavery, segregation, and forced assimilation. While progress has been made in recent decades, disparities in areas such as education, employment, and criminal justice continue to persist.

The country has also seen a rise in hate crimes and discrimination against other minority groups, including Muslims and Latinos. The US government has taken some steps to address these issues, including implementing policies to promote equal rights and opportunities, but many argue that much more needs to be done to address systemic racism and discrimination.

Conclusion

Racial inequality is a complex issue that requires significant effort to address effectively. The ten countries listed in this article are among the most racially unequal in the world, and it is crucial to recognize and acknowledge the challenges faced by marginalized communities in these nations.

Governments, civil society organizations, and individuals must work together to tackle discrimination and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all. It is only through collective action that we can create a world that is truly inclusive and just.