The Philippines has once again been ranked as the world’s most disaster-prone country in 2025, according to the latest WorldRiskIndex (WRI) published by the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) and Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft (Alliance Development Works).
On a scale of 0 (very low risk) to 100 (very high risk), the Philippines recorded a score of 46.56, placing it first among 193 countries worldwide. The index measures a nation’s risk of disasters by combining exposure to natural hazards with societal vulnerabilities and capacity to respond.
Global ranking
The Philippines was followed by India (40.47), Indonesia (39.30), China (38.89), and Mexico (36.98) in the list of “very high risk” countries. In contrast, the least at-risk nations included Andorra (0.37), San Marino (0.45), Luxembourg (0.48), and Sao Tome and Principe (0.61).
Country scorecard
The Philippines’ 2025 score reflects a breakdown of key factors:
Exposure: 59.90
Vulnerability: 77.59
Susceptibility: 68.20
Lack of Coping Capacities: 58.40
Lack of Adaptive Capacities: 54.30
The numbers highlight the nation’s high level of susceptibility to disasters and limited coping mechanisms despite being highly exposed to natural hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
Historical trend
The Philippines has consistently topped the global risk index in recent years:
2020 – 46.72 (Rank 1)
2021 – 46.82 (Rank 1)
2022 – 46.86 (Rank 1)
2023 – 46.64 (Rank 1)
2024 – 46.56 (Rank 1)
2025 – 46.56 (Rank 1)
The WRI integrates United Nations member states’ exposure to natural hazards such as cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, and sea-level rise, while factoring in susceptibility, coping capacities, and adaptive capacities. High exposure combined with weak social systems significantly elevates a country’s disaster risk.
Despite government efforts to implement disaster preparedness programs, the Philippines’ ranking suggests that addressing systemic vulnerabilities—such as poverty, urban congestion, and weak infrastructure—remains critical in mitigating risks and protecting communities.
