The data reveals that rural handwashing facilities with soap and water are highly accessible in countries like Iraq, Bhutan, and Maldives, each surpassing 94%. Conversely, countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia have significantly lower access rates, falling below 10%. Recent trends indicate positive annual growth in many regions, notably in Pakistan and Uganda, with an increase exceeding 4%. In contrast, Mauritania and the Dominican Republic experienced notable declines. Interestingly, gradual improvements in sanitation access are evident across Africa, while variations in smaller nations like Vanuatu exhibit considerable fluctuation.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Continued progress in South Asian countries as they focus on hygiene initiatives and public health policies.
- Potentially slower improvements in Sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating increased investments in infrastructure and resource allocation.
- Increased engagement of international organizations to address remaining disparities through targeted collaborations and funding.
- Monitoring effects of climate change and urbanization, which may influence water resource availability and infrastructure expansion.
Top countries in Share of Rural Population with Basic Handwashing Facilities (Including Soap and Water) by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Percent of Rural Population | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Iraq | 96.87 | 2023 | -2.2e-8% | +0.74% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Bhutan | 96.07 | 2023 | +8e-8% | +1.23% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Maldives | 94.97 | 2021 | 0% | 0% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Mexico | 94.3 | 2023 | +0.39% | +0.39% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Armenia | 90.26 | 2023 | +4.2e-11% | +8.4e-12% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Belize | 88.88 | 2023 | +0.22% | +0.043% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Cuba | 88.09 | 2023 | +7.4e-8% | +1.21% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Egypt | 87.66 | 2023 | +9.1e-10% | +5.9e-10% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Guyana | 86.32 | 2023 | +1.06% | +1.09% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Viet Nam | 84.86 | 2023 |
