Worst Connected Countries for Digital Nomads and Young Professionals

Why do internet speeds vary between regions?

At first glance, internet speed might seem straightforward, but it's influenced by a wide range of factors, making it a more complex issue.

People typically assess internet speed by how quickly a task is completed—whether it's loading a website or streaming media in high quality. Faster speeds enable smoother experiences, but it's not just about the internet plan you purchase from an ISP (Internet Service Provider). Even with the most premium plan, you may still encounter slow connections.

Several factors contribute to this complexity. Unfortunately, many are beyond the control of everyday users, often stemming from government regulations or even environmental conditions.

1. Cuba: 4.01 Mbps (Download), 3.50 Mbps (Upload)

Cuba is known for its restrictive internet environment, with one of the slowest internet speeds in the world. With a download speed of 4.01 Mbps and an upload speed of 3.50 Mbps, internet access in Cuba is heavily regulated by the government. The state-owned telecommunications company ETECSA controls the majority of the infrastructure, and public Wi-Fi hotspots are limited. While improvements have been made in recent years, such as increased mobile internet access, slow speeds and high costs continue to limit connectivity for most Cubans. Access is also concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural areas particularly underserved.

2. East Timor: 5.16 Mbps (Download), 3.32 Mbps (Upload)

East Timor, a young nation in Southeast Asia, faces significant challenges in building reliable internet infrastructure. With a download speed of 5.16 Mbps and upload speed of 3.32 Mbps, the country’s internet remains slow and inconsistent. Due to its mountainous terrain and the high cost of infrastructure development, only a small percentage of the population has access to broadband services. Mobile networks are more widely available, but they too suffer from slow speeds and frequent outages. The government is making efforts to improve connectivity, but East Timor’s geographical and economic hurdles continue to hamper progress.

3. Yemen: 5.32 Mbps (Download), 7.08 Mbps (Upload)

Yemen’s internet infrastructure has been severely impacted by years of conflict, contributing to its slow speeds. With download speeds of 5.32 Mbps and upload speeds of 7.08 Mbps, the country faces significant barriers to consistent and reliable internet access. Much of Yemen’s internet relies on outdated infrastructure, which has been damaged in the ongoing civil war, leaving the population with limited access. Despite relatively higher upload speeds, the lack of investment in modern infrastructure and the challenging political environment make it difficult to improve internet services in the near future.

4. Afghanistan: 5.80 Mbps (Download), 2.33 Mbps (Upload)

Afghanistan has long struggled with poor internet connectivity, with download speeds averaging 5.80 Mbps and upload speeds at a low 2.33 Mbps. The mountainous terrain and decades of conflict have hindered the development of modern telecommunications infrastructure. While mobile internet is available in urban areas, rural regions remain largely disconnected. The political instability in the country has further complicated efforts to expand and improve internet services. The lack of proper infrastructure, combined with frequent electricity outages, limits the ability of Afghanistan's citizens to access reliable and fast internet.

5. Tajikistan: 8.51 Mbps (Download), 5.84 Mbps (Upload)

Tajikistan’s internet speeds, with 8.51 Mbps for downloads and 5.84 Mbps for uploads, remain among the slowest in Central Asia. The country faces unique challenges due to its mountainous geography, which complicates infrastructure development and contributes to the relatively high costs of internet services. Internet access is also tightly controlled by the government, which further restricts freedom of use. Despite these obstacles, mobile internet has gained more traction in urban areas, but the country's overall connectivity remains poor, particularly in remote rural regions where access is limited or nonexistent.