Low-elevation coastal zones (leczs) are areas at an elevation of 10 metres or less above sea level. Although leczs account for just 2 per cent of the world's total land area, they contain about 634 million people: 10 per cent of the global population. About 75 per cent of people in leczs live in Asia

leczs are more threatened by climate change impacts because they are more vulnerable to rises in sea levels and tropical storms

More than 180 countries have people in leczs. Of these, 130 have their largest urban area extending into such a zone.14 per cent of the world's urban population inhabits leczs

Islands and delta states such as Bahamas (88 per cent), Surinam (76), The Netherlands (70), Vietnam and Guyana (55), Bangladesh (46) and Egypt (38) have the highest percentage of people in leczs. Among poor countries, Bangladesh accounts for two-thirds of people in leczs

50 poor countries have a high share of total and urban population in leczs