New global index exposes 'modern slavery' worldwide Nearly 30 million people around the world are living as slaves, according to a new index ranking 162 countries. The Global Slavery Index 2013 says India has the highest number of people living in conditions of slavery at 14 million. But Mauritania has the highest proportional figure with about 4% of its population enslaved. The report's authors hope it will help governments tackle what they call a "hidden crime". 'Better measure' Continue reading the main story Estimated number of slaves India - 13,956,010 China - 2,949,243 Pakistan - 2,127,132 Nigeria - 701,032 Ethiopia - 651,110 Russia - 516,217 Thailand - 472,811 DR Congo - 462,327 Burma - 384,037 Bangladesh - 343,192 The index was compiled by Australian-based rights organisation Walk Free Foundation using a definition of modern slavery that includes debt bondage, forced marriage and human trafficking. "A lot of governments