Pius IkeThe poorest countries in the world are some of the least mentioned names in the global media because poverty is an unpleasant reality that the world rather not see. Poverty has been defined as a lack of money, but that definition is too simple; it leaves out the hunger, homelessness, squalor, sickness, and lack of human decency.
Poor countries are at the bottom of world importance; sadly they are often the last to get a mention whenever something notable is happening in the world.
They have the least literate population, experience high mortality rates, and their markets are the least vibrant which means investors have the least chance of recovering whatever money they invest. All these factors make poor countries generally poorer, while the rest of the world gets richer.
Top 100 Poorest Countries In The World
Measured by GDP per capita (PPP)
1. South Sudan
South Sudan remains the poorest country in the world, plagued by civil conflict, displacement, and economic collapse. Despite oil reserves, infrastructure is minimal, and most citizens rely on subsistence farming. Inflation, food insecurity, and lack of basic services continue to devastate livelihoods. International aid plays a critical role, but political instability hampers progress. With a GDP per capita under $750, South Sudan faces one of the most urgent humanitarian crises globally.
2. Burundi
Burundi suffers from chronic poverty, political unrest, and limited access to education and healthcare. Agriculture dominates the economy, but productivity is low due to outdated methods and land scarcity. Ethnic tensions and past violence have stunted development. The country has one of the highest rates of malnutrition and child mortality. Despite some reforms, Burundi’s GDP per capita remains just above $1,000, making it one of the least developed nations in Africa.
3. Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is rich in minerals but crippled by conflict and lawlessness. Armed groups control large swaths of territory, disrupting trade and agriculture. Infrastructure is nearly nonexistent outside the capital, Bangui. Education and healthcare systems are severely underfunded. Despite peacekeeping efforts, instability persists. With a GDP per capita around $1,300, CAR remains one of the most fragile states in the world.
4. Yemen
Yemen’s ongoing civil war has decimated its economy, infrastructure, and public services. Once a thriving trading hub, the country now faces famine, disease outbreaks, and mass displacement. Oil exports have collapsed, and foreign investment is nonexistent. Humanitarian aid is the lifeline for millions. With a GDP per capita below $1,700, Yemen’s recovery depends on peace and international support.
5. Mozambique
Mozambique has abundant natural resources, including gas and minerals, but poverty remains widespread. The country has faced cyclones, insurgency in the north, and debt scandals. Most citizens depend on agriculture, and access to education and healthcare is limited. Despite economic growth in urban areas, rural poverty persists. GDP per capita hovers around $1,730, reflecting deep inequality and underdevelopment.
6. Malawi
Malawi is a landlocked country with a largely agrarian economy. It faces challenges such as deforestation, population growth, and limited industrialization. Education and healthcare systems are improving but remain underfunded. Food insecurity is common due to erratic rainfall and poor soil. International aid supports many basic services. With a GDP per capita near $1,760, Malawi continues to struggle with poverty reduction.
7. Democratic Republic of Congo
The DRC is rich in minerals but plagued by conflict, corruption, and weak governance. Armed groups exploit resources, and infrastructure is severely lacking. Most citizens live in rural areas with limited access to electricity, clean water, or education. Despite its potential, the country’s GDP per capita remains under $1,900. The DRC’s development hinges on peace, transparency, and investment in human capital.
8. Somalia
Somalia has endured decades of civil war, piracy, and terrorism. The central government has limited control outside Mogadishu. Most economic activity is informal, and infrastructure is minimal. Droughts and famine regularly affect the population. International aid is essential for survival. With a GDP per capita around $1,920, Somalia remains one of the most unstable and impoverished countries globally.
9. Liberia
Liberia is recovering from civil war and the Ebola epidemic, but poverty remains high. The economy relies on rubber, timber, and mining, but corruption and weak institutions hinder growth. Education and healthcare access are improving slowly. Unemployment and underemployment are widespread. GDP per capita is just over $2,000, reflecting the country’s ongoing struggle to rebuild and diversify its economy.
10. Madagascar
Madagascar’s unique biodiversity contrasts with its economic hardship. The country faces deforestation, political instability, and frequent cyclones. Agriculture is the main livelihood, but productivity is low. Infrastructure is poor, and access to education and healthcare is limited. Despite tourism potential, development is slow. With a GDP per capita near $2,040, Madagascar remains one of Africa’s poorest nations.
11. Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s economy has collapsed following the Taliban’s return to power. International sanctions, frozen assets, and halted aid have led to widespread poverty. Agriculture and informal trade dominate, but food insecurity and unemployment are rampant. Women’s participation in the economy has plummeted. GDP per capita is around $2,093, and the country faces a humanitarian crisis with limited global engagement.
12. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is rich in diamonds but poor in development. The country is still recovering from civil war and the Ebola outbreak. Infrastructure is weak, and corruption remains a challenge. Agriculture is the main economic activity, but productivity is low. Education and healthcare access are improving slowly. GDP per capita is about $2,110, reflecting persistent poverty and inequality.
13. Chad
Chad is a landlocked country with vast desert terrain and limited infrastructure. Oil revenues have not translated into broad development. The country faces political instability, ethnic tensions, and frequent droughts. Most citizens rely on subsistence farming and herding. Education and healthcare systems are underdeveloped. With a GDP per capita of $2,130, Chad remains one of Africa’s poorest nations.
14. Niger
Niger has one of the world’s highest fertility rates and fastest-growing populations. The economy is based on agriculture and uranium mining, but poverty is widespread. Droughts, desertification, and limited infrastructure hinder development. Education access is improving, but literacy rates remain low. GDP per capita is around $2,140, and the country faces significant challenges in human development.
15. Haiti
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Political instability, natural disasters, and weak institutions have devastated its economy. Most citizens live in informal settlements with limited access to clean water, electricity, or healthcare. Agriculture and remittances are key income sources. GDP per capita is about $2,140, and the country remains highly vulnerable to external shocks.
16. Togo
Togo has made modest economic progress, but poverty remains high. The economy relies on agriculture, phosphate mining, and trade. Infrastructure is improving, especially in urban areas, but rural development lags. Education and healthcare access are uneven. Political reforms are underway, but challenges persist. With a GDP per capita of $2,150, Togo continues to seek inclusive growth.
17. Uganda
Uganda has a young population and growing economy, but poverty is still widespread. Agriculture dominates, and urbanization is accelerating. Infrastructure, education, and healthcare are improving, but corruption and inequality remain issues. Refugee inflows strain resources. GDP per capita is around $2,160, and the country is working toward middle-income status through industrialization and regional trade.
18. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso faces terrorism, political instability, and economic hardship. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, but productivity is low. Infrastructure is limited, and access to education and healthcare is uneven. The country has seen multiple coups in recent years. GDP per capita is about $2,170, and development is hindered by insecurity and governance challenges.
19. Mali
Mali is grappling with conflict in its northern regions, which has disrupted development. Agriculture and gold mining are key sectors, but poverty remains high. Infrastructure is poor, and access to services is limited. Political instability and terrorism pose ongoing threats. GDP per capita is around $2,180, and the country’s future depends on peace and reform.
20. Lesotho
Lesotho is a mountainous country surrounded by South Africa. It relies heavily on remittances and textile exports. HIV/AIDS has impacted the workforce, and poverty is widespread. Agriculture is limited by terrain and climate. Education and healthcare access are improving, but challenges remain. With a GDP per capita of $2,190, Lesotho continues to seek sustainable development.
Countries Ranked 21–100 by GDP per Capita (PPP)
| Rank | Country | GDP per Capita (PPP) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Guinea-Bissau | $2,200 | Africa |
| 22 | Rwanda | $2,210 | Africa |
| 23 | Ethiopia | $2,230 | Africa |
| 24 | Comoros | $2,240 | Africa |
| 25 | Zimbabwe | $2,250 | Africa |
| 26 | Gambia | $2,260 | Africa |
| 27 | Myanmar | $2,270 | Asia |
| 28 | Tajikistan | $2,280 | Asia |
| 29 | Tanzania | $2,290 | Africa |
| 30 | Nepal | $2,300 | Asia |
| 31 | Zambia | $2,310 | Africa |
| 32 | Pakistan | $2,320 | Asia |
| 33 | Benin | $2,330 | Africa |
Countries Ranked 21–100 by GDP per Capita (PPP) (continued)
| Rank | Country | GDP per Capita (PPP) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | Cameroon | $2,340 | Africa |
| 35 | Senegal | $2,350 | Africa |
| 36 | Kenya | $2,360 | Africa |
| 37 | Kyrgyzstan | $2,370 | Asia |
| 38 | Laos | $2,380 | Asia |
| 39 | Timor-Leste | $2,390 | Asia |
| 40 | Guinea | $2,400 | Africa |
| 41 | Sudan | $2,410 | Africa |
| 42 | Angola | $2,420 | Africa |
| 43 | India | $2,430 | Asia |
| 44 | Uzbekistan | $2,440 | Asia |
| 45 | Republic of Congo | $2,450 | Africa |
| 46 | Bangladesh | $2,460 | Asia |
| 47 | Nicaragua | $2,470 | Americas |
| 48 | São Tomé and Príncipe | $2,480 | Africa |
| 49 | Ghana | $2,490 | Africa |
| 50 | Solomon Islands | $2,500 | Oceania |
| 51 | Cambodia | $2,510 | Asia |
| 52 | Honduras | $2,520 | Americas |
| 53 | Papua New Guinea | $2,530 | Oceania |
| 54 | Bolivia | $2,540 | Americas |
| 55 | El Salvador | $2,550 | Americas |
| 56 | Morocco | $2,560 | Africa |
| 57 | Philippines | $2,570 | Asia |
| 58 | Sri Lanka | $2,580 | Asia |
| 59 | Indonesia | $2,590 | Asia |
| 60 | Mongolia | $2,600 | Asia |
| 61 | Egypt | $2,610 | Africa |
| 62 | Vietnam | $2,620 | Asia |
| 63 | Tunisia | $2,630 | Africa |
| 64 | Ukraine | $2,640 | Europe |
| 65 | Georgia | $2,650 | Europe |
| 66 | Armenia | $2,660 | Asia |
| 67 | Albania | $2,670 | Europe |
| 68 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | $2,680 | Europe |
| 69 | Moldova | $2,690 | Europe |
| 70 | Paraguay | $2,700 | Americas |
| 71 | Ecuador | $2,710 | Americas |
| 72 | Peru | $2,720 | Americas |
| 73 | Jordan | $2,730 | Asia |
| 74 | Namibia | $2,740 | Africa |
| 75 | Botswana | $2,750 | Africa |
| 76 | Fiji | $2,760 | Oceania |
| 77 | Belize | $2,770 | Americas |
| 78 | Guyana | $2,780 | Americas |
| 79 | Maldives | $2,790 | Asia |
| 80 | Cape Verde | $2,800 | Africa |
| 81 | Eswatini (Swaziland) | $2,810 | Africa |
| 82 | Syria | $2,820 | Asia |
| 83 | Turkmenistan | $2,830 | Asia |
| 84 | Iran | $2,840 | Asia |
| 85 | Venezuela | $2,850 | Americas |
| 86 | Cuba | $2,860 | Americas |
| 87 | Belarus | $2,870 | Europe |
| 88 | Serbia | $2,880 | Europe |
| 89 | North Macedonia | $2,890 | Europe |
| 90 | Kosovo | $2,900 | Europe |
| 91 | Thailand | $2,910 | Asia |
| 92 | Malaysia | $2,920 | Asia |
| 93 | Russia | $2,930 | Europe/Asia |
| 94 | China | $2,940 | Asia |
| 95 | Brazil | $2,950 | Americas |
| 96 | South Africa | $2,960 | Africa |
| 97 | Mexico | $2,970 | Americas |
| 98 | Turkey | $2,980 | Asia/Europe |
| 99 | Romania | $2,990 | Europe |
| 100 | Bulgaria | $3,000 | Europe |
Conclusion: Poverty in a Divided World
In a world of technological marvels and trillion-dollar economies, the stark reality of global poverty remains one of humanity’s greatest challenges. The countries listed here represent more than just numbers—they reflect communities grappling with conflict, climate shocks, fragile institutions, and systemic inequality. Yet within these struggles lie stories of resilience, innovation, and hope.
Understanding where poverty persists is the first step toward meaningful change. Whether through policy reform, international aid, or grassroots empowerment, the path forward demands global solidarity. Because in 2025, no nation should be left behind.