Top 10 Poorest Countries in the World
Overview
In a world where economic disparity continues to widen, understanding global poverty is more important than ever. Although, “poorest countries” face extreme poverty and economic challenges, they also demonstrate resilience, growth potential, and need for sustainable development. In this article by Academic Block, we reveal the Top Ten Poorest Countries in the World, based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.
According to the latest data, the top 10 poorest countries in the world are: (1) South Sudan, (2) Burundi, (3) Central African Republic, (4) Democratic Republic of Congo, (5) Mozambique, (6) Niger, (7) Malawi, (8) Liberia, (9) Madagascar, and (10) Yemen. These are the countries who face complex hurdles such as political instability, limited access to education, and fragile healthcare systems. Yet, they also represent regions of untapped potential and hope. So, what factors keep these countries in economic distress? And what efforts are being made to lift them out of poverty? Join us as we explore global poverty’s root causes, human impact, and solutions in the world’s most economically vulnerable regions.
The Top Ten Poorest Countries in the World
Although global progress is happening, countries like South Sudan and Burundi still face deep poverty and slow economic development. Furthermore, some of the smallest countries in the world thrive economically, showing that size isn’t a barrier to development success. Moreover, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, and Niger struggle with conflict, weak infrastructure, and low GDP levels.
In addition, Malawi, Liberia, Madagascar, and Yemen are experiencing high unemployment, limited education, and low access to basic health services. However, with foreign aid and policy reforms, these countries can work toward long-term development and growth. See the table below for details.
Table 1: 10 most poor countries in the world
Common Factors Contributing to Poverty in the Poorest Countries
Several recurring factors contribute to the persistent poverty in these poorest countries:
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Political Instability and Conflict : Ongoing wars and political unrest disrupt economies, displace populations, and destroy infrastructure, making it difficult for communities to recover and thrive. In contrast, the largest economies in the world have shown resilience, leveraging strong infrastructure and stable governance for sustained growth.
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Corruption and Poor Governance : Mismanagement of resources and corrupt practices divert funds away from essential services, hindering development and perpetuating poverty.
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Lack of Access to Quality Education : Limited educational opportunities prevent individuals from acquiring skills needed for better employment, trapping generations in poverty.
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Inadequate Infrastructure : Poor transportation, electricity, and sanitation systems restrict economic activities and access to healthcare and education, especially in rural areas. In contrast, the richest countries in the world thrive on advanced infrastructure that drives productivity and ensures widespread access to essential services.
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Economic Inequality : A vast gap between the wealthy and the poor severely restricts social mobility and access to opportunities for marginalized populations. Moreover, poorest countries contribute less than a minimal share to the global GDP, underscoring the scale of global economic disparity.
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Environmental Degradation and Climate Change : Natural disasters and changing climate patterns disproportionately affect low-income communities, destroying livelihoods and homes.
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Health Crises and Lack of Medical Care : Limited access to healthcare services leads to untreated illnesses, reducing productivity and increasing mortality rates.
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Debt Burdens : High levels of national debt divert funds from social programs to debt repayment, limiting investments in poverty alleviation and exacerbating poverty rates in the poorest countries, as reflected in the table below.
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Social Exclusion and Discrimination : Marginalized groups often face barriers to education, employment, and healthcare, exacerbating poverty levels.
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Addressing these interconnected factors requires comprehensive strategies focusing on governance, education, infrastructure, and social inclusion to effectively combat poverty.
Poorest Countries and their Global GDP Share (As of 2024)
Table 2: Poorest Countries with Highest Poverty Rate (As of 2024)
Key Roles of International Aid in Supporting the World’s Poorest Countries
International aid is vital for the world’s poorest nations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where countries like South Sudan, Burundi, and the Central African Republic grapple with extreme poverty, conflict, and inadequate infrastructure. These nations heavily depend on aid for essential services. Key roles of international aid include:
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Financial Assistance : Grants and low-interest loans fund critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure.
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Capacity Building : Strengthening institutions and governance for sustainable development.
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Disaster Relief : Providing immediate response and long-term recovery support post-disasters.
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Advocacy : Raising global awareness to mobilize support and resources.
However, recent aid reductions, notably by the U.S., have severely impacted humanitarian efforts. In South Sudan, over 60% rely on aid; cuts have led to health facility closures, exacerbating crises. The global community must prioritize aid to fragile states, ensuring support reaches those most in need.
Projected GDP (Per Capita) of 10 most poor countries in the world (2024 Vs 2030)
Despite political instability, climate shocks, and poor infrastructure, many poorest countries could see modest economic growth by 2030.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a country like Burundi may nearly double its GDP per capita by 2030. As a result, it could see meaningful progress in poverty alleviation and improving living standards among vulnerable populations. However, the poorest countries still lag behind global averages, highlighting the need for long-term international support and inclusive development policies.
Projected GDP (per capita) of Poorest Countries (2024 Vs 2030)
These projections highlight the importance of targeted economic policies and international aid in supporting sustainable growth in poorest countries.
Web Resources for Poorest Countries in the World
1. GfMag.Com: Poorest Countries in the World 2024
2. SAPA-USA.Org: Top 10 Poorest Countries in the World [GDP per Capita]
Final Words
In conclusion, the world’s poorest countries face persistent challenges like poverty, political instability, and weak infrastructure. However, with global support and strategic reforms, sustainable development remains possible. While economic hardship defines these nations today, their potential is undeniable.
As we shift focus from GDP to geography, our next article explores the largest countries in the world by land area. These vast nations are rich in culture, biodiversity, and resources often playing a major role on the global stage today. Stay tuned to discover the scale, diversity, and strategic importance of these countries that influence global politics and economics. We value your feedback, please share your thoughts to help us improve future articles. Thank you for reading!
Questions and answers related to the poorest countries in the world:
As of 2025, the top 10 poorest countries by GDP per capita (PPP) are: South Sudan ($960.24), Burundi ($1,010), Central African Republic ($1,310), Malawi ($1,760), Mozambique ($1,790), Somalia ($1,900), Democratic Republic of the Congo ($1,910), Liberia ($2,000), Yemen ($2,020), and Madagascar ($2,060). These nations face challenges like political instability, conflict, and inadequate infrastructure, hindering economic growth and development.
South Sudan is currently the poorest country in Africa, with a GDP per capita (PPP) of $960.24 in 2025. Since gaining independence in 2011, the nation has grappled with civil conflict, economic instability, and reliance on oil exports. These factors have severely hindered infrastructure development and access to basic services, perpetuating widespread poverty and humanitarian crises.
As of 2024, the five countries with the highest poverty rates are South Sudan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Malawi, and Mozambique. These nations experience extreme poverty due to factors like prolonged conflict, political instability, and limited access to education and healthcare. For instance, over 67% of South Sudan’s population lives below the international poverty line, reflecting systemic challenges in governance and development.
Yes, Sierra Leone is among the world’s poorest countries. As of 2024, it ranks seventh with a GDP per capita of $526. The nation faces significant challenges, including post-conflict recovery, limited infrastructure, and high unemployment rates. Despite rich natural resources, systemic issues like corruption and inadequate governance have impeded economic progress and poverty alleviation efforts.
South Sudan holds the position as Africa’s poorest country, with a GDP per capita (PPP) of $960.24 in 2025. The nation’s economic struggles are attributed to ongoing civil unrest, dependency on oil revenues, and inadequate public services. These factors have led to widespread poverty, food insecurity, and reliance on international aid for basic needs.
Countries with the highest poverty rates as of 2024 include South Sudan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Malawi, and Mozambique. These nations face multifaceted challenges such as political instability, limited access to education and healthcare, and underdeveloped economies. For example, over 67% of South Sudan’s population lives below the international poverty line, highlighting the severity of poverty in these regions.
South Sudan is recognized as the world’s poorest country in 2025, with a GDP per capita (PPP) of $960.24. The nation’s economic hardships stem from prolonged civil conflict, reliance on oil exports, and inadequate infrastructure. These issues have resulted in widespread poverty, limited access to essential services, and a heavy dependence on humanitarian assistance.
Madagascar’s poverty is attributed to political instability, environmental degradation, and inadequate infrastructure. Frequent natural disasters like cyclones and droughts disrupt agriculture, the main livelihood for many. Additionally, limited access to education and healthcare services hampers human capital development, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
As of 2025, South Sudan is the poorest country globally by GDP per capita (PPP), standing at $960.24. The nation’s economic challenges are exacerbated by ongoing conflict, dependence on oil exports, and lack of diversified economic activities. These factors contribute to widespread poverty and limited access to essential services.
According to SAPA-USA, the countries with the highest poverty rates are: South Sudan (82.3%), Somalia (76.8%), Nigeria (70.7%), Pakistan (68.8%), India (64.9%), Madagascar (63.9%), Burundi (58.5%), Central African Republic (56.8%), Equatorial Guinea (54.4%), and Sierra Leone (53.2%). These countries face challenges like political instability, economic mismanagement, and limited access to education and healthcare, contributing to their high poverty levels.
Several countries boast minimal poverty rates, often below 5%, including Iceland, Switzerland, and Norway. These nations benefit from robust social welfare systems, high employment rates, and equitable income distribution. Their comprehensive policies in education, healthcare, and social security effectively mitigate poverty, setting global standards for socioeconomic well-being.
Many of the poorest countries grapple with development due to factors like political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare. External challenges such as climate change, global economic fluctuations, and historical exploitation further hinder progress. These compounded issues create a cycle of poverty that’s difficult to break without substantial reforms and international support.
Countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic are rich in natural resources, including minerals and oil. However, factors such as political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and ongoing conflicts have prevented these resources from translating into widespread economic prosperity. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “resource curse,” where resource-rich countries experience less economic growth due to governance and institutional challenges.
Norway consistently ranks high in quality of life indices, attributed to its low poverty rate, comprehensive social welfare system, and strong economy. The country’s emphasis on education, healthcare, and equitable wealth distribution fosters a high standard of living, making it a model for balancing economic prosperity with social equity.
As of 2025, countries with the lowest poverty rates include Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, and Luxembourg. These nations have robust economies, comprehensive social safety nets, and policies promoting income equality, contributing to their minimal poverty levels and high standards of living.
South Sudan’s economic crisis stems from: 1) Overreliance on oil exports, making the economy vulnerable to price shocks; 2) Prolonged civil conflict disrupting production and infrastructure; 3) Corruption and mismanagement of public funds; 4) Inflation and currency depreciation; and 5) Limited diversification, with underdeveloped agriculture and industry sectors. These factors collectively hinder sustainable economic growth.
In 2024, approximately 8.5% of the global population, or nearly 700 million people, lived in extreme poverty, defined by the World Bank as living on less than $2.15 per day. This metric assesses individuals’ daily consumption or income, adjusted for purchasing power parity, to determine the proportion of the population unable to meet basic needs.
The majority of the world’s poorest populations reside in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia. Challenges include limited access to clean water, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Additionally, these regions often face political instability, conflict, and climate-related disasters, exacerbating poverty and hindering development efforts.