The world’s poorest countries are primarily located in sub-Saharan Africa, with a few exceptions. Here are some of the top poorest countries, ranked by GDP per capita:
1. South Sudan: With a GDP per capita of $716, South Sudan is considered the poorest country globally. Prolonged civil war, ethnic violence, and weak governance have hindered economic progress, leaving 67 percent of the population living below the poverty line.
2. Burundi: Burundi’s GDP per capita is $1,015. The country struggles with political instability, corruption, and high population density, resulting in over 80 percent of the population relying on subsistence farming.
3. Central African Republic: The Central African Republic has a GDP per capita of $1,330. Despite rich natural resources, the country remains impoverished due to weak governance, corruption, and frequent coups.
4. Yemen: Yemen’s GDP per capita is $1,670. Ongoing civil war since 2015 has led to severe economic collapse, famine, and mass displacement, pushing millions into extreme poverty.
5. Mozambique: Mozambique’s GDP per capita is $1,730. The country battles problems like high disease burden, low educational attainment, and climate-driven crises, with 74 percent of the population living in poverty.
6. Malawi: GDP per capita of $1,780. Malawi faces challenges like high population growth, food insecurity, and limited industrialization.
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo: GDP per capita of $1,880. The country’s vast natural resources are hindered by corruption, ongoing armed conflicts, and weak institutions.
8. Madagascar: GDP per capita of $2,040. Madagascar struggles with chronic political crises, deforestation, and weak economic policies, resulting in over 75 percent of the population living in extreme poverty.
9. Liberia: GDP per capita of $2,010. Liberia faces economic hardship due to corruption, a weak healthcare system, and poor infrastructure.
