In 2024, the world continues to grapple with economic disparities, with some countries facing significant challenges in GDP per capita.
Here’s an overview of the top 10 poorest countries based on GDP per capita, highlighting the economic conditions that define their status on the global stage.
Poorest countries in the world
1. South Sudan
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country since its 2011 independence, struggles economically. Political instability, ongoing conflicts, and poor infrastructure severely hinder progress. With most of its 11 million people relying on traditional agriculture, frequent violence and extreme climate events disrupt farming, perpetuating poverty.
GDP: $25.83 billion
Population: 11,205,383
2. Burundi
Burundi, a small landlocked country in East Africa, faces major socio-economic challenges. Political instability, conflicts, and poor infrastructure hamper development. Rapid population growth exacerbates economic struggles, and about 80% of the population relies on subsistence agriculture, leading to high food insecurity.
GDP: $3.06 billion
Population: 13,459,236
3. The Central African Republic (CAR)
The Central African Republic (CAR) faces severe economic challenges due to political instability, armed conflicts, and poor infrastructure. Despite its wealth in gold, oil, uranium, and diamonds, poverty is widespread. The war in Ukraine has driven up prices for essential goods, and extreme weather events like flooding and droughts have worsened CAR’s economic struggles.
GDP: $3 billion
Population: 5,849,358
4. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, struggles economically despite its abundant natural resources like cobalt and copper. Around 62% of the population lives on less than $2.15 a day. Widespread poverty is compounded by malnutrition, limited access to education and healthcare, and high fertility rates.
GDP: $15.42 billion
Population: 104,354,615
5. Mozambique
Mozambique, a resource-rich former Portuguese colony, struggles with poverty despite strong GDP growth. Natural disasters, disease, rapid population growth, low agricultural productivity, and wealth inequality are key challenges. Attacks from Islamic insurgent groups in the gas-rich north further exacerbate the country’s economic issues.
GDP: $23.96 billion
Population: 34,497,736
6. Niger
Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, faces high poverty and economic challenges due to limited natural resources, frequent droughts, and a predominantly agricultural economy. With 80% of its territory covered by the Sahara Desert and a growing population reliant on small-scale farming, desertification is a major threat.
GDP: $19.54 billion
Population: 27,844,740
7. Malawi
Malawi, located in southeastern Africa, faces significant economic challenges despite its beautiful landscapes. The country relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making it vulnerable to climate change and fluctuating commodity prices. However, the government is committed to economic diversification, improving education and healthcare, and reducing poverty.
GDP: $11.04 billion
Population: 21,390,465
8. Liberia
Liberia’s persistent poverty is driven by violent conflicts, including civil wars and Ebola outbreaks, resulting in unstable infrastructure and limited services. Forced migration disrupts agriculture, causing food insecurity. Organizations like the World Food Programme work to alleviate poverty and improve the country’s future through sustainable development, education, and healthcare investments.
GDP: $4.59 billion
Population: 5,492,486
9. Madagascar
Madagascar, an island country off the southeastern coast of Africa, has faced numerous political crises and military coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. The current constitution and relative political stability were established in 2014. Despite its wealth in natural resources, the country struggles with internal instability and external interferences, limiting resource utilization. Mining and tourism are key contributors to its GDP.
GDP: $16.77 billion
Population: 25.6 million
10. Yemen
Years of civil war, political instability, and economic collapse have devastated Yemen. The conflict has displaced millions, crippled infrastructure, and disrupted agriculture. Food, water, and medicine are scarce, with millions relying on humanitarian aid for survival. The Yemeni people face widespread hunger, malnutrition, and a resurgence of diseases like cholera. Despite international efforts to bring peace, the road to recovery remains long and arduous.
GDP: $16.94 billion
Population: 35.08 million
