Top 20 Most Impoverished Countries
Poverty remains a critical issue affecting millions of people around the globe. In some countries, the impact of poverty is especially severe, with a significant portion of the population living in extreme conditions. Below, we highlight the top 20 most impoverished countries, providing key statistics to illustrate the challenges they face.
| Country | Population Living in Poverty (%) | GDP per Capita (USD) | Human Development Index (HDI) Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burundi | 75% | 261 | 185 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 72% | 557 | 179 |
| Malawi | 70% | 431 | 174 |
| Central African Republic | 62% | 492 | 188 |
| Madagascar | 74% | 524 | 164 |
| Mozambique | 63% | 490 | 181 |
| Niger | 63% | 567 | 189 |
| South Sudan | 82% | 275 | 187 |
| Chad | 66%</ | 664 | 187 |
| Guinea | 55% | 1,158 | 178 |
| Burkina Faso | 41% | 788 | 182 |
| Yemen | 71% | 944 | 179 |
| Haiti | 58% | 1,278 | 170 |
| Afghanistan | 54% | 586 | 169 |
| Sierra Leone | 53% | 509 | 182 |
| Eritrea | 50% | 636 | 180 |
| Somalia | 70% | 309 | None |
| Guinea-Bissau | 67% | 721 | 178 |
| Togo | 49%</ | 859 | 166 |
| Uganda | 41% | 878 | 159 |
Burundi
Burundi, located in East Africa, is the world’s poorest country with 75% of its population living in poverty. The country has a GDP per capita of just $261 and ranks 185th on the Human Development Index (HDI). Challenges include political instability, limited access to healthcare and education, and high population density.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 72% of the population lives in poverty. With a GDP per capita of $557, the country ranks 179th on the HDI. Decades of conflict, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to widespread poverty.
Malawi
Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, has a poverty rate of 70%. Its GDP per capita is $431, and it ranks 174th on the HDI. The country’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate change and other shocks.
Central African Republic
In the Central African Republic (CAR), 62% of the population lives in poverty. With a GDP per capita of $492, the CAR is ranked 188th on the HDI. The country faces ongoing conflict, political instability, and limited access to basic services.
Madagascar
Madagascar, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, has a poverty rate of 74%. The GDP per capita is $524, and the country is ranked 164th on the HDI. Deforestation, cyclones, and political instability exacerbate poverty.
Mozambique
In Mozambique, 63% of the population lives in poverty. The GDP per capita is $490, and the country is ranked 181st on the HDI. Frequent natural disasters, such as cyclones and floods, significantly impact the country’s economy and livelihoods.
Niger
Niger has a poverty rate of 63%, with a GDP per capita of $567. It ranks 189th on the HDI, making it one of the lowest-ranked countries in the world. Factors contributing to poverty include high population growth, food insecurity, and limited access to education and healthcare.
South Sudan
South Sudan, the world’s newest country, has a poverty rate of 82%, the highest on this list. The GDP per capita is $275, and it ranks 187th on the HDI. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and lack of infrastructure contribute to severe poverty.
Chad
Chad, located in North-Central Africa, has a poverty rate of 66%. The GDP per capita is $664, and it ranks 187th on the HDI. The country faces challenges such as political instability, limited access to clean water, and food insecurity.
Guinea
In Guinea, 55% of the population lives in poverty. The GDP per capita is $1,158, and the country is ranked 178th on the HDI. Despite rich natural resources, corruption and poor infrastructure hinder economic development.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has a poverty rate of 41%. The GDP per capita is $788, and the country ranks 182nd on the HDI. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate change and other external shocks.
Yemen
Yemen, located on the Arabian Peninsula, has a poverty rate of 71%. The GDP per capita is $944, and it ranks 179th on the HDI. The ongoing civil war has devastated the country’s economy and infrastructure, leading to widespread poverty and humanitarian crisis.
Haiti
In Haiti, 58% of the population lives in poverty. The GDP per capita is $1,278, and the country is ranked 170th on the HDI. Political instability, natural disasters, and lack of access to basic services contribute to poverty.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has a poverty rate of 54%, with a GDP per capita of $586. It ranks 169th on the HDI. Decades of conflict, political instability, and limited access to education and healthcare hinder development.
Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, 53% of the population lives in poverty. The GDP per capita is $509, and the country is ranked 182nd on the HDI. The legacy of civil war and the impact of the Ebola outbreak have exacerbated poverty.
Eritrea
Eritrea has a poverty rate of 50%, with a GDP per capita of $636. It ranks 180th on the HDI. Political repression, lack of economic opportunities, and limited access to basic services contribute to poverty.
Somalia
In Somalia, 70% of the population lives in poverty. The GDP per capita is $309, and the country has no HDI ranking due to lack of reliable data. Decades of conflict, political instability, and natural disasters have left the country in dire conditions.
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau has a poverty rate of 67%. The GDP per capita is $721, and the country ranks 178th on the HDI. Political instability, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare hinder development.
Togo
In Togo, 49% of the population lives in poverty. The GDP per capita is $859, and the country ranks 166th on the HDI. Economic dependence on agriculture and limited industrial development contribute to poverty.
Uganda
Uganda has a poverty rate of 41%. The GDP per capita is $878, and the country ranks 159th on the HDI. Despite economic growth in recent years, poverty remains widespread, particularly in rural areas.
Impoverished Countries Conclusion
These 20 countries face severe challenges that contribute to high levels of poverty. Addressing the root causes of poverty in these nations requires coordinated efforts from international organizations, governments, and local communities. By understanding the statistics and underlying issues, we can work towards effective solutions that promote sustainable development and improve the lives of millions.
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