Top 10 poorest countries in the world

Here’s an overview of the top 10 poorest countries based on GDP per capita

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.