The 10 countries with the lowest GDP per capita in the world in 2025: understand the numbers

When we talk about the poorest country in the world, we’re discussing something more complex than simply pointing to a nation on a map. The latest economic data show that the ten lowest-income economies per capita are mostly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a notable exception of Yemen — a region devastated by prolonged conflicts.

The ranking: who leads the lowest GDP per capita index?

South Sudan ranks first among the least economically developed countries, with an approximate GDP per capita of US$ 960. Followed by Burundi (US$ 1,010), Central African Republic (US$ 1,310), Malawi (US$ 1,760), and Mozambique (US$ 1,790).

Completing the list are Somalia (US$ 1,900), Democratic Republic of the Congo (US$ 1,910), Liberia (US$ 2,000), Yemen (US$ 2,020), and Madagascar (US$ 2,060). These values reflect extremely low average annual income, signaling economies that are deeply fragile and exposed to external shocks.

Why is GDP per capita the chosen indicator?

Organizations like IMF and World Bank use adjusted GDP per capita by purchasing power parity (PPC) to measure the average standard of living among populations. This criterion divides the sum of all goods and services produced by the number of inhabitants, considering differences in local cost of living.

Although it does not fully reveal internal disparities or the quality of public services, it is the most reliable metric for comparing income levels and poverty between nations with different currencies and economic structures.

Factors that keep these nations in structural poverty

Political conflicts and civil wars

Institutional instability erodes growth capacity. Civil wars, coups, and ongoing violence scare off investors, destroy infrastructure, and weaken state institutions. South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and the Central African Republic exemplify this reality — despite possessing natural resources, the lack of political peace prevents development.

Lack of economic diversification

Many of these countries rely solely on subsistence agriculture or the sale of primary commodities. Without significant manufacturing industry or a robust service sector, these economies remain vulnerable to international price fluctuations and climatic variability.

Insufficient investment in education and health

Limited access to quality education, adequate healthcare, and sanitation reduces workforce productivity. When generations grow up with these deficiencies, long-term economic growth is compromised.

Accelerated demographic growth

In economies where the population grows faster than wealth production, GDP per capita tends to stagnate or even decline, creating a cycle where economic gains are diluted by population increase.

Specific analysis of each nation

South Sudan — the poorest country in the world

Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced successive civil conflicts. Possessing considerable oil reserves, wealth does not translate into population well-being. Ongoing war has devastated infrastructure, displaced millions, and made state taxation impossible.

Burundi and its agrarian economy

Predominantly dependent on agriculture with very low productivity, Burundi has decades of political instability. It exhibits some of the worst human development indicators in the world.

Central African Republic — wasted mineral wealth

Despite having gold, diamonds, and other valuable minerals, ongoing armed conflicts, widespread corruption, and institutional collapse prevent this wealth from benefiting the population. Forced displacements and lack of security characterize daily life.

Malawi, climate vulnerability

Highly dependent on agriculture, Malawi suffers from frequent droughts and climate change. Reduced industrialization and rapid population growth increase pressure on limited resources.

Mozambique — unrealized potential

Despite significant energy and mineral reserves, regional conflicts, corruption, and lack of economic diversification keep the population in structural poverty.

Somalia — absence of state

Decades of civil war have left Somalia practically without functional state institutions. Food insecurity, a predominantly informal economy, and lack of taxation characterize a nation without basic state capacity.

Democratic Republic of the Congo — the resource curse

With vast mineral reserves, armed conflicts, massive corruption, and poor governance ensure that natural wealth does not reach the population. Guerrilla groups and fragile states compete for resource control.

Liberia — legacies of civil war

The consequences of late 20th-century civil wars still persist. Poor infrastructure, virtually nonexistent industrialization, and lack of structural investments characterize the economy.

Yemen — the most severe humanitarian crisis

The only Middle Eastern country on this ranking, Yemen faces one of the worst contemporary humanitarian crises since the civil war began in 2014. Food shortages, infrastructure destruction, and healthcare system collapse define the scenario.

Madagascar — isolation and political instability

Despite agricultural and tourism potential, recurring political instability, rural poverty, and low economic productivity keep the island vulnerable.

What does the ranking reveal about the global economy

Identifying the poorest country in the world goes beyond statistical curiosity. These numbers expose deep realities: how institutional fragility, prolonged conflicts, and lack of investment in human capital perpetuate poverty cycles. Simultaneously, they reveal global structural challenges — inequality, unsustainability, and the limitations of international public policies in promoting balanced development.

For analysts and economic observers, understanding these dynamics provides clues about geopolitical risks, investment opportunities, and areas demanding urgent international attention. The data do not lie: where solid institutions, political stability, and economic diversification are absent, poverty persists.