The Poorest Countries on Earth
In the realm of global economics, a stark reality persists – there are nations grappling with extreme poverty, limited access to essential services, political instability, and environmental challenges that hinder their progress. In this article, we delve into the world’s poorest countries, shedding light on their struggles and the factors that contribute to their economic hardships.
Understanding Wealth: Gross National Income (GNI)
Gross National Income (GNI) serves as a vital yardstick for measuring a country’s wealth. It encompasses both domestically generated income and earnings from abroad, providing a comprehensive view of a nation’s economic performance. When GNI is divided by a country’s population, it yields GNI per capita, a crucial metric that offers insights into the standard of living within a nation.
Residents of countries with low GNI per capita often face challenges in accessing basic necessities, resulting in lower life expectancies. This stark reality underscores the pressing issues faced by the poorest nations.
Identifying the Poorest: A Data-Driven Approach
To pinpoint the world’s poorest countries, we turn to data from the World Bank, specifically GNI per capita figures calculated using the purchasing power parity method. These values are presented in current international dollars. The 22 countries featured in this list exhibit GNI per capita values below $2,500, shining a light on the severity of their economic struggles.
The African Predicament
It’s notable that all but one of the 22 poorest countries call Africa home. GNI per capita among these nations varies from as low as $780 to a maximum of $2,410. To put this in perspective, the United States boasts a GNI per capita of $70,480, while the global average stands at $18,511. This glaring disparity underscores the chasm in economic prosperity.
A Closer Look at the Poorest Nations
Let’s take a moment to delve into some of the countries featured in this list, understanding their unique challenges:
1. Burundi
- GNI per capita, 2021: $780
- GDP, 2021: $2.78 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 61.7 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 3.6%
- Population, 2021: 12,551,213
Nestled east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi grapples with a GNI per capita of just $780. While agriculture, including coffee and tea production, is a significant economic driver, limited access to healthcare hampers overall development. High population growth exacerbates the nation’s challenges.
2. Central African Republic
- GNI per capita, 2021: $980
- GDP, 2021: $2.52 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 53.9 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 1.8%
- Population, 2021: 5,457,154
The Central African Republic faces a dire situation with a GNI per capita of $980 and a life expectancy of just 53.9 years. Conflict, violence, and economic instability plague the nation, leading to severe poverty and limited access to essential services.
3. South Sudan
- GNI per capita, 2015: $1,040
- GDP, 2015: $12.00 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 55.0 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 4.8%
- Population, 2021: 10,748,272
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, confronts the harsh reality of political turmoil, internal conflict, and humanitarian crises. These factors contribute to high levels of poverty, food insecurity, and displacement, while the nation’s economy heavily relies on oil production.
4. Congo, Dem. Rep.
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,110
- GDP, 2021: $55.35 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 59.2 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 3.1%
- Population, 2021: 95,894,118
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, grapples with ongoing conflicts, political instability, and widespread poverty. Despite its vast natural resources, corruption and mismanagement hinder economic development.
5. Somalia
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,240
- GDP, 2021: $7.63 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 55.3 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.5%
- Population, 2021: 17,065,581
Somalia, situated in the Horn of Africa, faces persistent conflict, instability, and recurring droughts, creating a hostile environment for economic development. Weak governance, limited access to basic services, and widespread poverty compound its struggles. Historically known for piracy, the nation’s economy heavily relies on remittances.
6. Mozambique
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,320
- GDP, 2021: $15.78 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 59.3 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.6%
- Population, 2021: 32,077,072
Despite its rich natural resources, including natural gas reserves, Mozambique grapples with significant development challenges. Poverty, limited access to quality healthcare and education, and vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones and floods hinder its progress. The nation’s low life expectancy underscores the urgency of addressing these issues.
7. Niger
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,330
- GDP, 2021: $14.92 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 61.6 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 3.7%
- Population, 2021: 25,252,722
Much of Niger is covered by the Sahara Desert, presenting unique challenges to development. Food insecurity, high fertility rates, and limited access to healthcare and education systems contribute to the world’s third-highest population growth. The nation faces extreme poverty, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions.
8. Liberia
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,470
- GDP, 2021: $3.51 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 60.7 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.7%
- Population, 2021: 5,193,416
Liberia, situated on the west coast of Africa, has a unique historical background but continues to recover from a history of civil wars. Significant natural resources, such as rubber and timber, coexist with challenges like poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. These issues were exacerbated by the Ebola epidemic and ongoing economic instability.
9. Chad
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,510
- GDP, 2021: $11.78 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 52.5 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 3.0%
- Population, 2021: 17,179,740
Chad, located in Central Africa, boasts the lowest life expectancy at just 52.5 years. The nation grapples with political instability, droughts, and desertification, alongside challenges in poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Its strategic location for regional trade contrasts with these hardships.
10. Madagascar
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,570
- GDP, 2021: $14.47 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 64.5 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.2%
- Population, 2021: 28,915,653
Madagascar, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty, encounters daunting issues such as poverty, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure. Limited access to education and healthcare further hampers development progress. While agriculture, particularly vanilla production, plays a crucial role in the economy, there’s a pressing need for sustainable practices to protect the island’s unique ecosystems.
11. Malawi
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,610
- GDP, 2021: $12.63 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 62.9 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.3%
- Population, 2021: 19,889,742
Situated in Southern Africa, Malawi relies heavily on agriculture, particularly tobacco, tea, and sugar exports. However, the nation confronts numerous development challenges, including widespread poverty, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and education, and poor infrastructure. Environmental issues like deforestation and climate change impacts compound these difficulties.
12. Eritrea
- GNI per capita, 2011: $1,610
- GDP, 2011: $2.07 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 66.5 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 1.1%
- Population, 2021: 3,620,312
Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, boasts diverse geography and a significant mining sector. However, it faces human rights challenges, including political repression and compulsory national service, which contribute to high poverty levels and limited economic opportunities. Data challenges make it crucial to address the accuracy of GNI per capita figures for the nation.
13. Afghanistan
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,680
- GDP, 2021: $14.79 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 62.0 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.3%
- Population, 2021: 40,099,462
As the only non-African country on this list, Afghanistan’s primarily agrarian economy has been ravaged by decades of conflict and instability. These factors have led to high levels of poverty, weak governance, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. The recent Taliban takeover has further exacerbated economic challenges.
14. Sierra Leone
- GNI per capita, 2021: $1,750
- GDP, 2021: $4.04 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 60.1 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.4%
- Population, 2021: 8,420,641
Sierra Leone, situated on the West African coast, is still recovering from a civil war. The nation faces significant obstacles in poverty reduction, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. Rich in mineral resources like diamonds and iron ore, Sierra Leone must navigate the challenges of responsible resource management and economic diversification.
15. Guinea-Bissau
- GNI per capita, 2021: $2,010
- GDP, 2021: $1.64 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 59.7 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.5%
- Population, 2021: 2,060,721
Located in West Africa, Guinea-Bissau’s economy relies on agriculture, including cashew nuts and fishing. However, political instability, corruption, and drug trafficking pose significant challenges to development. With a life expectancy under 60 years, the country faces high levels of poverty and struggles with limited economic diversification, access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
16. Uganda
- GNI per capita, 2021: $2,140
- GDP, 2021: $40.53 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 62.7 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 3.2%
- Population, 2021: 45,853,778
Situated in East-Central Africa, Uganda’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with natural resources like gold and coffee as major exports. However, the nation faces a host of challenges including poverty, healthcare disparities, and infrastructure development. High population growth, regional conflicts, refugee influxes, and environmental sustainability concerns further compound these difficulties.
17. Mali
- GNI per capita, 2021: $2,220
- GDP, 2021: $19.14 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 58.9 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.9%
- Population, 2021: 21,904,983
Located in West Africa, Mali has the 10th lowest life expectancy globally. The nation’s economy is rooted in agriculture and mining, particularly gold, but it grapples with political instability, armed conflict, terrorism, and ethnic tensions. High poverty rates, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services further compound these challenges.
18. Gambia, The
- GNI per capita, 2021: $2,220
- GDP, 2021: $2.04 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 62.1 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.2%
- Population, 2021: 2,639,916
Situated in West Africa, The Gambia faces challenges associated with poverty, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and vulnerability to climate change. Additionally, the nation grapples with governance and human rights issues. The Gambia’s economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and remittances from abroad.
19. Zimbabwe
- GNI per capita, 2021: $2,270
- GDP, 2021: $28.37 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 59.3 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.0%
- Population, 2021: 15,993,524
Located in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe’s economy faces challenges such as governance issues, unemployment, and limited foreign investment. The nation grapples with poverty, and progress in healthcare has stagnated in recent years. Zimbabwe possesses abundant mineral and natural resources, such as platinum and diamonds, which contribute to its economic potential.
20. Burkina Faso
- GNI per capita, 2021: $2,270
- GDP, 2021: $19.74 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 59.3 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.5%
- Population, 2021: 22,100,683
Burkina Faso is another country on the list with one of the lowest life expectancies globally, at not even 60 years. Battling poverty, political instability, security concerns, and environmental challenges like desertification, the nation faces obstacles in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The economy is largely based on agriculture, although gold exports have increased.
21. Togo
- GNI per capita, 2021: $2,340
- GDP, 2021: $8.41 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 61.6 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 2.5%
- Population, 2021: 8,644,829
Situated in West Africa, Togo has a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. The country faces challenges related to poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and political instability. Its economy relies on agriculture, phosphate mining, and port services.
22. Rwanda
- GNI per capita, 2021: $2,410
- GDP, 2021: $11.07 billion
- Avg. life expectancy at birth, 2021: 66.1 years
- Population growth, 2023 est.: 1.7%
- Population, 2021: 13,461,888
Rwanda, a landlocked country in east-central Africa, has made significant progress in healthcare and other areas since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Although its economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism was a growing sector before the COVID-19 pandemic. The nation has taken a proactive approach to address environmental concerns and climate change issues.
These countries, each facing its unique set of challenges, share common themes of poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and political instability. As we examine their struggles, it’s crucial to recognize the resilience of their people and the importance of international cooperation in addressing these complex issues.
Stay tuned for more insights into the diverse challenges and potential pathways to improvement for the world’s poorest nations.
