2025 Global Economic Inequality Map: The Current GDP Status of the Poorest Countries

Africa: A Microcosm of the World’s Poorest Regions

According to the latest economic data, the vast majority of the world’s poorest countries are located in Sub-Saharan Africa. South Sudan ranks at the bottom globally with a per capita GDP of $251, followed by Yemen ($417), Burundi ($490), and the Central African Republic ($532). The economic hardships of these countries reflect long-term political instability, inadequate infrastructure, and resource scarcity.

Among the top 20 poorest countries, African nations dominate the list. Malawi ($580), Madagascar ($595), and Sudan ($625) follow closely. Mozambique ($663), the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($743), Niger ($751), and Somalia ($766) also face severe economic challenges. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, has a per capita GDP of only $807. West African countries like Liberia ($908) and Sierra Leone ($916) are also deeply impoverished.

Poverty in Asia and Other Regions

While Africa leads the poverty rankings, some regions in Asia also face economic difficulties. Myanmar, with a per capita GDP of $1,177, is among the poorest countries globally, while Southeast Asia’s Cambodia ($2,870) and Laos ($2,096) are also at relatively low levels. South Asia, with Bangladesh ($2,689) and Nepal ($1,458), is slightly above the African average but still far below the global median. Central Asia’s Tajikistan ($1,432) and Kyrgyzstan ($2,747) face similar hardships.

Ranking Data Overview

The 30 Poorest Countries (per capita GDP):

South Sudan $251 | Yemen $417 | Burundi $490 | Central African Republic $532 | Malawi $580 | Madagascar $595 | Sudan $625 | Mozambique $663 | Democratic Republic of the Congo $743 | Niger $751 | Somalia $766 | Nigeria $807 | Liberia $908 | Sierra Leone $916 | Mali $936 | Gambia $988 | Chad $991 | Rwanda $1,043 | Togo $1,053 | Ethiopia $1,066 | Lesotho $1,098 | Burkina Faso $1,107 | Guinea-Bissau $1,126 | Myanmar $1,177 | Tanzania $1,280 | Zambia $1,332 | Uganda $1,338 | Tajikistan $1,432 | Nepal $1,458 | East Timor $1,491

Extended list of the poorest countries: Benin $1,532 | Comoros $1,702 | Senegal $1,811 | Cameroon $1,865 | Guinea $1,904 | Laos $2,096 | Zimbabwe $2,199 | Congo $2,356 | Solomon Islands $2,379 | Kiribati $2,414 | Kenya $2,468 | Mauritania $2,478 | Ghana $2,519 | Papua New Guinea $2,565 | Haiti $2,672 | Bangladesh $2,689 | Kyrgyzstan $2,747 | Cambodia $2,870 | Ivory Coast $2,872 | India $2,878

Underlying Causes of Economic Hardship

The common challenges faced by these poorest countries include poor governance, underdeveloped infrastructure, weak education and healthcare systems, and over-reliance on primary commodity exports. Many are also troubled by geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and debt crises, which intertwine to create an intractable cycle of poverty.

Conclusion

Data from 2025 clearly reveals the stark reality of global economic inequality. The poorest countries, such as South Sudan, Yemen, and Burundi, require increased support and investment from the international community to gradually improve their economic conditions. Understanding the economic realities of these nations is crucial for formulating targeted development aid policies.