Forbes has recently released a list of the world’s top 10 poorest countries. According to the list, eight of these countries are from Africa, and the ranking is based on per capita GDP.
In this list, Madagascar, an island nation with friendly relations with India, is ranked 10th. Despite facing economic downturns and financial difficulties, India’s rival countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh, are not included in this list. According to India.com, the data is based on 2024 statistics.
Here are the countries:
South Sudan
According to Forbes, the world’s youngest country is ranked as the poorest nation based on per capita GDP. South Sudan, a small East African country that became a sovereign nation in 2011, has a population of 11.1 million and a total GDP of $29.99 billion.
Burundi
Burundi is a small, landlocked country in East Africa and is listed as the world’s second poorest country. With a population of 13,459,236, its total GDP is $2.15 billion. Experts attribute Burundi’s economic struggles to rapid population growth and a large agrarian population.
Central African Republic
With a total GDP of $43.03 billion and a population of 5,849,358, the Central African Republic is the world’s third poorest country. Despite its reserves of gold, oil, uranium, and diamonds, political instability and armed conflicts have left 80% of its citizens living below the poverty line.
Malawi
Known for its picturesque landscapes, Malawi is located in southeastern Africa and has a population of 21,390,465. Its total GDP is $10.78 billion. Malawi heavily depends on agriculture, which is rain-dependent. However, due to climate change, reduced agricultural productivity has severely impacted its people.
Mozambique
Mozambique, an East African nation with a relatively low population, is ranked the fifth poorest country in the world. Despite being rich in natural resources, the country suffers from natural disasters, diseases, rapid population growth, low agricultural productivity, and wealth inequality. Years of terrorism and gang violence have devastated the country. A former Portuguese colony, Mozambique has a GDP of $24.55 billion and a population of 34,497,736.
Somalia
One of Africa’s most violent nations, Somalia is notorious for its maritime piracy. With a population of 19,009,151 and a GDP of $13.89 billion, Somalia’s prolonged civil war has led to the collapse of its government and economy.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, is the world’s seventh poorest country. Despite being rich in natural resources like cobalt and copper, it faces severe economic crises. With a total GDP of $79.24 billion and a population of 104,354,615, around 62% of Congolese people survive on less than $1.35 per day. Nepalese peacekeeping forces are deployed here to ensure security.
Liberia
With a population of 5,492,486, this West African nation is ranked the eighth poorest country. Its total GDP is $5.05 billion. Experts cite Liberia’s long-standing poverty to be a result of devastating civil wars and outbreaks of diseases like Ebola.
Yemen
Yemen, a close ally of Iran, is the ninth poorest country in the world, with a GDP of $16.22 billion and a population of approximately 34.4 million. Years of civil war and political instability have shattered its economy.
The Yemen conflict has displaced millions internally, destroyed infrastructure, and hindered agricultural production. The country faces severe shortages of essential goods such as food, water, and medicine, forcing millions to rely on humanitarian aid from agencies like the United Nations.
Madagascar
A strategically located island nation in the Indian Ocean and a close ally of India, Madagascar is ranked as the world’s 10th poorest country. With a population of 30.3 million, its total GDP stands at $18.1 billion. Formerly a French colony, Madagascar gained sovereignty in 1960, and its economy mainly depends on tourism and mining.
