How poor is the world’s poorest country, really? These GDP stats will blow your mind—their average annual per-person spending is probably less than what you make in a single day.
TOP 10. Eritrea – $642.5 GDP per capita
Eritrea might fly under the radar compared to other countries here, but this African nation (spanning roughly 117,000 square kilometers) lands at 10th place on the world’s poorest list. Here’s the twist: it’s actually packed with natural resources—silver and gold keep its economy afloat, and cement exports bring in solid cash too. But despite these perks, Eritrea is drowning in challenges. Right now, its GDP per capita sits at just $642.5.
TOP 9. Niger – $594.9 GDP per capita
Niger takes 9th place, but let’s be clear—it’s not lacking in resources. The country is loaded with oil, gold, and uranium, and agriculture is the go-to job for most people. So why is it still so poor? A huge chunk of Niger is covered by the Sahara Desert, which means famines hit left and right. Even with all those natural riches, its economy is all over the place and super underdeveloped. To make things worse, most people can’t even read or write. Today, its GDP per capita is around $594.9.
TOP 8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – $548.1 GDP per capita
Prepare to be shocked: the DRC is the 8th poorest country globally… but it’s also one of Africa’s most resource-rich nations. Talk about a brutal paradox—and the numbers don’t lie. With a GDP per capita of just $548.1, its extreme poverty comes down to one brutal truth: even with all that natural wealth, its per-person GDP is catastrophically low.
TOP 7. Afghanistan – $516.7 GDP per capita
Afghanistan is the first non-African country on this list. With over 30 million people, reports say more than 70% of Afghans live on less than $1 a day. Here’s the backstory: the long-running conflict with the Taliban sent the nation into a downward spiral, and it’s completely killed any real economic growth. Unsurprisingly, Afghanistan is still one of the world’s poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of around $516.7.
TOP 6. Sierra Leone – $515.9 GDP per capita
Up next is Sierra Leone—a West African nation still picking up the pieces after a 10-year civil war. During the fighting, tons of resources that could’ve built the country were wasted on war, and its economy never fully bounced back. Today, Sierra Leone’s economy is hanging by a thread. High illiteracy, widespread poverty, and corruption are the main villains holding it back. Its GDP per capita currently stands at $515.9.
TOP 5. Madagascar – $514.9 GDP per capita
Fifth place goes to Madagascar—a stunning island nation in the Indian Ocean, right off South Africa’s coast. It’s a total tourist hotspot with breathtaking scenery… but climate change is wrecking its precious assets, including the homes of indigenous communities. Madagascar’s GDP relies heavily on coffee, palm oil, silk, and rice. It’s had its share of wars in the past, but things have been peaceful lately. Even so, stats show over 60% of people live in poverty, with a GDP per capita of about $514.9.
TOP 4. Central African Republic (CAR) – $511.5 GDP per capita
The CAR is one of the least developed countries on the planet. For years, it’s been hammered by crises and violence—though it’s finally gotten a handle on some of them. But corruption is still a massive roadblock, and most people live in poverty. Agriculture is the backbone of its economy, and even though it’s rich in diamonds and other natural resources, its economy is super shaky. To make it worse, the average life expectancy is only 43 years. Thanks to sky-high corruption and poverty, economic growth is basically non-existent. Today, its GDP per capita is just $511.5.
TOP 3. Mozambique – $500.4 GDP per capita
Mozambique has had some insane economic growth lately—but don’t be fooled, it’s still one of the poorest countries on Earth. The nation has huge potential in industry, mining, and agriculture; its mining sector even specializes in smelting titanium and aluminum. Yet, most Mozambicans live in poverty, and subsistence farming is how they put food on the table. Right now, it’s the 3rd poorest country in the world, with a GDP per capita of around $500.4.
TOP 2. Somalia – $445.8 GDP per capita
Taking 2nd place is Somalia, a country torn apart by nonstop terrorist attacks from the Islamist group Al-Shabaab—blows that completely crippled its economy. Get this: back in the 90s, Somalia’s economy was actually pretty stable compared to now. On the bright side, Somalia has long been known for its agriculture and mining industries. Today, fishing and farming make up most of its GDP, employing over 50% of the population. Right now, its GDP per capita is around $445.8.
TOP 1. Burundi – $236.8 GDP per capita
Burundi claims the unwanted title of the world’s poorest country. Ever since the bloody 2015 military coup, the nation has been hit with one crisis after another—and today, it’s home to millions of displaced people. All these disasters have pushed Burundi into extreme, widespread poverty. As of 2021, its GDP per capita is a mere $236.8. The outcome? Skyrocketing child mortality rates and a severe malnutrition crisis that’s hitting kids the hardest.
