Introduction
In an ever-changing global landscape, certain countries continue to face immense challenges in their economic development. The world's poorest countries often find themselves caught in a web of civil wars, ethnic and sectarian strife, plaguing their potential progress. However, factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring inflation, and global conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, have further exacerbated the already grim situations in these nations. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the poorest countries in the world as of 2023, shedding light on the complexities they face and the important role of international aid and support.
Imagine a world where wealth and resources abound, sufficient for every human being to experience a comfortable standard of living. Yet, in countries such as Burundi, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, people continue to suffer in the clutches of extreme poverty. As for other potential candidates for the dreaded title of "world's poorest country" – Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen – ongoing conflict has rendered any accurate assessment impossible due to the scarcity of dependable economic data.
How do we identify the world's poorest countries? Although GDP per capita is a common measure, accounting for differences in living expenses and inflation using purchasing power parity (PPP) gives us a more accurate picture of a person's buying power in any country.
Pinpointing just one reason for long-lasting poverty can be challenging. Factors like corrupt governments, a history of exploitation through colonization, weak rule of law, war-torn societies, harsh climates, or hostile neighbors can all contribute to a nation's impoverishment. Problems tend to snowball: A debt-ridden country may struggle to fund quality education, and an uneducated workforce will hold back growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit underprivileged households worldwide extremely hard. In the poorest countries with high levels of informal employment, there were no safety nets or temporary loans to save businesses or jobs. The World Bank predicts that the current generation of students in low and middle-income countries could lose up to 10% of their future average annual income.
Before the pandemic struck, extreme poverty—living on less than $1.90/day—affected less than 10% of the world's population, down from over 35% in 1990. COVID-19 not only stalled this progress but reversed it. From the beginning of the crisis until late 2022, around 198 million additional people likely joined the ranks of the extremely poor, according to the IMF.
The situation was worsened by the war in Ukraine, which drove up food prices dramatically. The IMF's "Global Food Crisis Update" report explains that both the pandemic and conflict have aggravated food insecurity by lowering food and fertilizer supplies and causing a spike in global and domestic food costs. Ongoing conflicts and catastrophic climate-related events further exacerbate these issues. Since price pressures began easing this year, a record-high figure of 345 million people across 79 countries are predicted to face acute food insecurity in 2023—more than double the number recorded in 2020.
These setbacks in food security and poverty reduction are particularly evident in the top ten poorest countries, all of which are in Africa. The average individual share of the gross domestic output in these countries is a mere $1,380. In stark contrast, that number stands around $105,000 in the wealthiest nations.
Within our list lies three countries belonging to Africa's Sahel region, an area plagued by unrelenting droughts which trigger food scarcity and its subsequent health and social dilemmas. An unfortunate five of these nations are landlocked, placing them at a significant drawback compared to their maritime trading counterparts. Unwavering political instability, contentious elections, ethnic or religious tensions, and low safety rankings also mar every one of these countries.
Top 10 Poorest Countries in the World
Embark on a journey with us as we unveil the ten most impoverished nations in descending order, culminating with the country crowned as the world's poorest in 2023.
Rank | Country/Territory | GDP-PPP ($) |
| 10 | Liberia | 1,788 |
| 9 | Chad | 1,787 |
| 8 | Malawi | 1,682 |
| 7 | Niger | 1,600 |
| 6 | Mozambique | 1,556 |
| 5 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 1,474 |
| 4 | Somalia | 1,374 |
| 3 | Central African Republic | 1,127 |
| 2 | Burundi | 891 |
| 1 | South Sudan | 516 |
10. Liberia
Current International Dollars: 1,788 | View Liberia's GDP & Economic Data
Despite its rich history as Africa's first republic, Liberia has faced a long-standing battle with poverty. The nation held its breath when ex-soccer sensation George Weah assumed the presidency in 2018, only to be met with soaring inflation, unemployment, and a dismal economic downturn. Amidst the turbulence of a global pandemic, Liberia's GDP shrank by 3% in 2020 – but hope reigned as it bounced back with a 5% growth in 2021, and a promising 4.8% increase in 2022. As October's re-election campaigns loom, President Weah is under tight scrutiny for his performance thus far.
9. Chad
Current International Dollars: 1,787 | View Chad's GDP & Economic Data
Despite boasting the tenth-largest oil reserves in Africa, Chad remains in the grips of poverty, ranking as the ninth poorest country worldwide. When the nation discovered oil in 2003, instead of addressing economic inequality, its autocratic leader Idris Debby focused on quashing rebels and suppressing dissent. A shocking turn of events occurred in 2021 when Deby met his demise, leading to a power vacuum quickly filled by a military council led by his son, Mahamat Idriss. Consequently, the constitution was cast aside, and both government and parliament were disbanded. To this day, Idriss maintains his status as the "interim" head of state.
8. Malawi
Current International Dollars: 1,682 | View Malawi's GDP & Economic Data
Nestled within the heart of Africa, Malawi thrives as one of the continent's smallest countries. Its entire economy precariously hangs on the success of rain-fed agriculture, making it susceptible to the whims of unpredictable weather shifts. Rural regions experience extreme bouts of food insecurity as a result.
Though Malawi has basked in the presence of unwavering government stability since breaking free from Britain's reign in 1964, 2020 saw an abrupt change in its political landscape. The nation's constitutional court overturned former president Peter Mutharika's re-election victory, paving way for theologian-turned-politician Lazarus Chakwera to seize the helm. Despite his promising appointment, tangible progress has been numbingly slow. Consequently, annual GDP growth waned to a meager 0.8% in 2022, while year-on-year inflation astonishingly skyrocketed to a staggering 24%.
7. Niger
Current International Dollars: 1,600 | View Niger's GDP & Economic Data
With 80% of its landlocked territory covered by the vast Sahara Desert and a rapidly growing population relying on small-scale agriculture, Niger faces a pressing threat of desertification. The country grapples with significant challenges such as food insecurity, elevated disease rates, and increased mortality. Additionally, recurrent clashes between the military and the Islamic State (ISIS) affiliate Boko Haram have resulted in the displacement of countless individuals. However, amidst these obstacles, Niger witnessed a momentous event in 2021—a historic democratic transfer of power that saw the inauguration of its new president, Mohamed Bazoum, a former teacher and interior minister. Remarkably, despite being ranked as the seventh poorest nation in the world, Niger experienced a remarkable 11% economic growth last year. Looking ahead, the country is projected to sustain a more moderate yet robust growth of 6.1% this year, with a promising anticipated growth of 13% in 2024.
6. Mozambique
Current International Dollars: 1,556 | View Mozambique's GDP & Economic Data
Rich in resources and strategically situated, this former Portuguese colony has consistently achieved impressive GDP growth rates of more than 7% in the past decade. However, it continues to face economic challenges and remains among the ten poorest nations globally. The emergence of Islamic insurgent groups since 2017 has significantly affected the economically significant northern region, known for its abundant gas reserves. Despite these obstacles, both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank express optimism regarding Mozambique's medium-term economic prospects, predicting a growth rate of 5% for this year and a robust 8% for the following year.
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Current International Dollars: 1,474 | View DRC's GDP & Economic Data
Since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has endured decades of oppressive rule, political turmoil, and persistent violence, solidifying its position as one of the world's poorest nations. A staggering three-quarters of the country's 97 million inhabitants struggle to survive on less than two dollars per day. However, amidst these challenges, the DRC possesses abundant resources and immense potential to emerge as one of Africa's wealthiest countries, catalyzing growth across the entire continent. Notably, the nation currently stands as the foremost global producer of cobalt, alongside being Africa's primary source of copper—both vital components for the production of electric vehicles.
4. Somalia
Current International Dollars: 1,374 | View Somalia's & Economic Data
This country in the Horn of Africa, with a population of 17 million, seems to be constantly facing hardships. The year 2020 was particularly challenging, with the arrival of the coronavirus, devastating floods, and an unprecedented infestation of locusts. As if that wasn't enough, the blockade of Ukraine's wheat exports by Russia contributed to the severe malnourishment of children in Somali health facilities. Currently, amidst the worst drought in four decades, Islamist insurgents are attempting to overthrow the central government. With humanitarian agencies issuing warnings that approximately half of the population is in desperate need of assistance, Somalia finds itself once again near the top—or bottom—of the ranking of the world's poorest countries.
3. Central African Republic (CAR)
Current International Dollars: 1,127 | View CAR's GDP & Economic Data
Rich in gold, oil, uranium, and diamonds, the Central African Republic is a country blessed with abundant resources. However, despite its wealth, the people of this country struggle with poverty, making it one of the poorest nations in the world for over a decade. Unfortunately, the aftermath of the war in Ukraine, coupled with devastating cycles of flooding and drought, has exacerbated the situation even further. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), an estimated 2.7 million people, nearly half of CAR's population, are currently facing severe food insecurity.
2. Burundi
Current International Dollars: 891 | View Burundi's GDP & Economic Data
Tiny landlocked Burundi, a country devoid of abundant natural resources and plagued by a 12-year-long civil war, currently holds the unfortunate title of being the second-poorest nation globally. With approximately 80% of its nearly 13 million inhabitants relying on subsistence agriculture as their main source of sustenance, Burundi faces a heightened level of food insecurity, surpassing the average seen in other sub-Saharan African countries. Moreover, the country grapples with an acute scarcity of water and sanitation facilities, with electricity accessible to less than 5% of its population. Despite President Evariste Ndayishimiye's diligent efforts to revitalize the economy and rebuild diplomatic ties, it wasn't until recently, when financial sanctions were lifted, that both the United States and the European Union reinstated their aid to Burundi. Unfortunately, the nation's growth remains sluggish, and experts project an inflation rate of approximately 16% for the current year.
1. South Sudan
Current International Dollars: 516 | View South Sudan's GDP & Economic Data
South Sudan, one of the world's poorest countries, has been plagued by violence since its formation in 2011. With abundant oil reserves, this landlocked state with a population of roughly 11 million exemplifies the destructive consequences of the "resource curse." Inequality, corruption, and warfare have thrived on this fertile ground. While traditional agriculture employs the majority of the population, the persistent violence and extreme climate events often hinder farmers from cultivating and reaping their crops.
The projected economic growth for 2023 remains strong at 5.8%, but the inflation rate is soaring, making it one of the highest in the world at 27%. A concerning fact is that UNICEF estimates that during the lean season of April-July 2023, well over half of the population, roughly 7.8 million people, are likely to experience acute food insecurity.
The following is a list of the world's poorest countries, ranking 97 countries based on their GDP and PPP. The values are represented in current international dollars, which include exchange rates and PPP adjustments.
World’s Poorest Countries in 2023 Ranked
Rank | Country/Territory | GDP-PPP ($) |
| 1 | South Sudan | 516 |
| 2 | Burundi | 891 |
| 3 | Central African Republic | 1,127 |
| 4 | Somalia | 1,374 |
| 5 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 1,474 |
| 6 | Mozambique | 1,556 |
| 7 | Niger | 1,600 |
| 8 | Malawi | 1,682 |
| 9 | Chad | 1,787 |
| 10 | Liberia | 1,788 |
| 11 | Madagascar | 1,916 |
| 12 | Yemen | 2,042 |
| 13 | Sierra Leone | 2,082 |
| 14 | Eritrea | 2,188 |
| 15 | Kiribati | 2,381 |
| 16 | Solomon Islands | 2,414 |
| 17 | Zimbabwe | 2,627 |
| 18 | Mali | 2,656 |
| 19 | Burkina Faso | 2,726 |
| 20 | Togo | 2,754 |
| 21 | The Gambia | 2,804 |
| 22 | Vanuatu | 3,001 |
| 23 | Guinea-Bissau | 3,072 |
| 24 | Rwanda | 3,090 |
| 25 | Guinea | 3,218 |
| 26 | Uganda | 3,224 |
| 27 | Haiti | 3,248 |
| 28 | Lesotho | 3,251 |
| 29 | Comoros | 3,463 |
| 30 | Tanzania | 3,600 |
| 31 | Timor-Leste | 3,637 |
| 32 | Ethiopia | 3,724 |
| 33 | Micronesia | 3,931 |
| 34 | Zambia | 4,041 |
| 35 | Benin | 4,300 |
| 36 | Sudan | 4,471 |
| 37 | Senegal | 4,515 |
| 38 | Papua New Guinea | 4,516 |
| 39 | Cameroon | 4,665 |
| 40 | Marshall Islands | 4,669 |
| 41 | São Tomé and PrÃncipe | 4,874 |
| 42 | Nepal | 5,101 |
| 43 | Myanmar | 5,132 |
| 44 | Republic of the Congo | 5,155 |
| 45 | Tajikistan | 5,293 |
| 46 | Tuvalu | 5,797 |
| 47 | Cambodia | 6,092 |
| 48 | Nigeria | 6,178 |
| 49 | Kyrgyz Republic | 6,250 |
| 50 | Samoa | 6,324 |
| 51 | Kenya | 6,569 |
| 52 | West Bank and Gaza | 6,688 |
| 53 | Pakistan | 6,836 |
| 54 | Djibouti | 6,894 |
| 55 | Ghana | 6,974 |
| 56 | Côte d'Ivoire | 7,011 |
| 57 | Tonga | 7,125 |
| 58 | Angola | 7,222 |
| 59 | Honduras | 7,228 |
| 60 | Mauritania | 7,437 |
| 61 | Nicaragua | 7,601 |
| 62 | Venezuela | 8,028 |
| 63 | Bangladesh | 8,663 |
| 64 | India | 9,073 |
| 65 | Cabo Verde | 9,661 |
| 66 | Lao P.D.R. | 9,801 |
| 67 | Uzbekistan | 10,308 |
| 68 | Bolivia | 10,327 |
| 69 | Morocco | 10,460 |
| 70 | Guatemala | 10,546 |
| 71 | Belize | 10,939 |
| 72 | Nauru | 11,342 |
| 73 | Philippines | 11,420 |
| 74 | Namibia | 11,440 |
| 75 | Eswatini | 11,492 |
| 76 | El Salvador | 11,647 |
| 77 | Jamaica | 12,887 |
| 78 | Jordan | 12,893 |
| 79 | Iraq | 12,927 |
| 80 | Tunisia | 13,270 |
| 81 | Algeria | 13,507 |
| 82 | Ecuador | 13,513 |
| 83 | Ukraine | 13,901 |
| 84 | Dominica | 14,161 |
| 85 | Bhuta | 14,170 |
| 86 | Sri Lanka | 14,223 |
| 87 | Vietnam | 14,458 |
| 88 | Mongolia | 14,939 |
| 89 | Paraguay | 15,578 |
| 90 | Kosovo | 15,620 |
| 91 | Fiji | 15,727 |
| 92 | Indonesia | 15,855 |
| 93 | South Africa | 16,091 |
| 94 | Peru | 16,132 |
| 95 | Palau | 16,394 |
| 96 | Moldova | 16,840 |
| 97 | Egypt | 16,979 |
| — | Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine | N.A. |
Source: According to the World Economic Outlook April 2023 published by the International Monetary Fund, the values are expressed in current international dollars, taking into account the corresponding exchange rates and PPP adjustments.
Poorest Countries in Each Continent
The following passage presents the poorest country in each of these continents: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Poorest Country in Africa
The poorest country in Africa is South Sudan.
Poorest Country in Asia
The poorest country in Asia is Nepal.
Poorest Country in Australia
The poorest country in the continent of Australia is Papua New Guinea.
Poorest Country in Europe
The poorest country in Europe is Ukraine.
Poorest Country in North America
The poorest country in North America is Haiti.
Poorest Country in South America
The poorest country in South America is Venezuela.
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