2025 Global Economic Indicators: Analysis of the 50 Countries with the Lowest Per Capita GDP

According to the latest economic data statistics, the countries with the lowest per capita GDP in the world are mostly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, with some Asian and Pacific island nations also on the list. This report reflects the severe reality of global income inequality.

The Five Countries with the Lowest Per Capita GDP

The most economically distressed is South Sudan, with a per capita GDP of only $251, followed by Yemen ($417), Burundi ($490), Central African Republic ($532), and Malawi ($580). The per capita income levels of these five countries are not far apart, all at the bottom of the global scale.

Economic Situation of African Countries

Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for the overwhelming majority of the countries on this list of the poorest nations. Madagascar has a per capita GDP of $595, Sudan $625, Mozambique $663, Democratic Republic of the Congo $743, and Niger $751. Although Nigeria ($807), Liberia ($908), Sierra Leone ($916), and Mali ($936) have slightly higher figures, they are still far below the global average.

Looking further up, The Gambia ($988), Chad ($991), Rwanda ($1043), Togo ($1053), Ethiopia ($1066), and Lesotho ($1098) have shown some improvement, but their economic development remains constrained by multiple factors.

Poverty Countries in Asia and the Pacific Region

Some countries in Asia also have very low economic indicators. Myanmar’s per capita GDP is $1177, Tajikistan $1432, Nepal $1458, Cambodia $2870, and Bangladesh $2689. Although India is a major Asian country, with a per capita GDP of $2878, it reflects internal uneven development.

Among Pacific island nations, Kiribati ($2414) and the Solomon Islands ($2379) also have limited income levels.

Countries with Middle Income but Still Need Attention

Some countries such as Congo ($2356), Zimbabwe ($2199), Laos ($2096), Mauritania ($2478), Ghana ($2519), Haiti ($2672), and Papua New Guinea ($2565) are above the most impoverished tier, but still face significant shortcomings in economic and social development.

Reflection Behind the Data

This global per capita GDP ranking reveals deep-rooted issues of economic inequality worldwide. The 50 countries listed as the poorest face common challenges such as political instability, underdeveloped infrastructure, and shortages of educational and healthcare resources. Based solely on per capita GDP, the people in these countries face severe survival and development challenges.