Below is a detailed and updated list of the ten poorest countries based on GDP per capita (Purchasing Power Parity – PPP), which offers a more accurate measure of individual living conditions than nominal GDP.

🥇 1. South Sudan

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$716

The youngest country in the world, South Sudan is still engulfed in civil strife, food insecurity, and severe infrastructure challenges. Since its independence in 2011, the country has struggled with ongoing armed conflict, famine, and mismanagement of oil revenues—its primary economic resource. Over 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, and many rely on international aid to meet basic needs. Inflation remains extremely high, further deteriorating purchasing power.

🥈 2. Burundi

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$1,010

A small, landlocked country in East Africa, Burundi has a densely packed population but limited economic resources. The majority of its people depend on subsistence farming. Years of political instability, environmental degradation, and lack of clean water and healthcare services have left the nation vulnerable. Poor infrastructure and widespread corruption hinder both domestic development and foreign investment.

🥉 3. Central African Republic (CAR)

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$1,310

Despite its abundance of natural resources—gold, diamonds, and uranium—the CAR remains one of the world’s most fragile states. Prolonged conflict, political volatility, and minimal investment in infrastructure and education have stalled development. Much of the rural population lacks security, and access to essential services is extremely limited.

4. Malawi

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$1,760

Often called the “Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi is peaceful but economically constrained. Over 80% of the population depends on rain-fed agriculture, making the country highly vulnerable to climate change. With limited industrialization, high youth unemployment, and fragile infrastructure in rural areas, Malawi relies heavily on foreign aid to support health, education, and social development. Inflation and currency devaluation also strain household incomes.

5. Mozambique

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$1,790

Mozambique holds massive untapped natural gas reserves and has a long coastline favorable for trade. Yet, its development is hampered by a prolonged insurgency in the north, political corruption, and frequent natural disasters such as cyclones and flooding. Rural communities suffer from inadequate access to roads, education, and healthcare, and more than 60% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

6. Somalia

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$1,900

Somalia remains one of the world’s most unstable countries, plagued by decades of civil conflict, terrorist threats, and ineffective governance. The economy is largely informal, supported by remittances from the diaspora. Livestock and fishing are the main economic sectors, but insecurity and natural disasters continue to suppress growth and infrastructure development.

7. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$1,910

The DRC is rich in natural resources like cobalt and copper, yet suffers from extreme poverty due to conflict, corruption, and weak governance. Armed groups, political instability, and poor infrastructure have hindered the nation’s ability to turn its mineral wealth into sustainable development. Healthcare, education, and clean water access remain limited for most of the population.

8. Liberia

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$2,000

Liberia is still recovering from two civil wars and the Ebola crisis. Corruption, high unemployment, and a fragile economy plague the nation. Agriculture remains dominant but underproductive. Although there are ongoing efforts to attract investment, poor infrastructure and policy instability make it difficult to stimulate long-term growth.

9. Yemen

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$2,020

Yemen has endured years of civil war that have devastated its infrastructure and economy. The country faces one of the worst humanitarian crises, with over 70% of the population dependent on food aid. Bombings, blockades, and institutional collapse have crippled public services. Recovery is complicated by inflation, widespread unemployment, and a collapsed healthcare system.

10. Madagascar

GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$2,060

Madagascar is rich in biodiversity and natural resources, but it remains chronically poor. The majority of its citizens engage in low-yield, subsistence farming. Political instability, recurring climate disasters (like cyclones and droughts), and underinvestment in education and healthcare systems continue to suppress national progress. Rural communities are especially disadvantaged, with limited access to clean water and public services.

🔍 Patterns Behind Persistent Poverty

1. Conflict and Instability

Most of these countries are either recovering from war or still experiencing conflict, preventing consistent governance and long-term planning.

2. Climate Vulnerability

Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, severely affect agriculture-dependent economies, deepening poverty.

3. Dependency on Foreign Aid

International aid often serves as the lifeline for essential services in these countries. Without internal economic growth and domestic revenue generation, dependency remains high.

4. Rising Debt and Inflation

Many poor nations face mounting debt, currency depreciation, and inflation—all of which restrict fiscal flexibility and increase the cost of living for already struggling citizens.