The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its latest data ranking the world’s 50 poorest countries by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita for 2025, with South Sudan, Yemen, and Burundi topping the list as the lowest-income nations.
According to the IMF report (June 2025 update), South Sudan remains the poorest country in the world with a GDP per capita of $251, followed by Yemen ($417) and Burundi ($490). The findings highlight persistent economic challenges linked to conflict, weak governance, and limited access to basic infrastructure in these countries.
The report reveals that Central African Republic ($532), Malawi ($580), Madagascar ($595), Sudan ($625), Mozambique ($663), Democratic Republic of Congo ($743), and Niger ($751) also rank among the ten poorest nations.
Notably, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, appears at number 12 with a GDP per capita of $807, underscoring a growing gap between wealth generation and citizens’ living standards. Other West African countries in the bottom 20 include Liberia ($908), Sierra Leone ($916), Mali ($936), Gambia ($988), Chad ($991), and Burkina Faso ($1,107).
Among Asian nations, Myanmar ($1,177), Tajikistan ($1,432), Nepal ($1,458), Timor-Leste ($1,491), and India ($2,878) feature within the bottom 50, reflecting varying stages of development and post-conflict recovery.
Despite modest economic progress in some regions, the IMF notes that many of the poorest nations continue to grapple with inflation, debt distress, climate shocks, and political instability — factors that have slowed poverty reduction and economic growth.
The report further shows that most of the world’s lowest-income economies are in Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for over 70% of the countries listed, reinforcing the region’s vulnerability to global economic pressures and domestic policy constraints.
At the other end of the list, India, with a GDP per capita of $2,878, closes the ranking of the 50 poorest nations — marking a stark contrast between its vast economy and persistent income inequality.
The IMF emphasized the need for stronger global partnerships, investment in human capital, and improved governance as key pathways to lifting millions out of poverty and fostering inclusive growth.
Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF), June 2025.
