What’s The Poorest Country In The World

9. Eritrea

• While agriculture dominates Eritrea’s economy, years of severe droughts have adversely affected its people.
• The government, under President Isaias Afewerki, rejects foreign aid.
• Eritrea’s PPP per capita is 1321.

8. Guinea

• The Republic of Guinea, not to be confused with New Guinea or Guinea-Bissau, possesses vast natural reserves.
• However, despite this wealth, it ranks as the eighth poorest country globally.
• Guinea has diamonds, iron, copper, uranium, and gold, but corrupt politicians mean little benefit from multinational corporations for locals..
• Guinea lacks the means to extract these resources independently, leading to substantial profits for unscrupulous politicians and resource outflow from the country.

7. Moçambique

• Once a former Portuguese colony, Mozambique has a tragic history marked by a brutal civil war, claiming an estimated one million lives.
• Yet, its outlook improved until recent natural disasters, like storms and floods, are likely to worsen its poverty.

6. Malawi

• Tobacco stands as Malawi’s largest export, with agriculture providing approximately 90% of the nation’s employment.
• Despite economic growth, Malawi remains undeveloped and extremely impoverished.
• Famine has repeatedly affected the population, with around 25% living in extreme poverty.
• The population growth outpaces economic expansion, leaving some people’s needs unmet.
• PPP per capita: 1139

5. Niger

• Niger boasts substantial uranium reserves, driving a significant portion of its economy through exports.
• Nevertheless, over 70% of the population lacks basic literacy skills, and over half of the children suffer from malnutrition.
• Overpopulation and recurring droughts further contribute to Niger’s poverty.
• Agriculture, a major employment sector, has been severely affected by these droughts.
• Niger’s PPP per capita is $1,113.

4. Liberia

• Ranked as the fourth poorest nation globally, Liberia has a purchasing power of $882 PPP per capita.
• Its history is marred by dictatorship, corruption, and prolonged wars, resulting in enduring political instability.
• Approximately 64% of the population lives in poverty, with 1.3 million in extreme poverty.
• The literacy rate is below 50%.
• Nevertheless, there is gradual improvement as the younger generation gains literacy skills.
• PPP per capita: 882

2. The Democratic Republic of Congo

• The Democratic Republic of Congo, plagued by both violent civil wars and overpopulation, also suffers from a corrupt government.
• This is hardly surprising given that it possesses the largest reserves of natural resources in all of Africa.
• In essence, without the civil wars and corrupt leadership siphoning off wealth, the Democratic Republic of Congo could potentially be the wealthiest country on the continent.
• However, poor infrastructure, inadequate education, and low literacy rates hinder the nation from realizing its full economic potential.
• On average, citizens earn a yearly income of around $785, roughly equivalent to $2 per day.

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1. Central African Republic (Poorest country in the world)

• Ironically, the Central African Republic has vast natural wealth, including gold, timber, uranium, diamonds, and oil, which could improve living standards.
• Regrettably, pervasive corruption and resource disputes have sparked numerous bloody conflicts in the nation.
• The Central African Republic has a PPP per capita of 656.

What to Know About The Poorest Countries

• Remarkably, all the world’s poorest nations are in Africa.
• This can be attributed to factors such as colonialism, inadequate education, corruption, and civil conflicts.
• Moreover, limited access to contraceptives leads to higher birth rates, as larger families are often needed for mutual survival amid poverty. Consequently, children must work, denying them education.
• Nonetheless, some African countries exhibit political stability, lower corruption, and economic growth.
• Comparatively, Sweden ranks 16th among the world’s wealthiest nations, boasting a PPP per capita of $47,862—more than the combined PPP per capita of all the world’s poorest countries.