Even with all the amazing progress in technology and trade, millions of people are still facing unimaginable hardship.
We're talking about 696 to 712 million people trying to survive on less than $1.90 to $2.15 a day. Can you imagine? And here's a heartbreaking truth: over 429 million of them are in Sub-Saharan Africa alone.
This isn’t a matter of statistics; we are talking about real people, real lives, and the great inequalities which still affect our world.
A way we may look at the scale of this issue is through GDP per capita, which in turn gives us the average income of a country’s population. It is a strong indicator of a nation’s economic health.
While growth has lifted many out of poverty, we still see many countries that are struggling with economic issues, conflicts, and very basic social issues, causing large-scale poverty.
Looking at the hardest hit nations brings to light the full extent of the issue. Also, what we see is that the reasons for a country’s success (or failure) are very complex, and that is why global intervention is very much required.
In this blog, we take a look at the 15 world’s poorest countries, projected in 2025. These are the nations that, sadly, are in the running for the title of poorest in the world this year.
/** Create Ask An Expert Box **/
Understanding the Rankings: Context & Methodology
Focus Economics uses a detailed analysis to determine the world’s poorest countries in 2025, using GDP per capita consensus forecasts as the main ranking criterion.
This method provides a structured approach to compare economic health between countries, but it is only a piece of the large-scale poverty puzzle.
The methodology includes the following key elements:
- GDP per capita as the core indicator: This is a measure of what the average person in a country produces in terms of GDP, the total market value of all final goods and services that a nation produces, which is then divided by the population.
- Consensus forecasting approach: Economic projections are developed by a team of economists and analysts that put forward expert input, which reflects on 2025 economic performance based on present conditions, growth prospects, political stability, and country-by-country factors.
- Nominal USD focus: Rankings report on nominal GDP per capita, which includes no correction for purchasing power parity or the Gross National Income. Hence, they calculate actual economic output per person in US dollars for easy international comparison.
- Comprehensive factor consideration: Forecasts include conflict impact, governance quality, infrastructure development, agricultural productivity, and external aid dependency. These are key to economic output projections.
- Multi-dimensional poverty acknowledgement: While looking at GDP per capita as the main indicator, the analysis also puts forth that poverty is a much wider issue. It includes health, education, and inequality, which, in fact, are not represented by that one metric.
This consensus-based approach to calculating GDP per capita presents an easy-to-measure base, which in turn identifies the world's poorest country at present.
Also, one can use it as a tool that gives out information related to what may be expected from a certain economy, in terms of output and health per individual in 2025.
Top 15 Poorest Countries in the World in 2025
1. Afghanistan - $434
As of 2025, Afghanistan retains the dubious distinction of being the world's poorest country. At a projected GDP per capita of only $434, Afghanistan remains stuck under the burdens of political unrest, continuous strife, and humanitarian emergencies.
The absence of infrastructure, compromised governance, and imposed limits on international aid continue to be roadblocks to the recovery process.
2. South Sudan - $448
South Sudan is one of the poorest nations in the world. In 2025, it's a heavy burden from civil war and ethnic strife.
With a GDP per capita of just $448, the nation suffers from chronic hunger and a destroyed public sector.
Though possessing tremendous oil reserves, development is hampered by violence and poor governance.
/** Create Ask An Expert Box **/
3. Sierra Leone - $529
Sierra Leone's GDP per capita is at an estimated $529, maintaining its position among the world's poorest nations.
Years following the civil war and the Ebola outbreak, the country still struggles with healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Relying on agriculture and mineral exports constrains economic diversification.
4. Malawi - $552
Malawi is still one of the world’s poorest countries, with a 2025 GDP per capita of $552. As a landlocked country, its economy is very dependent on rain-fed agriculture and therefore very exposed to climate shocks. Reforms are in progress, but high population growth and low productivity create challenges.
5. Madagascar - $577
Spared by the biodiversity ravages of centuries of habitat destruction and invasive species, Madagascar is one of the world's poorest nations, with an estimated per capita income of $577.
The island nation has political instability, deforestation, and rural poverty, but recently the government has focused efforts on infrastructure and education, albeit in slow motion.
6. Central African Republic - $582
With a 2025 GDP per capita of $582, the Central African Republic is still in the trenches of economic welfare.
Conflict, poor institutions, and the absence of basic services still hold back growth. Even with peace negotiations and international support, sustained recovery continues to be fragile.
7. Burundi - $602
Burundi is one of the world’s poorest countries, with a GDP per capita estimate of $602. Political marginalisation, restricted private sector growth, and land limitation drive persistent deprivation. More than 90% of the population works in agriculture, but in highly subsistence-oriented activities.
/** Create Ask An Expert Box **/
8. Mozambique - $668
Though it has natural gas potential, Mozambique remains the world's poorest country with a GDP per capita of $668. Post-conflict instability, debts, and cyclone vulnerability are the threats the nation endures. Peace must be preserved if infrastructure development is to have potential in the future.
9. Niger - $672
Niger's GDP per capita of $672 in 2025 indicates endemic poverty and underdevelopment.
With one of the world's fastest-growing populations, Niger is hard-pressed to match education and health demands. Drought and terrorism in the Sahel exacerbate resource pressures.
10. Democratic Republic of Congo - $708
Lacking its abundant natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the world’s poorest countries, with an estimated GDP per capita of $708. Decades of political instability, corruption, and militias have suppressed development. Structural reform is still needed.
11. Somalia - $729
Somalia remains one of the world's poorest countries, with a 2025 GDP per capita of $729. Years of conflict, poor governance, and climate-related catastrophes, such as droughts, have led to repeated humanitarian crises. Underdeveloped economic infrastructure slows down the recovery process.
12. Liberia - $806
Liberia's estimated GDP per capita of $806 leaves it among the world's poorest nations. Overcoming civil war and Ebola, Liberia faces high unemployment among the young and inadequate public investment. External debt and corruption continue to be major obstacles to long-term growth.
/** Create Ask An Expert Box **/
13. Mali - $909
Mali still faces political instability and insecurity, being one of the world's poorest nations with a GDP per capita of $909.
The northern areas continue to be unstable because of militant activities. Despite the export of gold generating some income, growth that is inclusive continues to elude it.
14. Chad - $930
Chad's status as the world's poorest nation in 2025, with a GDP per capita of $930, is influenced by desertification, intraregional conflict, and poor governance. While it is rich in oil, its wealth is unevenly distributed, and social development remains low.
15. Burkina Faso - $964
Burkina Faso completes this list of the world’s top 15 poorest countries, with a per capita income of $964.
Security threats and armed insurgencies have led to the displacement of people and interference with agriculture. Regional cooperation and international aid are crucial to bettering conditions.
Conclusion
This 2025 list of the world's poorest countries paints a picture more than just statistics. It is one of the chronic disadvantages of the past: structural injustice and unfulfilled global promises.
Out of war and climate shocks, of broken economies, these countries are beset by profound challenges that can be tackled only by persistent peacebuilding, more effective aid, balanced trade policies, and coalescing for inclusive growth in the years to come.
At Visa2Fly, we hold the conviction that responsible travel begins with consciousness. Though this list indicates areas under severe suffering, it also keeps in mind the fact that travel has the potential to be a path to compassion, awareness, and international solidarity. The more aware we are about the world, the more responsibly we'll interact with it.