In a world marked by vast economic disparities, there exist nations where poverty is not just a statistic but a harsh reality endured by millions. These are the 10 poorest countries in the world, where the struggle for survival is a daily ordeal for many. From the war-torn landscapes of Afghanistan and Syria to the enduring challenges of political instability in countries like Burundi and Somalia, each nation on this list grapples with its unique set of circumstances that have perpetuated cycles of poverty. Join us as we delve into the stories behind these nations, exploring their histories, geographic contexts, and the complex factors that have contributed to their status as some of the most impoverished countries in the world.
10 Poorest Countries in the World in 2024
1. Burundi
- Per Capita Income: $259 (As of 2022)
- Location: Burundi is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
- History: Burundi has a history of ethnic conflict, particularly between the Hutu and Tutsi populations. This conflict has led to political instability and violence, hindering economic development.
- Reasons for Poverty: Political instability, ethnic tensions, civil wars, and a lack of infrastructure have all contributed to Burundi’s economic struggles.
2. Afghanistan
- Per Capita Income: $355.8 (As of 2021)
- Location: Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast.
- History: Afghanistan has a long history of conflict, including invasions, civil wars, and the ongoing war against terrorism. These conflicts have severely impacted the country’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric.
- Reasons for Poverty: Decades of war, political instability, corruption, and limited access to education and healthcare have contributed to Afghanistan’s poverty.
3. Syrian Arab Republic
- Per Capita Income: $420.6 (As of 2021)
- Location: Syria is located in the Middle East, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, Israel to the southwest, and Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the west.
- History: Syria has faced years of internal conflict, including the ongoing civil war that began in 2011. This conflict has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement of populations, and economic devastation.
- Reasons for Poverty: The civil war, political instability, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and international sanctions have all contributed to Syria’s economic downturn and poverty.
4. Central African Republic
- Per Capita Income: $427.1 (As of 2022)
- Location: The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in Central Africa, bordered by Chad to the north, Sudan and South Sudan to the northeast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south, and Cameroon to the west.
- History: The Central African Republic has a history of political instability, coups, and ethnic tensions. Conflict between different ethnic and religious groups has led to violence and instability.
- Reasons for Poverty: Political instability, armed conflict, weak governance, and a lack of infrastructure have all contributed to the Central African Republic’s poverty.
5. Sierra Leone
- Per Capita Income: $475.8 (As of 2022)
- Location: Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa, bordered by Guinea to the northeast, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest.
- History: Sierra Leone has faced years of civil war, political instability, and corruption. The civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002, resulted in widespread devastation and displacement.
- Reasons for Poverty: The legacy of civil war, weak governance, corruption, limited access to education and healthcare, and reliance on subsistence agriculture have all contributed to Sierra Leone’s poverty.
6. Madagascar
- Per Capita Income: $516.6 (As of 2022)
- Location: Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa.
- History: Madagascar has a history of political instability, including coups and political unrest. The country has also faced environmental challenges, including deforestation and natural disasters.
- Reasons for Poverty: Political instability, weak governance, environmental degradation, limited infrastructure, and a reliance on agriculture have all contributed to Madagascar’s poverty.
7. Mozambique
- Per Capita Income: $558.3 (As of 2022)
- Location: Mozambique is a country in Southeast Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, Eswatini, and South Africa to the southwest, and the Indian Ocean to the east.
- History: Mozambique has faced years of civil war, which lasted from 1977 to 1992. The civil war resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and social services.
- Reasons for Poverty: The legacy of civil war, political instability, corruption, limited access to education and healthcare, and vulnerability to natural disasters have all contributed to Mozambique’s poverty.
8. Niger
- Per Capita Income: $585.4 (As of 2022)
- Location: Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin to the southwest, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest.
- History: Niger has faced challenges related to political instability, coups, ethnic tensions, and environmental issues, including drought and desertification.
- Reasons for Poverty: Political instability, environmental challenges, including desertification and drought, limited access to education and healthcare, and reliance on subsistence agriculture have all contributed to Niger’s poverty.
9. Somalia
- Per Capita Income: $592.1 (As of 2022)
- Location: Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, and the Indian Ocean to the east.
- History: Somalia has faced decades of political instability, including civil war, clan-based conflict, and the absence of a functioning central government since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991.
- Reasons for Poverty: Political instability, conflict, weak governance, insecurity, and limited access to education and healthcare have all contributed to Somalia’s poverty.
10. Eritrea
- Per Capita Income: $643.8 (As of 2011)
- Location: Eritrea is a country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. It also has a coastline along the Red Sea to the northeast and east.
- History: Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a long struggle. However, since independence, the country has been ruled by a single-party authoritarian regime, which has led to limited political freedoms and human rights abuses.
- Reasons for Poverty: Eritrea has faced economic challenges due to its authoritarian government, which has led to limited economic development, lack of foreign investment, and restrictions on private enterprise. Additionally, the country has been affected by periodic droughts, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services.
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Source: World Bank