Forbes has recently published its list of the top 10 poorest countries globally, ranking these nations, eight of which are from Africa, according to GDP per capita. The list revealing the world’s most impoverished nations afflicted by severe poverty includes Madagascar, an island nation with amicable relations with India, at the 10th position, whereas competing nations, Pakistan and Bangladesh, despite their struggling economies and financial difficulties, do not appear on the list.
South Sudan: As reported by Forbes, the youngest nation in the world also has the unfortunate title of being the poorest regarding GDP per capita. The tiny East African nation, which gained independence in 2011, has a total GDP of $29.99 billion for its population of 11.1 million (1.1 crore) individuals.
Burundi: A small landlocked country located in East Africa, Burundi is considered the second poorest nation globally, boasting a total GDP of $2.15 billion for its population of 13,459,236. Experts have linked Burundi’s swift population increase, combined with its substantial farming community, as the primary reasons for its economic troubles.
Central African Republic (CAR): With a GDP of $3.03 billion and a populace of 5,849,358, the Central African Republic ranks as the third poorest nation globally. Despite having abundant reserves of gold, oil, uranium, and diamonds, the small nation faces political instability and armed conflict, resulting in a failed state where 80 percent of its citizens live in poverty.
Malawi: Renowned for its stunning scenery, Malawi, situated in southeastern Africa, is the 4th poorest country in the world, with a $10.78 billion GDP for a population of 21,390,465 individuals. The African country depends significantly on rain-fed agriculture, which makes it susceptible to climate change and variations in commodity prices; this is a major factor contributing to its poverty.
Mozambique: An underpopulated nation in East Africa, Mozambique holds the 5th position among the world’s poorest countries. Despite its abundance in natural resources, Mozambique has suffered extensively from prolonged terrorism and gang violence, while also facing the impacts of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, a swift population increase, low agricultural yields, and wealth disparity. Mozambique, once a Portuguese colony, has a GDP of $24.55 billion and a population of 34,497,736.
Somalia: Known for being one of the most violence-affected countries in Africa, Somalia is infamous for its piracy and ranks as the 6th poorest nation globally, possessing a GDP of $13.89 billion, serving a population of 19,009,151. Somalia has endured a brutal civil war that resulted in a shattered state and economy, in addition to inflicting a severe human cost.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): As the largest nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks as the 7th poorest globally, having a total GDP of $79.24 billion and a population of 104,354,615. Although endowed with abundant natural resources like copper and cobalt, Congo is facing a significant economic crisis, with approximately 62 percent of Congolese living on under Rs 180 daily, which is considerably below the global average.
Liberia: This West African country has a population of 5,492,486 and ranks as the 8th poorest nation globally, having a total GDP of merely $5.05 billion. Experts indicate that Liberia’s persistent poverty arises from violent conflicts, including a brutal civil war and outbreaks like Ebola.
Yemen: As a strong associate of Iran, Yemen ranks as the ninth poorest nation worldwide, exhibiting a GDP of $16.22 billion and a population of roughly 34.4 million. The Middle Eastern country has suffered greatly from years of civil conflict and political turmoil, leading to its economic downfall. The Yemen conflict has forced millions to be internally displaced, damaged infrastructure, disrupted agricultural output, and caused shortages of vital supplies such as food, water, and medicine, leaving many dependent on humanitarian assistance from organizations like the United Nations for survival.
Madagascar: The island country of Madagascar, a strategic partner of India in the Indian Ocean region, ranks as the 10th poorest nation globally, possessing a GDP of $18.1 billion with a population of 30.3 million. Madagascar’s economy, which was a French colony until it gained independence in 1960, largely relies on tourism and mining activities.
