The 50 poorest countries in the world according to their GDP per capita in 2025

Economic data analysis for 2025 reveals significant disparities in per capita income worldwide. The list of the 50 poorest countries shows a concentration of poverty in specific regions, with GDP per capita varying dramatically depending on the area.

African Dominance in the Lowest Income Rankings

Sub-Saharan Africa holds a prominent position among the 50 poorest countries, with South Sudan at the top with only $251 GDP per capita. Close behind are several African nations including Burundi ($490), Central African Republic ($532), Malawi ($580), and Madagascar ($595). This African concentration persists throughout the ranking, with countries like Somalia ($766), the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($743), and Niger ($751) completing the top ten.

Economic disparities widen with countries like Tanzania ($1,280), Zambia ($1,332), and Uganda ($1,338), which, despite their position among the 50 poorest, have significantly higher incomes than the top of the list.

Asian Economies in the Global Lowest Income Rankings

Beyond Africa, several Asian countries also make up this list of the 50 poorest countries in the world. Myanmar ($1,177), Tajikistan ($1,432), Nepal ($1,458), and Timor-Leste ($1,491) represent the least developed Asian economies according to this indicator. Further down the list, Laos ($2,096) and Cambodia ($2,870) demonstrate the diversity of development levels within the Asian continent.

Income Gaps and Economic Indicators

The gap between South Sudan and Bangladesh, ranked last with $2,878, illustrates the extent of economic differences. Countries like Haiti ($2,672) and Papua New Guinea ($2,565) are also among the 50 nations with the lowest incomes, highlighting that this poverty is not exclusively an African phenomenon.

2025 data shows that the world’s 50 poorest countries are mainly characterized by structural development challenges, where GDP per capita remains a key indicator of global economic inequalities.