South Sudan, the world’s youngest country (independent since 2011), tops the list of poorest nations with a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $716. Decades of civil war, disrupted oil production (which accounts for 98% of government revenue), and crumbling infrastructure have left 75% of the population in poverty. Most citizens rely on subsistence farming, but conflict and climate shocks (droughts, floods) regularly destroy crops, forcing costly food imports and deepening aid dependence.
2. Burundi
Burundi, a landlocked nation in East Africa, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $1,015. Over 80% of the population depends on *** allscale farming (averaging one acre per household), making the economy vulnerable to climate shocks (soil erosion, erratic rainfall) and population growth (3.5% annually). Chronic underinvestment in infrastructure, fuel shortages, and high inflation (projected 40% in 2025) have stifled industrial growth, leaving most citizens in extreme poverty.
3. Central African Republic (CAR)
The Central African Republic, a sparsely populated landlocked country, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $1,330. Despite being rich in diamonds, gold, and uranium, decades of conflict (including a 2013–2019 civil war) and weak governance have left 74% of the population in poverty. Most people rely on subsistence farming, but insecurity and poor infrastructure (minimal roads, unreliable electricity) limit agricultural productivity and access to markets.
4. Yemen
Yemen, embroiled in a decadelong civil war, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $1,675. The conflict has destroyed infrastructure (roads, hospitals, schools), crippled oil production (once the backbone of the economy), and left millions dependent on humanitarian aid. Over 50% of the population lives below the poverty line, and inflation (driven by currency devaluation) has worsened living standards. Dependence on foreign aid and remittances persists, but political instability continues to block recovery.
5. Mozambique
Mozambique, a coastal country in Southeast Africa, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $1,730. Despite postcivil war reforms and natural gas reserves, poverty remains widespread (over 50% of the population lives below the poverty line). Most citizens rely on subsistence farming, but climate shocks (cyclones, floods) and terrori *** (Islamic insurgencies in the north) have disrupted livelihoods. Infrastructure gaps (poor roads, limited electricity) and high debt burdens have hindered economic progress.
6. Malawi
Malawi, one of Africa’s *** allest countries, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $1,778. Over 75% of the population depends on subsistence farming (tobacco, tea, and maize are key exports), making the economy vulnerable to global price swings and climate shocks (droughts, floods). High population growth (2.9% annually) and limited infrastructure (poor roads, unreliable electricity) have strained resources, leaving half the population in poverty.
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC, Africa’s secondlargest country, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $1,884. Despite vast mineral wealth (cobalt, copper, diamonds), decades of conflict, corruption, and poor governance have stunted development. Over 76% of the population lives on less than $1.90 a day, and the country ranks low on the Human Development Index. Mining dominates exports, but informal economic activity is widespread, and infrastructure (roads, healthcare, education) remains underdeveloped.
8. Somalia
Somalia, a fragile state in the Horn of Africa, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $1,916. Decades of conflict (including the collapse of central government in 1991) and climate shocks (droughts, floods) have left 63% of the population in poverty. However, the economy has shown resilience: remittances (accounting for 25% of GDP) and agriculture (livestock, bananas) drive growth. The 2024 entry into the East African Community offers hope for regional integration and improved stability.
9. Liberia
Liberia, a coastal country in West Africa, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $2,006. Recovering from a 14year civil war (1989–2003) that devastated infrastructure, the country has seen modest growth (4.8% in 2024) driven by mining (iron ore) and agriculture (rubber, palm oil). However, high inflation (15% in 2024), limited job opportunities, and weak social protection systems persist. Over 26% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and governance reforms remain critical to sustainable development.
10. Madagascar
Madagascar, an island nation off East Africa, has a 2025 GDP per capita (PPP) of $2,043. Over 75% of the population relies on subsistence farming (vanilla, coffee, rice are key exports), making the economy vulnerable to climate shocks (cyclones, droughts) and natural disasters. Political instability (2009 coup) has deterred foreign investment, and infrastructure (roads, electricity) remains underdeveloped. While mining (nickel) and touri *** offer potential, income inequality and food insecurity (42% of children under 5 are stunted) remain major challenges.