The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a report identifying the world’s poorest countries based on GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP). While GDP measures a country’s total economic output, PPP accounts for the cost of living, giving a more accurate picture of living standards, according to The Ultimate News.
The report paints a stark picture, with South Sudan ranking as the world’s poorest country, with a GDP per capita PPP of $492.72. The world’s youngest country, which gained independence in 2011, is facing significant challenges due to political instability, ongoing conflicts, and inadequate infrastructure.
| Country | GDP Per Capita |
|---|---|
| 1: South Sudan | $492.72 |
| 2: Burundi | $936.42 |
| 3: Central African Republic (CAR) | $1,140.00 |
| 4: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) | $1,570.00 |
| 5: Mozambique | $1,650.00 |
| 6: Malawi | $1,710.00 |
| 7: Niger | $1,730.00 |
| 8: Chad | $1,860.00 |
| 9: Liberia | $1,880.00 |
| 10: Madagascar | $1,990.00 |
South Sudan is followed by Burundi ($936.42), the Central African Republic ($1,140.00), the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($1,570.00), and Mozambique ($1,650.00). These countries face similar challenges, such as political instability, internal conflicts, inadequate infrastructure, and reliance on rain-fed agriculture, making them vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity.
The report also looks at the cases of Malawi ($1,710.00), Niger ($1,730.00), Chad ($1,860.00), Liberia ($1,880.00), and Madagascar ($1,990.00). These countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, struggle with limited resources, rapid population growth, and a heavy reliance on agriculture, making them vulnerable to poverty.
The report is a call to action for the international community to address the underlying causes of poverty in these countries. Investing in infrastructure, encouraging economic diversification, and fostering political stability are all critical steps toward a better future for these countries.
Yemen emerges as the Asian nation facing the most severe economic challenges in 2024, with an estimated GDP per capita of $2,136. However, the accuracy of this figure remains uncertain due to ongoing conflicts that disrupt precise economic assessments.
In contrast, Luxembourg is the world’s wealthiest nation in terms of GDP per capita, with a staggering $145,834 in GDP per capita PPP. Meanwhile, India has a GDP per capita (PPP) of $9.89 thousand as of 2024, reflecting its position in the global economic landscape.