South Sudan, Burundi and the Central African Republic each respectively rank in the bottom ten countries in 2024 measured by GNI per capita (PPP). As a result, these countries have had to contend with serious challenges such as political instability and armed conflict or natural disasters which hamper economic growth and advancement leading to extensive poverty levels plus a lack of basic infrastructure.
In 2024, poverty remains a severe issue across most countries but largely in Sub-Saharan Africa Natural disasters, political unrest and conflict are causing severe hardship for nations with the lowest Gross National Income (GNI) per capita at current purchasing power parity.
By contrast, these countries can hardly provide for the basic welfare of their citizens and deliver improved services despite comparable natural resource endowments. In the interests of covering a multiplicity of nations throughout this article, here are ten states who find themselves at rock bottom in terms poverty level; the circumstances that drive them into deprivation and why they have considerable challenges to rise above gratis income.
The ten poorest countries in the world, based on Gross National Income (GNI) per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) for the year 2024, are as follows:
- South Sudan - $455
- The youngest nation, South Sudan has faced ongoing conflict and political instability since its independence in 2011, majorly limiting economic growth and development.
- Burundi - $916
- Burundi struggles with political unrest and economic instability, heavily relying on subsistence agriculture, which hampers its economic progress.
- Central African Republic (CAR) - $1,123
- CAR is affected by prolonged conflict and political instability, which impede its economic development and infrastructure.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - $1,570
- Despite its rich natural resources, DRC suffers from high poverty rates, malnutrition, and political turmoil.
- Mozambique - $1,650
- Mozambique faces economic challenges exacerbated by natural disasters and a lack of infrastructure, impacting its development.
- Malawi - $1,710
- Malawi's economy is primarily agricultural, and it struggles with food insecurity and high poverty rates.
- Niger - $1,730
- Niger is grappling with inter-factional conflict and climate change, leading to a significant portion of its population living below the poverty line.
- Chad - $1,860
- Chad's economic situation is compounded by local conflicts and a lack of infrastructure, despite having oil resources.
- Liberia - $1,880
- Liberia continues to recover from civil wars, facing challenges in governance and economic stability.
- Madagascar - $1,979
- Madagascar experiences political instability and vulnerability to climate hazards, affecting its economic growth and poverty levels.
The below table represents the top 10 poorest countries in the world based on GNI per capita (PPP) for 2024:
| Rank | Country | GNI per Capita (PPP) |
| 1 | South Sudan | $455 |
| 2 | Burundi | $916 |
| 3 | Central African Republic (CAR) | $1,123 |
| 4 | Democratic Republic of Congo | $1,570 |
| 5 | Mozambique | $1,650 |
| 6 | Malawi | $1,710 |
| 7 | Niger | $1,730 |
| 8 | Chad | $1,860 |
| 9 | Liberia | $1,880 |
| 10 | Madagascar | $1,979 |
The economic problems of the world's poorest countries have roots that are political, social and environmental as well. South Sudan, Burundi and the others on this list face huge hurdles when it comes to their potential.
To solve these maladies, sustained international help and investments in basic infrastructure need to be coupled with effective governance that can plan for the long term when it comes to creating a clean water system or improving public health care coverage.