Just looked at the per capita GDP figures for 2025 and it's quite striking to see the huge gap between countries. Which is the poorest country in the world right now? According to the data, South Sudan ranks first with only $251 per person, followed by Yemen at $417. It's really hard to imagine when you live in developed countries.

What struck me is that most of these countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Burundi, the Central African Republic, Malawi, Madagascar, all around $500-$600. And then there are cases like the DRC with $743, Niger at $751. The figures for Nigeria ($807) and Somalia ($766) also show truly precarious economic situations.

Going up the list, there are also Asian countries like Myanmar at $1,177, Nepal at $1,458, or Bangladesh at $2,689. Which is the poorest country in the world remains a complex question because it depends on how we measure, but these data give a good idea of the economic reality. The gaps are enormous and it really shows why economic development remains a major challenge for these regions.