Looking at the data on GDP per capita for 2025, and here’s what stands out. The poorest countries in the world are mostly concentrated in Africa. South Sudan ranks last with just $251 per person, while Yemen and Burundi barely exceed $400-490.

If you look at the poorest countries by region, the situation in Africa is especially severe. DRC, Niger, Somalia, Nigeria—all are below $800. Even relatively developed countries by local standards like Kenya and Ghana do not reach $2,500. Interestingly, in Asia, the picture is a bit different—India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, although among the poorest countries in the region, are still higher than their African neighbors.

What is striking is how little difference there is between the poorest countries and the average level. Even as you go higher up the list, the numbers remain depressing. India, with a population of one and a half billion people, ranks last with $2,878 per person. This simply shows the scale of global inequality. The poorest countries have been trapped in low development for decades.