I just came across fresh data on GDP per capita by country for 2025 — it’s quite grim. What is the poorest country in the world? It turns out to be South Sudan, with a figure of only $251 per person. I never imagined such numbers could exist in the modern world.

Next is Yemen ($417), Burundi ($490), and the Central African Republic ($532). It’s clear that most of these are African countries struggling with wars, political instability, and lack of infrastructure. Sudan, DRC, Niger, Somalia — all are in critical condition. Even Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, barely reaches $807.

Interestingly, the list of the poorest countries also includes some Asian nations — Tajikistan ($1,432), Nepal ($1,458), Laos ($2,096). Bangladesh, with its 170 million residents, sits at $2,689, India at $2,878. Even Haiti in the Caribbean region only manages to reach $2,672.

The poorest country in the world is not just a statistic; it’s a real story of millions of people living in extreme poverty. When you see such numbers side by side, you realize how vast the gaps in the global economy are.