Top 10 Poorest Countries in the World in 2026 | GDP per Capita

Poorest Countries in the World: When looking at our Consensus Forecasts for the economies with the lowest GDP per capita (in U.S. dollars, current market prices) in 2026, one thing jumps out: 18 of the 20 poorest are from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The non-African nations in the top 10 are the conflict-riven countries Afghanistan and Yemen. Though SSA has been the second-fastest growing economic region after Asia in recent years, exceedingly high population growth—over 2% per annum—means that GDP per capita has risen far more slowly. Moreover, factors such as extreme weather, political turmoil—the continent has experienced a host of coups since 2020—and insecurity continue to stop SSA from reaching its full potential.

Which are the Poorest Countries in the World?

Below is a list of the top 20 poorest countries in the world:

1st poorest country: Afghanistan 

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 445

Afghanistan’s poverty stems from decades of conflict, including foreign invasions, civil wars, and insurgencies. Continuous instability has ravaged infrastructure, undermined institutional development, and deterred foreign investment. The productivity of the agricultural sector, on which most Afghans rely, is low due to outdated farming practices, water scarcity, and land degradation. Widespread corruption and a weak central government further hamper development, with the economy remaining heavily dependent on international aid. Additionally, the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has led to the isolation of Afghanistan from global markets and financial systems, stifling the economy and exacerbating humanitarian crises. Our panelists expect only muted GDP growth next year, notwithstanding some support from infrastructure projects linking Afghanistan to Central Asian neighbors.

2nd poorest country: Yemen 

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 493

Yemen has been beset by civil conflict for over a decade, with the country divided into different factions, chiefly the Houthi-rebel-dominated northwest and the Arab-backed Southern Transition Council in the south. The conflict has ravaged infrastructure and caused mass population displacement; as a result, GDP per capita next year is projected to be only around a third of its pre-crisis level.

3rd poorest country: Central African Republic

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 609

The Central African Republic (CAR) is plagued by instability and conflict. Armed groups control large swathes of the country, undermining central government authority and creating a constant state of insecurity. Frequent clashes involving these groups have displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and prevented economic development. Though the CAR is abundant in natural resources like diamonds, gold and timber, these assets are often exploited by corrupt officials or rebel groups, with little benefit to the general population. The lack of basic services like education, healthcare and reliable infrastructure further entrenches poverty.

4th poorest country: Madagascar

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 628

Madagascar’s low GDP per capita is tied to multiple factors. Firstly, chronic political crises, including coups and contested elections, have weakened institutions and handicapped development efforts. Secondly, deforestation and unsustainable farming practices have degraded the country’s biodiversity, reducing agricultural productivity and increasing vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones. Thirdly, Madagascar’s geographical isolation from major markets, combined with poor infrastructure, makes trade and investment difficult.

Finally, a reliance on low-productivity agriculture and the limited diversification of industries have kept the economy stagnant: Just four goods—cloves, cobalt, nickel and vanilla—account for close to half of all goods exports. The upshot is that nearly 80% of the population lived in extreme poverty (that is, had income of less than USD 2.15 per day) in 2023—the highest rate in the world.

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5th poorest country: Malawi

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 667

Malawi’s poverty is driven by its dependence on subsistence agriculture, with this activity involving the majority of the population. Extreme climate events—including frequent droughts and floods—regularly disrupt crop yields, exacerbating food insecurity. The most recent of these was the El Niño weather phenomenon, which caused exceedingly dry weather in 2024. Limited industrialization, creaking infrastructure, and an education system that struggles to equip the workforce with marketable skills further stifle economic growth.

Additionally, Malawi’s landlocked geography makes trade expensive and hinders access to global markets. Government inefficiencies, corruption, and high population growth further compound these issues. Substantial financial support from foreign creditors provides the economy with a lifeline but has also led to external debt accumulation; Malawi has been in debt default since 2022.

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6th poorest country: South Sudan

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 683

South Sudan’s poverty is tied to its protracted civil war, which erupted soon after the country gained independence in 2011. The violence displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure and disrupted agriculture, the backbone of the economy. In addition, mismanagement, corruption, and conflict over oil fields have led to inconsistent production and income of petroleum, South Sudan’s main revenue source. Ethnic divisions and fragile political institutions, high inflation, food insecurity, and a lack of education and healthcare further contribute to the country’s underdevelopment.

A civil war in neighboring Sudan caused further havoc, with South Sudanese oil exports being shut in due to a pipeline being ruptured in Sudan in early 2024. Our Consensus is for the country’s GDP growth to roughly track the SSA average in the coming years, which will be insufficient to lift the country notably up the GDP per capita rankings.

7th poorest country: Burundi 

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 692

Burundi’s poverty is a result of its history of ethnic conflict, most notably the 1993–2005 civil war, which shattered its economy and infrastructure. The country relies on subsistence agriculture, but the sector suffers from overpopulation, soil degradation, and limited access to modern farming techniques. Furthermore, political instability and corruption have deterred foreign investment and aid. Burundi also faces a poorly developed education and healthcare system, with the latter failing to prevent the spread of epidemics such as 2024’s mpox outbreak. Finally, frequent flooding has held back activity; in the year to September 2024, torrential rains affected 300,000 people and displaced close to 50,000.

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8th poorest country: Mozambique 

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 692

Mozambique’s underdevelopment stems from a history of colonial exploitation, followed by a drawn-out civil war that ended in 1992. Although the country has abundant natural resources—particularly large gas reserves—their mismanagement, combined with corruption, has limited their contribution to overall development. Infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, remains basic, hampering trade. Periodic natural disasters like cyclones and floods, coupled with an ongoing Islamic State insurgency in the north, have further disrupted economic progress. Mozambique is expected to see above-average growth among SSA economies in the coming years thanks to the extractive sector, though a large share of these economic gains are unlikely to filter through to the ordinary populace.

9th poorest country: Eritrea

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 704

Eritrea’s low GDP per capita level stems from the country’s reliance on subsistence agriculture and its status as one of the world’s most closed and repressive nations, which hampers investment and exports. The country does sell some zinc and gold—key sources of foreign exchange. A key threat to political stability is the potential sudden passing of the elderly leader of nearly three decades. Such an event could trigger a fierce succession battle and lead to a level of instability the country has not previously experienced. Tensions with neighboring Ethiopia spilling into conflict are a further risk.

10th poorest country: Somalia

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 717

Somalia’s extreme poverty is primarily a result of decades of civil war, the collapse of central government authority, and an ongoing insurgency by the Al-Shabaab militant group. The prolonged absence of a functional government has left infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and roads in a state of disrepair, and piracy and terrorism have scared off potential investors. Clan-based power struggles and fragmented political control make it difficult to implement national development policies.

Moreover, the country also suffers from frequent droughts, which devastate agriculture and lead to chronic food insecurity. On the flipside, flooding can also occur, as observed in 2023–2024 due to the El Niño weather pattern; the late-2023 rainy season led to torrential downpours affecting 2.5 million people. More positively, the country benefits from international aid, plus an African Union peacekeeping mission.

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FAQs

1. What are the poorest nations worldwide?

South Sudan holds the title of the poorest country in the world in 2026, with a GDP-PPP per capita of $455. The nation faces significant challenges due to political instability, ongoing conflicts, and economic dependency on oil.

2. What are the main factors contributing to poverty in these countries?

Key factors include political instability, economic dependence on a narrow range of industries, rapid population growth, vulnerability to natural disasters, and limited access to education and healthcare.

3. Why is South Sudan the poorest country in 2026?

South Sudan’s economic hardship stems from years of conflict, political instability, and over-reliance on oil revenues. These issues have hindered development and left a large portion of the population living in poverty.

4. Why is GDP per capita used to measure the poorest countries?

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), provides a general measure of the average economic output per person and allows for comparisons between countries while accounting for differences in living costs and inflation.

5. How does political instability affect a country’s economic standing?

Political instability can lead to disruptions in governance, reduced foreign investment, conflicts, and inefficiencies in resource management, all of which severely impact economic growth and development.

6. What can be done to address poverty in the poorest countries?

Solutions include promoting political stability and economic diversification, improving education and healthcare infrastructure, investing in sustainable development, and addressing environmental challenges such as natural disasters.

7. Which countries are likely to face worsening poverty due to political instability in 2026?