A recent Forbes list reveals the world’s ten poorest countries, highlighting the severe poverty that plagues these nations. Madagascar, an island nation with friendly relations with India, ranks 10th on this list. Notably, neither Bangladesh nor Pakistan appears among the ten.
1. South Sudan: The Youngest and Poorest
South Sudan, the youngest nation globally, holds the unfortunate title of the poorest, with the lowest GDP per capita. Since gaining independence in 2011, its total GDP stands at $29.99 billion, supporting a population of 11.1 million.
2. Burundi: Economic Struggles
Burundi ranks as the second poorest country, with a GDP of $2.15 billion and a population of 13.5 million. Its economic difficulties are attributed to rapid population growth and a heavy reliance on agriculture.
3. Central African Republic: A Nation in Crisis
The Central African Republic comes in third, with a GDP of $3.03 billion and a population of about 5.8 million. Despite having rich natural resources, ongoing political turmoil and armed conflict have left 80% of its population below the poverty line.
4. Malawi: Climate Vulnerability
Malawi is the fourth poorest country, with a GDP of $10.78 billion and a population of over 21 million. Its economy’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture makes it vulnerable to climate change and market fluctuations.
5. Mozambique: Resource-Rich Yet Struggling
Mozambique ranks fifth, with a GDP of $24.55 billion and a population of approximately 34.5 million. Despite abundant natural resources, the country faces challenges from terrorism, violence, and economic inequality.
6. Somalia: A Nation in Turmoil
Somalia, plagued by violence and piracy, ranks sixth with a GDP of $13.89 billion and a population of 19 million. Prolonged civil war has led to economic collapse and immense human suffering.
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo: Resource Abundance and Poverty
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the largest nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, is the seventh poorest, with a GDP of $79.24 billion and a population of over 104 million. Despite rich cobalt and copper resources, economic crises leave 62% of the population surviving on less than ₹180 per day.
8. Liberia: The Aftermath of Conflict
Liberia ranks eighth, with a GDP of $5.05 billion and a population of 5.5 million. Ongoing poverty is attributed to violent conflicts and health crises like the Ebola outbreak.
9. Yemen: A War-Torn Economy
Yemen, ranked ninth, has a GDP of $16.22 billion and a population of around 34.4 million. Years of civil war and political instability have devastated its economy, leading to widespread humanitarian needs.
10. Madagascar: Struggling Despite Resources
Madagascar, the 10th poorest nation, has a GDP of $18.1 billion and a population of 30.3 million. Despite its rich natural resources and tourism potential, the economy faces significant challenges.
