Top 10 Poorest Muslim Countries in the World in 2025/2026

Essential Factors Driving Poverty in the Poorest Muslim Nations:

Poverty across many Muslim-majority countries remains entrenched due to a variety of interconnected structural, political, social, and environmental factors. Understanding these causes through data-backed insights helps clarify why these nations face persistent economic challenges.

1. Economic and Structural Challenges

– Low GDP per capita and Limited Economic Diversification:
Many poor Muslim countries have low GDP per capita, such as Somalia with $461.8 and Yemen with $676.9. Their economies often depend heavily on a narrow range of sectors like agriculture or resource extraction, which makes them highly vulnerable to global economic shocks.

– Protracted Conflicts and Political Instability:
Countries such as Syria – $537.2 GDP per capita and Sudan – $1,102.1 GDP Per Capita have endured long-term conflicts disrupting economic activity, damaging infrastructure, and displacing millions. Political instability exacerbates governance issues, slowing recovery and reducing investor confidence.

2. Social and Demographic Factors

– Rapid Population Growth and Youth Unemployment:
Many Muslim-majority countries face high fertility rates and growing youth populations with insufficient job opportunities, leading to widespread unemployment and underemployment. This demographic pressure increases the strain on social services and economic resources.

– Inadequate Education and Healthcare Access:
Poor investment in human capital results in low literacy and healthcare outcomes, restraining workforce productivity and perpetuating poverty cycles (Sudan Healthcare Emergency Services).

3. Environmental Vulnerabilities

– Climate Change and Natural Disasters:
Countries such as Somalia and Sudan, which depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture, face recurrent droughts and extreme weather events. These environmental challenges cause repeated food shortages and exacerbate economic fragility (Sudan Climate Change Challenges).

4. Governance and Institutional Issues

– Corruption and Weak Institutions:
High levels of corruption impede efficient resource allocation and undermine public trust. Weak governance structures make it difficult to implement development policies and manage aid effectively (Human Rights in Sudan).

– Dependence on Aid and Remittances:
Many poor Muslim nations rely on foreign aid and remittances, which are unstable sources of income vulnerable to geopolitical and economic shifts (Sudan Relief Fund).

5. Economic Integration Opportunities and Challenges

– Limited Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation:
Lack of integration into regional markets limits trade growth. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offer hope but require strong political will and infrastructure investment.

Somalia is the poorest Islamic country in 2025, with an estimated GDP per capita of approximately $462 to $637, depending on the source and measurement criteria. Its economy, heavily reliant on livestock and agriculture, is severely hampered by decades of civil war, recurrent droughts, and weak governance structures. The conflict has devastated infrastructure and displaced millions, with almost 54% of the population living below the poverty line, struggling with food insecurity, limited healthcare, and restricted access to education. Somalia’s economy has shown modest growth, around 4% in 2024, driven largely by the informal private sector and remittances from the diaspora. Yet, challenges remain immense, requiring continued humanitarian aid and development assistance to sustain and eventually improve living conditions.

1. What is the current state of poverty in the Muslim world?
Many Muslim-majority countries face low income levels, high population growth, and significant poverty challenges. According to a World Bank report, out of 57 Islamic countries, 29 are low-income, highlighting widespread economic difficulties.

2. How does economic growth relate to poverty reduction?
Economic growth can reduce poverty if it raises average income more than it increases income inequality. Policies focused on growth or reducing inequality vary depending on the country context, as explained in economic analyses.

3. Why is income inequality important in understanding poverty?
Higher income inequality worsens poverty even if the average income grows. Addressing inequality is essential for effective poverty reduction in many Muslim countries.

4. Which Muslim countries are among the poorest by GDP per capita in 2025?
Somalia tops the list with a GDP per capita of $461.8, followed by Syria ($537.2), Yemen ($676.9), Sudan ($1,102.1), and Comoros ($1,484.9), reflecting severe economic challenges.

5. What are the main causes of poverty in countries like Somalia and Yemen?
Factors include prolonged conflict, political instability, poor infrastructure, drought, and disrupted agriculture, which severely hamper economic development.

6. How has Sudan’s internal conflict affected its economy?
Sudan’s conflicts have caused instability, human rights issues, and economic hardship, impacting vulnerable groups such as women and children significantly.

7. What is the economic outlook for countries like Djibouti and Morocco?
Djibouti faces political vulnerabilities despite expected growth, while Morocco contends with shocks affecting GDP but has governmental initiatives aimed at recovery.

8. How do restrictions and conflicts impact Palestine’s economy?
Trade restrictions and ongoing conflicts limit Palestine’s economic potential, resulting in low GDP per capita and heightened poverty risks.

9. What role can charitable contributions play in addressing poverty?
Donations to organizations like SAPA can support projects alleviating poverty and its consequences in vulnerable Muslim countries, making a lasting impact through targeted aid.

10. Where can one donate to support poverty alleviation in Muslim countries?
SAPA’s secure online platform offers opportunities to contribute to poverty reduction efforts by supporting projects in Sudan and other at-risk regions; visit SAPA’s donation page to give now.