Top 10 Poorest Countries in the World in 2026 [GDP per Capita]

Despite the world’s vast wealth and resources, extreme poverty continues to grip millions of people globally, especially in countries such as Burundi, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. These nations face persistent economic hardships that prevent their populations from enjoying a decent standard of living.

A common metric used to assess economic well-being across countries is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. However, to compare living standards more fairly, economists use GDP per capita adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), which accounts for variations in the cost of living and inflation between countries. This approach provides a clearer picture of an individual’s buying power and the true economic conditions in each country.

How is Poverty Measured?

GDP per capita (PPP) serves as a fundamental indicator of average economic output per person while adjusting for local prices and living costs. It is widely used for international comparisons of wealth and standard of living. However, GDP per capita alone does not capture many dimensions of poverty, such as access to education, healthcare, and quality of life.

Complementary indices, such as the Human Development Index (HDI), incorporate factors like life expectancy, educational attainment, and per capita income to provide a more holistic view of development and poverty. Nonetheless, long-standing poverty is often shaped by complex factors, including conflict, governance challenges, environmental conditions, and historical legacies. Weak institutions, rapid population growth, and social unrest can entrench poverty despite economic outlays.

Impact of Recent Global Events on Poverty

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted progress toward reducing global poverty, disproportionately affecting low-income countries where social safety nets are limited. According to the World Bank’s latest poverty data, the pandemic caused a sharp increase in extreme poverty, reversing decades of gains. Until 2025, approximately 808 million people—about 10% of the world’s population—lived on less than $3 per day, a threshold raised from the previous $2.15 to better reflect real costs.

The pandemic-induced economic slowdowns, coupled with inflation and supply chain disruptions, have intensified income inequality between the poorest countries and the wealthiest economies. This widening gap threatens the global goal of poverty eradication by 2030.

Forecasts from the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook and the World Bank indicate persistent challenges ahead, including entrenched low economic growth, high debt burdens, and social tensions in many impoverished nations. Strengthening resilience and investment in infrastructure and social services remains crucial to reversing these trends.

1. Is Africa the Poorest Continent?

Africa is a diverse continent with countries at different economic stages. While some nations face severe economic difficulties, many others are experiencing growth, leveraging abundant natural resources and making strides in infrastructure development. It is therefore inaccurate to label the entire continent as the poorest.

2. Is Somalia the Poorest Country in the World?

Somalia has struggled with ongoing conflict and instability, which have significantly impacted its economy. However, determining the “poorest” country requires evaluating several indicators such as GDP per capita, income distribution, and overall economic health. Despite its challenges, Somalia is not universally considered the poorest nation globally.

3. Is Nigeria the Poorest Country in the World?

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a mixed economic profile. It faces some economic challenges but is far from the poorest globally. The country’s diverse economy includes oil production, agriculture, and services. While poverty remains a concern, Nigeria holds substantial growth potential and economic resources.

4. Which Country is the Poorest in the World in 2026?

The unfortunate distinction of the poorest country in 2026 goes to South Sudan. Established in 2011, South Sudan’s development has been severely hampered by ongoing conflicts and political instability. The World Bank estimates that over 60% of its population lives below the international poverty line, surviving on less than $1.90 per day. This reality reflects the extreme hardships people face in securing essentials like food, shelter, and medical care. South Sudan’s poverty is compounded by economic struggles, recurrent flooding, social issues, political unrest, and environmental difficulties. A deep understanding of these challenges is crucial for developing effective solutions to address the country’s pressing needs.

Shared Challenges Among These Countries

The poorest countries of 2026 face a complex web of challenges that perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit development.

– Conflict and political instability are foremost among these issues. Prolonged violence disrupts governance, damages essential infrastructure, displaces populations, and restricts economic activity. According to the World Bank’s 2025 Global Poverty Update, ongoing conflicts in several countries remain significant barriers to growth.

– Climate change and environmental vulnerabilities intensify these challenges. Many low-income nations in Sub-Saharan Africa experience recurrent droughts, floods, and other disasters that devastate agriculture, the backbone of their economies. The resulting food insecurity and economic instability are discussed extensively by Focus Economics.

– Weak infrastructure and underdeveloped social services restrict access to education, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation, which are vital for human development and productivity.

– Many of these countries rely overwhelmingly on agriculture and commodity exports, making their economies highly sensitive to environmental hazards and global market volatility. The lack of diversification limits income sources and employment opportunities, as highlighted in the United Nations SDG Report 2025.

Regional Focus: Africa and the Arabian Peninsula

The majority of the world’s poorest nations are located in Sub-Saharan Africa, where long-term conflict, institutional weaknesses, and environmental challenges coexist. Countries such as South Sudan, Niger, and the Central African Republic exemplify these persistent vulnerabilities.

In the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen stands out as the region’s poorest country. Civil war and economic blockades have led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, reflected in widespread poverty and food insecurity. Studies such as the IEMED Report 2025 document the multi-layered challenges faced across the Arab region.

Despite these constraints, international organizations and regional governments are ramping up efforts to enhance humanitarian aid and development. Initiatives focus on strengthening health systems, improving food security, and expanding educational opportunities to build resilience across these vulnerable regions.

Future Outlook and Global Responsibilities

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights the precarious economic conditions faced by the poorest countries, including low growth rates, unsustainable debt, and rising interest burdens. These risks jeopardize progress toward global poverty reduction.

To overcome these hurdles, international cooperation is essential, focusing on good governance, sound economic policies, and transparent public financial management. It is equally crucial to invest strategically in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, building the foundation for sustainable growth and enhanced human capital.

Coordinated global actions must prioritize resilience-building and support for vulnerable populations to create inclusive, long-term development pathways.