Determining the poorest countries in the world can be challenging because poverty can be defined in various ways. However, one commonly used metric is Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, which measures the economic output of a country divided by its population. Based on this metric, the following are the top five poorest countries in the world as of 2021:
1. Burundi - With a GDP per capita of $261, Burundi is considered the poorest country in the world.
2. South Sudan - The world's youngest nation has a GDP per capita of $264, making it the second-poorest country in the world.
3. Malawi - With a GDP per capita of $370, Malawi is the third-poorest country in the world.
4. African Republic - The Central African Republic has a GDP per capita of $418, making it the fourth-poorest country in the world.
5. Mozambique - With a GDP per capita of $511, Mozambique is the fifth-poorest country in the world.
Burundi
Burundi is a small landlocked country located in East Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura.
Burundi has a population of around 12 million people, and its official languages are Kirundi and French. The country is known for its rich culture, including traditional drumming, dance, and other artistic expressions.
Burundi is considered one of the poorest countries in the world, with a primarily agricultural economy and a high population density, which has contributed to food shortages, deforestation, and soil erosion. The country has also faced political instability and conflict in recent years, which has further hampered its economic development.
South Sudan
South Sudan is a landlocked country located in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west. Its capital and largest city is Juba.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, making it the youngest nation in the world. The country has a population of around 12 million people, and its official languages are English and Arabic.
Despite its oil reserves and potential for agricultural development, South Sudan is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. The country has faced numerous challenges since its independence, including political instability, civil war, and humanitarian crises. These challenges have led to displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services, such as healthcare and education.
Malawi
Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast and Mozambique to the east, south, and west. Its capital and largest city is Lilongwe.
Malawi has a population of approximately 19 million people, and its official language is English, although many Malawians speak Chichewa. The country is known for its friendly people, natural beauty, and diverse wildlife.
Despite having abundant natural resources, including fertile soil, water, and minerals, Malawi is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. The country's economy is largely based on agriculture, with the majority of the population living in rural areas and subsistence farming being the main source of livelihood. Malawi has also faced a number of challenges in recent years, including drought, floods, and the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has had a significant impact on the country's development.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country located in Central Africa, bordered by Chad to the north, Sudan to the northeast, South Sudan to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south, the Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and Cameroon to the west. Its capital and largest city is Bangui.
CAR has a population of around 5 million people, and its official languages are French and Sango. The country is known for its wildlife, including forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees, as well as its traditional music and dance.
CAR is considered one of the poorest countries in the world, with a primarily agricultural economy and a history of political instability and conflict. The country has been affected by armed conflict and violence in recent years, which has resulted in widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis. The conflict has also disrupted basic services and has had a severe impact on the country's economy, which relies heavily on agriculture and mining.
Mozambique
Mozambique is a country located on the southeastern coast of Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest, and the Indian Ocean to the east. Its capital and largest city is Maputo.
Mozambique has a population of over 30 million people, and its official language is Portuguese. The country is known for its diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, including traditional music and dance.
Despite having significant natural resources, including coal, natural gas, and minerals, Mozambique is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. The country's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with the majority of the population working in subsistence farming. Mozambique has also faced a number of challenges, including political instability, natural disasters, and the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In recent years, the country has been affected by armed conflict and violence in the northern region, which has further hampered its economic development.