IMF Ranks South Sudan, Yemen Among World’s Poorest Nations in 2025
According to the latest 2025 estimates released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and shared by Statisense, South Sudan has emerged as the poorest country in the world, with a GDP per capita of just $251.
The report paints a grim picture of global income inequality, highlighting the ongoing economic struggles faced by some of the world’s most vulnerable nations.
Closely following South Sudan is Yemen at $417 per capita, a country still grappling with the fallout of years of war, humanitarian crises, and collapsing infrastructure. Burundi takes third place with a GDP per capita of $490, while the Central African Republic, another conflict-ridden nation, stands at $532.
The top five is completed by Malawi at $580, reflecting continued challenges in agriculture-based economies that remain dependent on subsistence farming and international aid. Madagascar, Sudan, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Niger round out the top 10 poorest nations, all with GDP per capita figures under $800.
Significantly, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and once considered an emerging economic powerhouse, appears at number 12 on the list with an estimated GDP per capita of just $807. This is a stark indicator of how rising inflation, currency devaluation, insecurity, and high unemployment have taken a toll on the average Nigerian’s income.
Other nations on the list include Liberia ($908), Sierra Leone ($916), Mali ($936), and Gambia ($988). Chad and Rwanda also feature, with Rwanda barely crossing the $1,000 mark at $1,043. Togo and Ethiopia round out the top 20 with GDP per capita figures of $1,053 and $1,066, respectively.
The data underscores how political instability, conflict, climate vulnerability, and weak governance continue to trap millions in extreme poverty despite global development efforts. While some of these countries show signs of resilience and growth potential, the figures highlight a long road ahead for inclusive economic progress.
As global attention shifts toward sustainable development, international organizations and national governments face increasing pressure to implement strategies that will lift these nations out of poverty, stabilize their economies, and improve the quality of life for their citizens.
