Wait, They Actually Ranked The Poorest Countries?! The 15 Strugglin’ Nations Of 2025

Sudan is massive, rich in oil, but also rich in chaos. Since breaking away into two countries in 2011, the original Sudan’s been stuck in political messes, military fights, and jaw-dropping economic struggles. Food prices? Up 73%! GDP per capita? Down near $1000. Better grab some popcorn for this ongoing saga.

Mali went from glory days under Emperor Mansa Musa to a country juggling coups, rebel uprisings, and desert lands that just don’t want to cooperate. Its economy mostly leans on crops like cotton and millet, but with constant unrest, it’s a bumpy road. GDP per capita? Just over $1000, not great for a place that was once Africa’s richest.

Next to Mali, Burkina Faso’s counting on farming and gold mining, except terrorists and coups mess up the gold party, and farming’s mostly old-school stuff with little tech help. Almost everyone farms just to get by, and that means not much extra money flows in. GDP per capita? Just shy of $3000.

Niger has trucks of uranium and other minerals, but it’s still super poor. It’s no stranger to coups and tough times, plus the Sahara Desert isn't exactly farming-friendly. After years of hardship, it hit a new high in GDP – a little over $700 – but life’s still a grind for most people living there.

Madagascar’s the big island off Africa’s coast with unique animals and crazy nature, but unfortunately, that doesn’t pay the bills. Political storms, bankruptcies, military takeovers, and regular cyclone hits leave the people struggling with extreme poverty. GDP per capita? $545. Island life sounds fun until you see the numbers.

Liberia’s packed with rubber, gold, diamonds, and timber but still counts poverty at over a third of its people. Years of civil wars and coups messed things up badly. Even forests can’t save the day because of poor management, with the economy slipping thanks to a leaky treasure chest.

Somalia’s story is full of clashes, droughts, and a super high poverty rate where almost everyone struggles. With well over half the population dipped in intense poverty, it’s not surprising that droughts and conflicts keep making life harder. GDP per capita? Around $760.

DRC is loaded with cobalt, gold, and diamonds. You’d think it’d be rolling in cash, but nope! Instead, mineral riches have sparked conflicts and corruption. Two major wars and tons of unrest mean folks are barely getting by, with GDP around $770.

Malawi’s that warm-hearted country that’s stuck with farming tobacco and tea but also tons of problems like political drama, floods, and droughts that mess up crops. Half the population is poor despite the country not having major wars lately. GDP per capita? Yeah, just a bit above $300.

Mozambique has killer access to the ocean but has been weighed down by years of civil war. Fishing supports the economy while hydro-power waits in the wings. Still, many live on less than $4 a day, and it’s dealing with debt and insurgencies. GDP per capita? Under $700.

Yemen’s been stuck in crisis since 2011 with wars, protests, and corruption wiping out wealth and homes. It’s officially the least peaceful country and has a GDP per capita just over $400. The people are fighting for survival with no easy fixes in sight.

CAR has a bunch of natural treasures but can’t get its act together. Huge poverty and almost no infrastructure mean people struggle to get clean water or schools. Agriculture is the biggest job but lacks tools and roads. GDP per capita? Just under $600.

Burundi’s got a violent past with genocides and a decade-long civil war that wrecked its economy. Most people farm coffee, but land’s tight and poverty's everywhere. Only about 13% live in cities. GDP per capita? Hanging around $480.

South Sudan’s the baby of countries, born in 2011 but immediately thrown into civil war. It took most of Sudan’s oil but never cashed in, thanks to corruption and fighting. Two-thirds of the people live in extreme poverty, sneaking by on aid. GDP per capita? Just over $300.

The Solomon Islands is a bunch of remote islands with thick forests and volcano threats. It’s got fishing, timber, and palm oil cash but political clashes and natural disasters keep kicking it while it’s down. GDP per capita? Around $2200, which is better than some on this list, but life’s still tough here.