Global Poverty Mapping: 50 Countries with the Most Critical Per Capita Incomes in 2025

The Heart of Poverty: Sub-Saharan Africa Dominates

In 2025, the world’s poorest countries are heavily concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa. South Sudan has the lowest GDP per capita in the world at only $251, followed by Yemen (417 $) and Burundi (490 $). This concentration reveals deep structural economic challenges in the region.

The Central African Republic (532 $), Malawi (580 $), and Madagascar (595 $) complete this critical African trio. Sudan (625 $), Mozambique (663 $), and the DRC (743 $) continue this alarming trend of extremely low incomes, reflecting persistent instability and limited resources.

From West Africa to South Asia: a Global Reality

Niger (751 $), Somalia (766 $), and Nigeria (807 $) complete the West African picture. Liberia (908 $), Sierra Leone (916 $), and Mali (936 $) highlight the region’s chronic economic disparities. The Gambia (988 $) and Chad (991 $) close this group of the most decimated incomes.

Beyond Africa, Asian economies are emerging in this ranking of countries with the tightest incomes. Myanmar (1 177 $), Tajikistan (1 432 $), Nepal (1 458 $), and Timor-Leste (1 491 $) illustrate how poverty transcends continental borders.

The Emerging Middle Class: Between $1,500 and $2,900

An intermediate segment emerges between $1,500 and $2,900: Bangladesh (2 689 $), Cambodia (2 870 $), Ivory Coast (2 872 $), and India (2 878 $) represent transitioning economies. These countries, although still among the poorest globally, show signs of gradual development compared to the 50 nations with the most critical incomes.

Regional Disparities and Wealth Concentration

The 2025 data confirm a persistent trend: extremely limited incomes tend to cluster geographically, mainly in regions facing political instability, armed conflicts, or poorly exploited natural resources. This mapping of global deprivation highlights the urgent need for sustainable development policies and targeted international investments.