Overview
This lecture presents the ten poorest countries in the world in 2023, ranked by GDP per capita and highlights relevant social, economic, and humanitarian challenges.
Ranking of Poorest Countries (2023)
- Countries are ranked by GDP per capita (current prices, International Monetary Fund data).
- All ten have low Human Development Index (HDI) scores and face severe poverty and humanitarian issues.
Country Spotlights
10. Niger
- GDP per capita: $613; HDI: 0.400.
- 80% covered by Sahara Desert; rapid population growth stresses agriculture.
- Food insecurity, disease, and displacement by conflict are major issues.
- Noted recent peaceful transfer of power and 11% economic growth.
9. Mozambique
- GDP per capita: $587; HDI: 0.446.
- Impacts from Islamic insurgency in the gas-rich north.
- Despite past growth, poverty persists; IMF projects economic improvement.
8. Yemen
- GDP per capita: $573; HDI: 0.501.
- Ongoing conflict since 2015 has devastated economy and infrastructure.
- 24.1 million risk hunger and disease; 14 million need acute assistance.
7. Somalia
- GDP per capita: $544; no HDI.
- Data limited due to conflict; threats from drought, floods, and overgrazing.
- Half the population needs humanitarian aid.
6. Madagascar
- GDP per capita: $536; HDI: 0.501.
- High poverty due to political instability, weak infrastructure, and agricultural decline.
5. Central African Republic
- GDP per capita: $534; HDI: 0.404.
- Rich in natural resources but suffers from poverty, conflict, and food insecurity (2.7 million affected).
4. Malawi
- GDP per capita: $496; HDI: 0.512.
- Vulnerable to weather shocks; slow structural reforms.
- High rural food insecurity.
3. South Sudan
- GDP per capita: $467; HDI: 0.385.
- Plagued by violence, inequality, and climate events; over half face food insecurity.
2. Sierra Leone
- GDP per capita: $415; HDI: 0.477.
- Legacy of civil war, corruption, and poor infrastructure hamper development.
1. Burundi
- GDP per capita: $249; HDI: 0.426.
- Scarcity of resources, civil war legacy, and high food insecurity.
- Less than 5% have electricity; low access to water and sanitation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- GDP per capita — Economic output per person, often used to compare living standards.
- Human Development Index (HDI) — Composite measure of life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
- Food insecurity — Lack of reliable access to sufficient food.
- Desertification — Land degradation in arid areas due to various factors.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review details of each country for comparative analysis.
- Note key statistics for exam preparation.