(Compiled by Aparna Sajinath)
This island nation, rich in biological resources, suffers from poverty because of poor infrastructure, environmental degradation and other factors that cause it to have a GDP per capita of $1,990.00. An average resident of Madagascar earns only $1 per day, and 70% of the population is malnourished. | Shutterstock
With a low GDP per capita of $1,880.00145, Liberia has a sluggish economy due to wars, political instability, and deficient infrastructure. | Shutterstock
With a GDP per capita of $1,860.00, this Central African country’s economy suffers due to its reliance on agriculture and growing population. Despite having rich oil resources, over 40% of its population is still below the national poverty line. | Shutterstock
Niger has a GDP per capita of $1,730.00 due to limited natural resources and frequent dry spells as the growing population relies on small-scale agriculture. The Sahara Desert, which takes up a huge portion of this country, also contributes to its poverty. | Shutterstock
The main reason for the bad economy in Malawi is climate change vulnerability, which affects agriculture, the main source of income for the growing population. Having a low GDP per capita of $1,710.00, it faces major monetary setbacks. | Shutterstock
This former colony of the Portuguese slipped into poverty after its independence in 1975 due to various reasons like war, natural calamities and rapid population growth. Despite having strong GDP growth, it remains one of the poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of $1,650.00. | Shutterstock
The largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo has a low GDP per capita of $1,570.00 due to its poor governance, corruption and political instability, despite being blessed with vast natural resources. | Shutterstock
This landlocked nation faces financial issues due to political instability and a lack of infrastructure. Although rich in resources like gold, diamonds, uranium, and oil, the Central African Republic (CAR) is still considered one of the poorest countries in the Sub-Saharan region, with a GDP per capita of $1,140.00. | Shutterstock
A small country in East Africa, Burundi faces economic challenges due to political turmoil, lack of infrastructural development and rapid growth of its population. It has a GDP per capita of $936.42. | Shutterstock
The youngest nation in the world, which gained independence in 2011, South Sudan, located in north-eastern Africa, tops the list of the poorest countries. With a population of around 11 million, ongoing issues like conflicts and wars contribute to the country’s low GDP per capita of $492.72. | Shutterstock