The 50 Most Fragile Economies in the World: Income per Capita Overview in 2025

Wealth is not evenly distributed across the planet. According to the latest data from 2025, GDP per capita reveals vast disparities between nations. The 50 poorest countries form a map of economic vulnerability, mainly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The Heart of Poverty: East and Central Africa

South Sudan ranks as the most unfortunate with only $251 of GDP per capita. Yemen follows closely with $417, a situation worsened by geopolitical crises. In Central Africa, the picture is equally concerning: Myanmar (1,177 $), Tanzania (1,280 $), and Zambia (1,332 $) struggled to surpass $1,500 in 2025.

In the heart of the African continent, Burundi (490 $), the Central African Republic (532 $), and Malawi (580 $) illustrate the structural challenges of Sahelian economies. Madagascar (595 $), Sudan (625 $), and Mozambique (663 $) complete this bleak portrait of East and Central Africa.

Sub-Saharan Nations Facing Inequalities

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (743 $), Niger (751 $), and Somalia (766 $) are among the most affected. Nigeria, despite its large population, recorded an average income of $807 per inhabitant. Mali (936 $), Liberia (908 $), and Sierra Leone (916 $) show the extent of obstacles to economic development in the Sahel.

South Asia Confronting Similar Challenges

Beyond Africa, Nepal (1,458 $), Bangladesh (2,689 $), and India (2,878 $) — the most populous of the 50 poorest countries — illustrate how a large population does not guarantee widespread prosperity. Tajikistan (1,432 $), and Kyrgyzstan (2,747 $) reflect the economic issues of Central Asia.

Critical Thresholds and Regional Dynamics

Between $1,000 and $2,000 of GDP per capita are Rwanda (1,043 $), Togo (1,053 $), Ethiopia (1,066 $), and Lesotho (1,098 $). This range represents a critical zone where economies struggle to take off despite some progress. Cameroon (1,865 $), Guinea (1,904 $), and Laos (2,096 $) approach the $2,000 threshold.

A Geography of Vulnerability

Data from 2025 of the 50 poorest countries in the world reveal an alarming pattern: Sub-Saharan Africa concentrates the majority of critical cases. Senegal (1,811 $), Ghana (2,519 $), and Ivory Coast (2,872 $) still embody a certain relative stability compared to the most fragile.

Contrasting Realities

Haiti (2,672 $) represents the challenges of the American continent, while Papua New Guinea (2,565 $) and the Solomon Islands (2,379 $) show how geographic isolation can hinder development. Timor-Leste (1,491 $), Zimbabwe (2,199 $), and Congo (2,356 $) complete this mosaic of nations in persistent economic difficulty.

These figures reflect decades of political instability, insufficient infrastructure, and limited access to educational and technological resources. Transforming this reality will require massive investments and deep institutional reforms.