A country’s wealth is usually determined by their GDP per capita. This is the income of the whole country divided by the population. The poorest countries are the ones with the lowest GDP per capita and they often have the least development in terms of infrastructure.
Interestingly, all of the top 10 poorest countries in the world are in Africa. We’ve compiled a list of these poor nations in the order of their GDP per capita.
-
ETHIOPIA – $567.8
Agriculture is the major source of income in this country. Unfortunately, the other sectors of their economy are poorly developed and offer little employment opportunities. The GDP per capita of Ethiopia is $567.8.
-
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) – $475.2
The government of DRC generates its income from agriculture, forestry, and the vibrant petroleum industry. However, lack of proper budgetary allocation has been responsible for the plight of this country. The GDP per capita is pegged at $475.2
-
LIBERIA – $461
The two Liberian Civil Wars have come with a grave economic consequence of impoverishing the country. This nation is dependent on agriculture and the exportation of iron ore and rubber. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of the past wars has been brain drain which the government hasn’t properly been able to rectify. The GDP of Liberia sits at $461.
-
MADAGASCAR – $449.4
Despite its abundant natural resources and vibrant agricultural sector, the political crises in Madagascar has deterred foreign investment and has put this country on the lower rungs of the wealth scale of Africa. The GDP per capita is $449.4
-
NIGER – $440
Coming at fifth on our list of top 10 poorest countries in Africa, Niger’s GDP per capita sits at $440. The problem with this country is that most of what they produced is usually exported to other underdeveloped countries in Africa, leading to low revenue generation.
-
GAMBIA – $422
The Gambia lacks mineral resources and agricultural land to promote better production. The country relies majorly on livestock farming. Their GDP per capita is $422.