Top-10 Least Developed Countries in 2025, Check the List

Some countries in the world face greater challenges in development due to low income, weaker education and health systems, and high vulnerability to economic or environmental crises. The United Nations classifies such nations as Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to provide them with special support and global assistance, helping them improve living conditions, strengthen their economies, and work towards sustainable growth.

How the UN Decides LDC Status?

A country is placed in the LDC category based on three main criteria:

• Low Gross National Income (GNI) per person – showing low earnings.
• Low Human Assets Index (HAI) – poor health, education, and basic services.
• High Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) – high risk from economic changes or environmental disasters.

Top-10 Least Developed Countries in 2025

Afghanistan, with the GNI per capita of $437, stands as the least developed country by 2025, followed by Angola, Bangladesh and Benin.

Here is the list of top-10 least developed countries in 2025:

Afghanistan

With an income per person of only about $380, Afghanistan struggles due to decades of war, political instability, and a damaged economy. Being landlocked adds to its economic difficulties, making it dependent on aid and vulnerable to regional issues.

Angola

Although Angola earns from oil, the benefits have not reached most of its people. Its economy depends too much on global oil prices, and it scores low in education and healthcare, keeping it on the LDC list.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is making strong progress and is set to leave the LDC group in November 2026. Until then, it stays on the list to ensure a smooth shift to self-reliance while keeping its recent growth steady.

Benin

Benin’s income has crossed the LDC limit at $1,316, but its education and health scores remain low. The economy relies heavily on a few farm exports, which makes it vulnerable to price changes.

Burkina Faso

With an income of about $853 per person, Burkina Faso faces political unrest, security problems, and climate challenges like drought. Agriculture is its main industry, but it is fragile and slow to grow.

Burundi

Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with weak education, healthcare, and almost no economic variety. Political instability further slows down any progress.

Cambodia

Cambodia is on track to leave the LDC category in 2027. It has improved in both income and human development but still remains in a preparation phase to ensure stability after graduation.

Central African Republic

This country has an income of about $473 per person and has been badly affected by years of conflict. It faces a major humanitarian crisis, with very low health and education levels.

Chad

Chad earns mainly from oil and farming, but both are highly affected by global market changes and climate problems. Political unrest also continues to harm its development.

Comoros

Chad earns mainly from oil and farming, but both are highly affected by global market changes and climate problems. Political unrest also continues to harm its development.

Future Outlook

The 2025 LDC list has not changed much, but big changes are expected soon. According to a UN General Assembly decision, Bangladesh, Laos, and Nepal are set to leave LDC status in November 2026. This shows strong progress in their development plans and a better economic future. The UN explains that a country can graduate from the LDC group if it meets two out of three key criteria in two consecutive reviews, with graduation happening at least three years later.