Poverty remains a serious challenge for many countries around the world. GDP per capita based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) shows how much money people in a country earn while considering the cost of living. In 2025, several nations face extreme poverty due to factors like conflict, poor infrastructure, and dependence on agriculture. This article list the top-10 poorest countries by GDP per capital PPP.
Methodology for Ranking Poorest Countries
To understand poverty, GDP per capital is calculated by dividing a country’s total GDP by its population. However, this measure alone is not enough because costs of living and inflation vary across country. That’s where Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) helps. PPP adjusts GDP per capita to reflect local prices and inflation, offering a clearer picture of how much people can buy in each country.
World’s Poorest Country by GDP per capita PPP
GDP per capita PPP: $960.24
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011 but remains the poorest in 2025 by GDP per capital PPP. Political instability, conflicts and poor infrastructure severely impact its economy. Most of its 11 million people rely on farming, but violence and extreme weather often disrupt agriculture, keeping poverty high in this landlocked region.
Top-10 Poorest Countries in the World 2025 by GDP per capita PPP
South Sudan, country located in Africa, stands as the poorest country in the world 2025 by GDP per capita of $960.24, followed by Burundi, Central African Republic and Malawi.
Here is the list of top-10 poorest country in the world 2025 by GDP per capital PPP:
Rank | Country | GDP Per Capita | Continent |
1. | South Sudan | $960.24 | Africa |
2. | Burundi | $1,010 | Africa |
3. | Central African Republic | $1,310 | Africa |
4. | Malawi | $1,760 | Africa |
5. | Mozambique | $1,790 | Africa |
6. | Somalia | $1,900 | Africa |
7. | Congo | $1,900 | Africa |
8. | Liberia | $2,000 | Africa |
9. | Yemen | $2,020 | Asia |
10. | Madagascar | $2,060 | Africa |