The disparity in wealth between the richest and poorest countries in the world can be absolutely mind blowing. According to the latest numbers, in the United States roughly 11% of the population lives below the poverty line. That's pretty bad, but as we'll see in a moment, plenty of countries featured a substantially higher percentage of their respective populations living below the poverty line.
Another way to examine wealth (or lack thereof) in a country would be to look at Gross Domestic Product per capita based on purchasing power parity (GDP-PPP).
The country with the highest GDP-PPP is Luxembourg, with $140,000 GDP-PPP. The United States' GDP-PPP is $76,000.
The country with the lowest GDP-PPP is Burundi. The GDP-PPP in Burundi is $856.
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The 10 Poorest Countries in the World
#1: Burundi
Burundi is a landlocked country in East Africa that has struggled with political instability, corruption, and poverty for decades. Over 60% of the population lives below the poverty line, and the country has a GDP per capita of only $261. Between these two metrics, poverty line and GDP, Burundi is the poorest country in the world.
#2: South Sudan
South Sudan is the world's newest country, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011. However, it has been plagued by conflict and economic instability ever since, with a GDP per capita of only $303.
#3: Malawi
Malawi is a small country in southeast Africa that has faced numerous challenges, including droughts, floods, and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Over 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, and the country has a GDP per capita of $347.
#4: Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in central Africa that has been wracked by conflict and instability for years. Over 70% of the population lives in poverty, and the country has a GDP per capita of only $373.
#5: Mozambique
Mozambique is a country in southeast Africa that has made progress in recent years, but still faces significant economic challenges. It has a high debt burden and struggles with poverty and corruption, with a GDP per capita of $502.
#6: Niger
Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa that faces numerous challenges, including desertification, food insecurity, and political instability. Over 40% of the population lives in poverty, and the country has a GDP per capita of only $537.
#7: Liberia
Liberia is a country in West Africa that is still recovering from a devastating civil war that ended in 2003. It has struggled with poverty and a lack of infrastructure, with a GDP per capita of $633.
#8: Madagascar
Madagascar is a large island nation off the coast of southeast Africa that has struggled with political instability and poverty for years. It has a high rate of deforestation and struggles with food insecurity, with a GDP per capita of $665.
#9: Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a large country in central Africa that has been plagued by conflict and instability for decades. It has vast natural resources, but most of its population lives in poverty, with a GDP per capita of only $785.
#10: Afghanistan
Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South Asia that has faced numerous challenges, including war, terrorism, and poverty. It has a high rate of illiteracy and a lack of infrastructure, with a GDP per capita of $524.
In closing…
These 10 countries face significant challenges in terms of poverty, political instability, and a lack of infrastructure. While some have made progress in recent years, they still have a long way to go to achieve economic and social development.
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