Top 10 poorest countries in the world in 2026

 

Poverty remains one of the world’s most persistent challenges, affecting millions of people despite economic progress in many regions. Limited access to healthcare, education, stable employment and basic necessities continues to shape the daily lives of people in some of the poorest nations.

Measuring poverty requires more than income alone. Indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, the Human Development Index (HDI) and the percentage of people living on less than $3 per day provide a broader understanding of living standards, economic opportunities and overall well-being.

Together, these measures reveal the gap that often exists between a country’s economic output and the quality of life experienced by its citizens. They also highlight the challenges governments face in improving access to essential services and creating opportunities for long-term development.

Read also: Top 10 poorest countries in 2025

Based on GDP per capita, HDI scores and poverty rates, the following countries rank among the poorest in the world.

1. Burundi

GDP per Capita: $1,030
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.439
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 74%

Burundi ranks as the poorest country on this list based on GDP per capita. A large share of the population depends on agriculture for survival, while access to infrastructure and public services remains limited in many areas. With nearly three-quarters of citizens living on less than $3 a day, many households continue to face daily financial pressure.

2. Central African Republic

GDP per Capita: $1,470
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.414
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 71%

The Central African Republic has one of the lowest human development scores in the world. Many communities face difficulties accessing education, healthcare and employment opportunities. More than seven in ten people live below the $3-a-day poverty threshold, highlighting the scale of economic hardship across the country.

3. South Sudan

GDP per Capita: $1,540
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.388
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 76%

South Sudan records the lowest HDI score among the countries on this list. Poverty affects a large portion of the population, with over three-quarters living on less than $3 per day. Access to essential services remains a challenge for many families, particularly in rural communities.

Read also: 20 of 26 poorest countries may remain poor by 2050 — World Bank

4. Yemen

GDP per Capita: $1,600
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.470
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 33%

Yemen continues to face economic and social challenges that have affected living standards. While its poverty rate is lower than several countries on this list, income levels remain among the lowest globally. Many households rely on limited resources to meet daily needs.

5. Mozambique

GDP per Capita: $1,700
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.493
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 81%

Mozambique has one of the highest poverty rates among the countries listed. More than eight in ten people live on less than $3 a day. Despite economic activity in sectors such as mining and agriculture, many citizens continue to experience low incomes and limited access to services.

6. Malawi

GDP per Capita: $1,800
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.517
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 75%

Malawi’s economy is largely supported by agriculture, which employs a significant share of the population. Poverty remains widespread, affecting three out of every four residents. Access to healthcare, education and employment continues to influence living conditions across the country.

7. Somalia

GDP per Capita: $1,960
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.404
Poverty Rate at $3/day: N/A

Somalia records one of the lowest human development scores globally. Although poverty data based on the $3-per-day benchmark is unavailable, income levels remain low. Many families depend on farming, livestock and remittances from relatives abroad to support household needs.

8. Liberia

GDP per Capita: $2,100
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.510
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 33%

Liberia has made progress in rebuilding parts of its economy, but income levels remain low compared with global averages. One-third of the population lives below the $3-a-day threshold, while challenges relating to employment and public services continue to affect many communities.

Read also: Top 10 poorest countries in Africa in 2024 – IMF

9. Madagascar

GDP per Capita: $2,110
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.487
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 69%

Madagascar remains one of the world’s lowest-income countries despite its natural resources and agricultural sector. Nearly seven in ten people live on less than $3 per day. Many households depend on small-scale farming as their primary source of income.

10. Democratic Republic of Congo

GDP per Capita: $2,140
HDI Score (UNDP): 0.522
Poverty Rate at $3/day: 85%

The Democratic Republic of Congo records the highest poverty rate on this list, with 85 per cent of the population living on less than $3 a day. Despite its vast mineral resources, many citizens continue to face low incomes and limited access to essential services.