Countries with the lowest gross domestic product per capita

A number of countries continue to rank among the lowest globally in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, reflecting persistent economic challenges and limited income levels for citizens.

According to 2026 data, nations such as Yemen, South Sudan and Burundi record some of the smallest per-person economic outputs, highlighting the impact of conflict, political instability and weak infrastructure on growth.

Others on the list, including the Central African Republic, Mozambique and Madagascar, face structural constraints such as low industrialisation and reliance on subsistence agriculture.

Malawi, Somalia, Niger and Sudan also feature, with modest gains often offset by population growth and external shocks.

GDP per capita, which measures average economic output per person, remains a key indicator of living standards.

The figures underscore the need for sustained investment, improved governance and economic diversification to boost productivity and raise incomes in these economies over time.