Poverty rates in different countries of the world

Poverty levels around the world are measured using the global poverty line - the level of minimum income at which a person is considered to be living in extreme poverty. This indicator is used to analyze the extent of poverty in the world and to prioritize international aid. Extreme poverty refers to the inability to meet basic needs for food, shelter and health care.

From June 2025, the global poverty line is $3 per day at 2017 purchasing power parity (PPP). The increase is due to rising global inflation, changes in food and fuel prices, and a revised consumption basket, which now includes the goods and services necessary for life in the 21st century, such as access to basic education and sanitation.

Calculation methodology

The World Bank calculates the poverty line on a PPP basis to account for price differences between countries. However, the use of a single international poverty line does not ensure absolute comparability of results. The main approaches to poverty measurement include:

• Absolute approach: the boundary is set by a specific amount of money, which allows the poverty rate to be compared between countries.
• Relative approach: the poverty line is linked to the average (median) income level in the country in order to take into account real living standards and their dynamics.
• By criteria of material deprivationFor example, in the EU, a materially deprived person is a person who cannot afford certain material goods.

Ratings

As of 2024, the ranking of the world's poorest nations includes countries in Africa, Latin and Central America, Europe and Asia. Some countries with high poverty rates:

• AfricaBurundi (64.9% of population below the poverty line), South Sudan (82.3%), CAR (61.9%). These countries suffer from political instability, conflicts and dependence on agriculture.
• AsiaYemen (80% of population below the poverty line), Timor-Leste (41.8%). Here poverty is exacerbated by conflict and poor economic infrastructure.
• Latin AmericaHaiti (58.5% of population below the poverty line), Honduras (4.56%). The problems are related to natural disasters and political instability.

Global poverty remains highly unequal, with the highest concentration of the least developed countries in Africa. Conflict, dependence on agriculture, climate change and poor infrastructure remain key drivers of poverty, according to the 2024-2025 data.

Top 10 poorest countries in the world by GDP per capita (2025)

1. Burundi - $236.8: The country suffers from political crises, high infant mortality and dependence on agriculture.
2. Somalia - $445.8: Prolonged conflict and lack of centralized authority exacerbate poverty.
3. Mozambique - $500.4: Despite natural resources, the economy suffers from droughts and poverty.
4. Central African Republic - $511.5: Interreligious conflicts and low literacy rates hinder development.
5. Madagascar - $514.9: Dependence on agriculture and environmental problems increase poverty.
6. Sierra Leone - $515.9: High child mortality and low access to education.
7. Afghanistan - $516.7: Multi-year wars and limited investment opportunities.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo - $548.1: Despite rich deposits, corruption and conflict remain problems.
9. Niger - $594.9: Droughts and poor infrastructure limit development.
10. Eritrea - $642.5: Isolation and limited economic ties.

Poverty by region

• Africa: 34 countries on the continent are on the list of least developed countries. South Sudan (GDP: $1072) and Chad (GDP: $1268) also show critical levels of poverty due to conflict and hunger.
• Asia: Yemen ($1815) and Tajikistan ($4169) face the consequences of wars and weak economies.
• Europe: Moldova ($14,589) and Kosovo ($12,636) are the poorest countries in the region, despite having higher living standards compared to Africa.
• Latin America: Haiti ($2668) and Nicaragua ($6197) suffer from natural disasters and political instability.

Key causes of poverty

• Conflicts and instability (South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan).
• Dependence on agriculture (Niger, Mozambique).
• Climate risks (droughts in Africa, hurricanes in Haiti).
• Corruption and weak infrastructure (CAR, Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Predictions

The World Bank notes that the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have slowed progress in poverty reduction. However, countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are showing growth thanks to investments in education and infrastructure. Poverty remains critically high in Africa, but individual nations are showing signs of improvement. Global efforts to reduce inequality and promote sustainable development remain a priority for international organizations.

How has poverty in Asian countries changed over the last 10 years?

Based on 2023 information, poverty rates in some Asian countries have changed over the past 10 years as follows:

• Kyrgyzstan: During this period, the poverty rate decreased from 65% to 25% due to reforms in education and health care.

However, according to the Asian Development Bank's 2023 report, the overall poverty rate in developing Asia was higher than before the 2022 pandemic. It is estimated that between 3.9 and 4.1% of the population lived below the extreme poverty line. Poverty levels in Asian countries are influenced by various factors, including corruption, colonial past, weak rule of law, wars and social unrest, harsh climatic conditions and others.

The level of poverty in the world remains one of the most pressing problems requiring global efforts to reduce inequality and promote sustainable development. Concrete measures are needed to combat poverty in different countries and regions, including investment in education, health and infrastructure, as well as fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law.