GDP per capita, calculated by dividing a country’s total economic output by its population, serves as a useful indicator of individual economic productivity. According to 2025 estimates from the International Monetary Fund, the latest data highlights stark disparities across global economies. South Sudan tops the list as the poorest country, with a GDP per capita of just $251.
Wealth Disparities: How Population Size and Geography Shape GDP Per Capita
India, surprisingly, also appears on the list—ranking 50th with a per capita GDP of $2,878—despite being one of the world’s top five economies by total GDP. This reveals how a large population can significantly dilute per-person wealth. Nigeria offers a similar example, ranking 8th poorest with a GDP per capita of $807, despite its substantial economy.
The economic gap among these low-ranking nations is wide. South Sudan’s per capita output is nearly one-eleventh that of India’s, even though both appear in the bottom 50. Several Pacific island nations like the Solomon Islands and Kiribati also rank low due to economic isolation and limited industrial diversity. In contrast, Caribbean island nations—though also small—tend to be wealthier, often benefiting from legacy colonial systems that left behind advanced legal and financial infrastructures.
Sub-Saharan Struggles: Africa’s Economic Marginalization in a Global Economy
Regionally, most of the poorest countries are concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a few from South Asia and the Pacific. Many of these nations face ongoing struggles such as political instability, weak institutions, and minimal industrial development, which continue to hinder income growth despite global economic recovery.
Africa is particularly underrepresented in terms of global economic influence. Although it accounts for 19% of the world’s population, it contributes just 3% to the $113 trillion global economy. This imbalance underscores the persistent challenges facing the continent in terms of development and equitable growth.
Summary:
According to IMF’s 2025 data, South Sudan is the poorest country by GDP per capita ($251), while India ranks 50th despite its large economy. Sub-Saharan Africa dominates the list due to weak institutions and conflict. The continent holds 19% of the world’s population but contributes only 3% to global GDP.
