5 Least Developed Countries and Their Characteristics

In this article, we take a look at the 5 least developed countries and their characteristics. If you would like to take a detailed look at our analysis of the least developed countries, you can go to the 30 Least Developed Countries and Their Characteristics. 

5. Niger

Human Development Index (2021): 0.400

GDP per Capita (2024): $695.72

Literacy Rate (2022): 38%

Population in Multidimensional Poverty (2012): 90.97%

Niger has around 14 million individuals living below the poverty line, while 4.3 million people require humanitarian assistance. In January 2024, the country had around 690,000 internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and refugees, creating further growth barriers for the already dwindling economy. The country also ranks the worst in the world in terms of multidimensional poverty.