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.
4. Sierra Leone
Human Development Index (2021): 0.477
GDP per Capita (2024): $416.58
Literacy Rate (2022): 49%
Population in Multidimensional Poverty (2019): 59.22%
The Sierra Leonean currency depreciated by 60% in 2022, which led to high inflation despite a global decrease in food and fuel prices. The World Bank outlines weak growth and declining macroeconomic fundamentals as some of the main issues for the country. This is why Sierra Leone is one of the least developed countries in the world.
3. Central African Republic
Human Development Index (2021): 0.404
GDP per Capita (2024): $572.90
Literacy Rate (2020): 37%
Population in Multidimensional Poverty (2018): 80.41%
The World Bank estimates that 3.5 million people in the Central African Republic are living in ‘extreme’ poverty, which is almost half of the total population. Despite abundant natural resources, totaling around 470 mineral occurrences, the country faces a dwindling economy owing to local crises and instability.
2. Burundi
Human Development Index (2021): 0.426
GDP per Capita (2024): $222.82
Literacy Rate (2022): 76%
Population in Multidimensional Poverty (2016): 75.10%
Burundi is one of the world’s most densely populated countries, with 80% of its population employed in the agricultural sector, making it highly prone to economic shocks due to the changing environment. In July 2023, headline inflation was 26% whereas food inflation was 35.8%, both prices an increase from the previous year.
1. South Sudan
Human Development Index (2021): 0.385
GDP per Capita (2024): $479.04
Literacy Rate (2018): 35%
Population in Multidimensional Poverty (2021): 52.3%
South Sudan has one of the world’s lowest literacy rates and the lowest GDP per capita, making it number one on our list of the least developed countries. Around 9.4 million are estimated to be in dire need of humanitarian assistance, which accounts for 76% of the population. The country has also suffered from severe droughts and floods, further impacting its economic growth.
You can also look at 22 Countries Most Likely To Survive Climate Change or 12 Asian Countries with the Best Economy Right Now.
