5 Most Impoverished Countries in Asia

In this article, we take a look at the 5 most impoverished countries in Asia. If you would like to take a detailed look at our analysis of the Asian economy, you can go to the 25 Most Impoverished Countries in Asia. 

5. Nepal

GDP per Capita (2022): $1,336.5

Poverty Headcount (2010): 25.2%

Poverty Gap (2010): 1.6%

Gini Index Value (2010): 32.8

Average Rank: 10

UNICEF reports that two-thirds of the children in Nepal are deprived of at least one of the seven basic needs. This is why Nepal is one of the most impoverished countries in Asia.

4. Tajikistan

GDP per Capita (2022): $1,054.2

Poverty Headcount (2022): 22.5%

Poverty Gap (2015): 1.4%

Gini Index Value (2015): 34

Average Rank: 9.5 

Tajikistan has one of the lowest GDP per capita rates in Asia. Paired with 22.5% of its population below the poverty line, it makes Tajikistan one of the poorest countries in the Asian continent.

3. Syria

GDP per Capita (2021): $420.6

Poverty Headcount (2007): 35.2%

Poverty Gap (2003): 0.2%

Gini Index Value (2003): 37.5

Average Rank: 7.5 

According to UNICEF data, almost 7.4 million Syrian children require humanitarian assistance as of 2024. The ongoing crisis in the country has had a profound impact on its economic standing, pushing a considerable chunk of the population into poverty.

2. Yemen

GDP per Capita (2022): $650.3

Poverty Headcount (2014): 48.6%

Poverty Gap (2014): 4.8%

Gini Index Value (2014): 36.7

Average Rank: 4.5

Yemen has one of the highest poverty headcounts in Asia, with 48.6% of its population living below the national poverty line. Within these individuals, the average person earns 4.8% less than $2.15 a day.

1. Afghanistan

GDP per Capita (2021): $355.8

Poverty Headcount (2016): 54.5%

Poverty Gap: N/A

Gini Index Value: N/A

Average Rank: 1

Afghanistan is ranked first on our list of the most impoverished Asian countries because it has the highest poverty headcount and the lowest GDP per capita in the Asian continent. The country also has the second-lowest GDP per capita value in the entire world. 

You can take a peek at 25 States with the Highest Poverty Rates in the US and 20 Most Underrated Travel Destinations in Asia.