In a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigeria has been listed as the 12th poorest country in the world by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for 2025. The data, which was published by Visual Capitalist, places Nigeria at 178th out of 189 countries surveyed globally, with a GDP per capita of $807.
Although Nigeria is one of the largest economies in Africa in terms of total GDP, the report highlights a stark contrast in its GDP per capita ranking. The country’s vast population has significantly diluted its per capita income, resulting in its position among the world’s poorest nations.
South Sudan Tops the List of Poorest Countries
South Sudan holds the title of the poorest country in the world with a GDP per capita of just $251. This is followed by Yemen, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Malawi, which round out the bottom five.
India, despite being the fourth-largest economy globally by total GDP, is also included in the list. With a GDP per capita of $2,878, India ranks as the 50th poorest country, illustrating the discrepancy between the country’s overall economic strength and individual productivity.
According to the report, India’s inclusion in the list is a rare example of a large economy with low levels of individual wealth. Similarly, Nigeria, despite its growing total GDP, is another example of how a large population can depress the overall GDP per capita.
Chronic Economic Hardship in Nigeria
Nigeria’s low GDP per capita underscores the ongoing economic challenges faced by its population. Factors such as chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and an underdeveloped industrial base continue to impede income growth in the country. Despite global economic recovery following the pandemic, Nigeria has struggled to lift its citizens out of poverty.
“Chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and limited industrial bases continue to suppress income growth in many of them, even as the global economy rebounds after the pandemic,” the report stated.
Other African Countries in the Low GDP Per Capita Rankings
Several other African countries were also listed among the poorest by GDP per capita, including Madagascar, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Niger.
Notably, the report also acknowledged the absence of available data for countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Palestine.
This report serves as a reminder of the pressing challenges that nations like Nigeria face in overcoming economic hardships despite their large economic footprints.