Nigeria has been ranked as the 12th poorest country in the world based on GDP per capita in 2025, according to new data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), published by Visual Capitalist.
The report shows that Nigeria’s GDP per capita stands at just \$807, placing it among the bottom 15 out of 50 countries surveyed. This ranking highlights the deep economic struggles facing many Nigerians, despite the country being one of Africa’s largest economies by total GDP.
South Sudan is ranked the world’s poorest country, with a GDP per capita of only \$251. Other countries listed in the bottom five include Yemen, Burundi, Central African Republic, and Malawi.
According to Visual Capitalist, factors such as ongoing conflict, weak institutions, and limited industrial growth continue to hold back income and development in many of these nations.
“Africa, in particular, is heavily underrepresented on the world stage. It accounts for 19% of the global population and only 3% of the \$113 trillion global economy,” the report said.
The report also noted that countries like India, despite being one of the largest economies by size, still have low income levels per person. India ranked 50th poorest, with a GDP per capita of \$2,878.
Other African countries that appeared on the poorest list include Madagascar, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Niger.
