20 Least Productive Countries in the World

4. Korea, Democratic Republic of 

GDP per Hour Worked: $2 

The Democratic Republic of Korea is one of the poorest countries in the world with a GDP per hour worked at $2. The government has been reluctant to implement market-oriented economic reforms, which has hindered productivity growth. North Korea’s isolation from the global economy has prevented it from benefiting from international trade, investment, and technology transfer.