5 Least Developed Countries and Their Characteristics

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.

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