In this article, we discuss 5 poorest countries in Asia. If you want to see more of the poorest countries in this region, check out 20 Poorest Countries in Asia.
5. Nepal
GDP Per Adult in 2021: $1,812
Nepal, known officially as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked nation situated in South Asia. The capital city of Kathmandu serves as the administrative center and is also the largest city in the country. Nepal joined the United Nations in 1955 and established friendship treaties with India in 1950 and China in 1960. It serves as the host for the permanent secretariat of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), of which it is a founding member. Additionally, Nepal is part of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Bay of Bengal Initiative. In 2021, the country’s GDP per adult stood at $1,812, making it one of the poorest Asian nations.
4. Syria
GDP Per Adult in 2021: $1,590
Syria, known officially as the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country situated in the Levant region of Western Asia, located in the Eastern Mediterranean. It holds membership in the Arab League and the Non-Aligned Movement. Unfortunately, Syria has consistently ranked at the bottom of the Global Peace Index from 2016 to 2018, indicating its status as the world’s most violent country due to the ongoing war. This conflict has had detrimental effects on the country’s economy, exacerbating the situation with a large portion of the population living in poverty and experiencing food insecurity. In 2021, Syria’s total wealth came in at $18 billion, making it one of the poorest countries in the world.
3. Tajikistan
GDP Per Adult in 2021: $1,561
Tajikistan, known officially as the Republic of Tajikistan, is a landlocked nation situated in Central Asia. Dushanbe serves as both its capital and largest city. Tajikistan is categorized as a developing country with an economy in transition. It heavily relies on remittances, as well as the production of aluminum and cotton, as key pillars of its economy. In 2021, Tajikistan’s GDP per adult was $1,561, making it one of the poorest Asian countries.
2. Afghanistan
GDP Per Adult in 2021: $1,149
Afghanistan is a landlocked country situated at the junction of Central Asia and South Asia. Throughout its history since the late 1970s, Afghanistan has experienced prolonged periods of conflict, encompassing coups, invasions, insurgencies, and civil wars. The nation is endowed with valuable natural resources, including lithium, iron, zinc, and copper. Afghanistan is also one of the world’s largest producers of opium, cannabis, saffron, and cashmere. However, Afghanistan remains among the world’s least developed countries, grappling with the consequences of decades of warfare. The nation faces significant challenges, including terrorism, poverty, and malnutrition, particularly affecting children. In 2021, the GDP per adult was $1,149, making Afghanistan one of the poorest Asian countries.
1. North Korea
GDP Per Adult in 2021: $931
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is an East Asian country. The capital and largest city of North Korea is Pyongyang. The state controls the means of production through state-run enterprises and collectivized farms. Essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, and food production are largely subsidized or funded by the state. A United Nations inquiry conducted in 2014 examined human rights abuses in North Korea and concluded that the severity, extent, and nature of these violations were unprecedented, indicating a unique situation that lacks comparison in the contemporary world. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch share similar perspectives on the human rights situation in North Korea. In 2021, North Korea’s GDP per adult was $931, making it one of the poorest Asian countries.
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