In this article, we shall discuss the world’s 10 poorest countries based on percentage of population living below the poverty line. To read our detailed analysis of global poverty and the efforts underway to alleviate poverty rates and meet the climate challenges, go directly and see World’s 50 Poorest Countries Based on Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line.
10. Eswatini
Poverty Rate: 58.9%
With a poverty rate of 58.9%, a majority of Eswatini’s population lives below the poverty line primarily because of the population’s immense dependence on agriculture and a glaring lack of quality employment. Eswatini faces frequent droughts, prolonged dry spells, inadequate technologies, and low investment in agriculture.
9. Guatemala
Poverty Rate: 59.3%
The government of Guatemala does not invest adequately in public services, which contributes to a high rate of poverty in the country. Due to the lack of investments, the citizens of Guatemala do not have a reliable access to quality education and an effective healthcare system.
8. Central African Republic
Poverty Rate: 62%
The Central African Republic accepts aid from various wealthy countries because of its escalating poverty rate. This is primarily because of a poor geographical infrastructure and a poorly-developed healthcare system, which deprives the citizens of basic needs and services.
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Poverty Rate: 63.9%
People of the Democratic Republic of the Congo do not have access to effective healthcare, which makes illness and poor health main outcomes of the poverty prevalent in the country. Lack of quality education, political instability, and a lack of formal economic opportunities contribute greatly to the increasing poverty rate in the country.
6. Burundi
Poverty Rate: 64.9%
Approximately 85% of Burundi’s population is employed in the small-scale subsistence farming sector. Thus, a major portion of the poverty rate stems from the lack of land, lack of cattle, and high levels of floods and droughts. Due to the increased rate of poverty, the population suffers from various diseases, including malaria and HIV/AIDS.
5. Eritrea
Poverty Rate: 69%
Famine, drought, and recurring war have greatly contributed to around 69% of Eritrea’s population living below the poverty line. Since the livelihood of its citizens primarily depends on subsistence agriculture, issues associated with farming have a drastic impact on the population of Eritrea.
4. Guinea-Bissau
Poverty Rate: 69.3%
Ever since its independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has been subject to political instability. This has led to its citizens being deprived of developments in terms of infrastructure and healthcare. Due to this, the country has a chronic malnutrition rate of over 25% and an increased infant mortality rate.
3. Madagascar
Poverty Rate: 70.7%
Madagascar suffers from an exceedingly high poverty rate due to a multitude of reasons. Some of these reasons include lack of infrastructure, deforestation, global rise in food prices, and economic colonialism. Due to the increasing poverty rate, many children in the country are forced into child labor.
2. South Sudan
Poverty Rate: 76.4%
South Sudan has an extremely high poverty rate as the country lacks access to services, developed infrastructure, and political stability. The country’s economy and livelihood mainly depends on subsistence agriculture; however, due to lower productivity rates, food is incredibly scarce.
1. Equatorial Guinea
Poverty Rate: 76.8%
Despite being the third richest African country in terms of per capita income which stands at $8,462, Equatorial Guinea has a staggering poverty rate of 76.8%. This is primarily because of incredibly high levels of income inequality. A vast majority of people in the country do not have access to basic services, like education, healthcare, and sanitation.
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