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In 2026, Yemen had a GDP per capita of just 384 U.S. dollars, the lowest in the world that year. South Sudan had the second-lowest GDP per capita this year, at just 488 dollars, with Burundi having the third-lowest at 546 dollars. The majority of the countries displayed here are in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region that faces various developmental challenges. 

Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa

Many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa have been among the most impoverished in the world for over a century, due to lacking nutritional and sanitation infrastructures, persistent conflict, and political instability. These issues are also being exacerbated by climate change, where African nations are some of the most vulnerable in the world. There are, however, some pockets of wealth in the region, especially in Southern Africa and around the Gulf of Guinea. Although many of these areas themselves have high levels of inequality.

Countries with highest GDP per capita

Liechtenstein had the highest GDP per capita in the world, at over 226,809 dollars in 2026, followed by Luxembourg at 158,733 dollars. In this year, the top five economies with the highest GDP per capita were all in Europe, with Singapore having the highest outside of Europe. These countries often benefit from being highly integrated with the global economy, advanced infrastructure, and high levels of internal stability.