TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The World Bank reported that 22 countries still have low-income status in 2024. The poverty level of these countries reached an average of 63 percent in 1987.

There are several possible reasons for the failure of these 22 countries to move out of low-income status. Starting from lack of good governance, being landlocked by other countries to political instability.

According to Forbes India, the following are the 10 poorest countries in the world based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) data as of February 21, 2024.

Here is the list of the world's poorest countries in 2024

1. South Sudan

As one of the world's newest countries, gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan faces significant economic challenges with limited infrastructure.

The country, which relies on its traditional agriculture, is facing extreme climate change. As a result, poverty is on the rise in this country of 11 million people.

2. Burundi

This small country in East Africa is struggling with socio-economic challenges. Burundi's economic growth has slowed due to rapid population growth.

With about 80 percent of the population dependent on agriculture, food insecurity in Burundi is extremely high.

3. Central African Republic

The Central African Republic struggles with armed conflict. The country's wealth in natural resources such as gold, oil, uranium, and diamonds contrasts sharply with the poverty of its citizens.

Severe cycles of floods and droughts also contribute to the economic conditions of the Central African Republic.

4. Democratic Republic of Congo

Although rich in natural resources such as cobalt and copper and the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, most of the population of the Democratic Republic of Congo lives on less than US$2.15 a day.

Limited access to education and health services, malnutrition, and high fertility rates hinder the country's development.

5. Mozambique

Mozambique is plagued by misery due to natural disasters, disease, high population growth, low agricultural productivity, and social inequality.

In addition, conditions are worsening due to attacks by rebel groups in the northern region of Mozambique.

6. Malawi

Malawi is known as a country that favors rain-fed agricultural systems. As a result, the southeastern African country is vulnerable to climate change and fluctuations in food commodity prices.

7. Niger

Niger has limited natural resources and struggles with drought, as 80 percent of the country is surrounded by the Sahara Desert.

The majority of the population also depends on small-scale agriculture, which is prone to failure due to climate instability.

8. Chad

Violations of human rights (HAM) and violence are among the things experienced by the political opposition in Chad.

Not only that, despite having high oil reserves, Chad's population relies on rain-fed agriculture which causes extreme poverty.

9. Liberia

Poverty in Liberia is the result of civil war and outbreaks such as Ebola, which have led to unstable infrastructure and limited public services.

Forced migration in Liberia also disrupts agricultural production and contributes to food shortages.

10. Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the year 2024. This island nation off the southeast coast of Africa has experienced numerous military coups and political crises since independence from France in 1960.

Political instability and limited human resources have exacerbated the domestic situation.

MELYNDA DWI PUSPITA

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