Nigeria has been ranked the 12th poorest country in the world by GDP per capita in 2025, according to new data published by Visual Capitalist using figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Out of 189 countries reviewed, Nigeria came in at 178th place, with an average economic output of just $807 per person.
The report explained that while Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies by total GDP, its massive population drags down its GDP per capita, a key measure of individual wealth.
“GDP per capita offers a quick litmus test of how wealth is generated per person within a country. By dividing total economic output by population, it levels the playing field between nations of very different sizes,” the report stated.
South Sudan was listed as the poorest country globally, with a GDP per capita of $251, followed by Yemen, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Malawi.
Nigeria’s ranking highlights the deep economic struggles that persist across the country. Despite its oil wealth and position as a continental powerhouse, much of the population continues to live in poverty.
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“Chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and limited industrial bases continue to suppress income growth in many of them, even as the global economy rebounds after the pandemic,” Visual Capitalist explained, referring to low-income nations.
According to IMF data, India also made the list, coming in as the 50th poorest country, despite being the fourth-largest economy in the world. It recorded a GDP per capita of $2,878, underscoring how population size can obscure overall wealth figures.
“More startlingly, India makes the list as well. It is the 50th poorest by GDP per capita at $2,878, a rare case of a global top five economy by GDP having low levels of individual productivity.
“Nigeria is another less dramatic example of large economy whose population brings down its GDP per capita,” the report added.
Several other African countries were ranked among the poorest globally, including Madagascar, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Niger.
No data was available for seven countries, including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Palestine.
