Introduction
Poverty rates serve as an essential indicator of a country’s socio-economic well-being and the living conditions of its population. They provide valuable insights into the extent of economic inequality and the effectiveness of poverty alleviation measures. Understanding global poverty rates allows us to identify regions and countries that require urgent attention and targeted interventions to uplift vulnerable populations.
While significant progress has been made in reducing global poverty over the past few decades, the challenge remains daunting. According to the World Bank, approximately 9.2% of the world’s population, or around 689 million people, were living in extreme poverty in 2020, defined as surviving on less than $1.90 per day. This figure represents a decline from 10% in 2015 but underscores the persistence of poverty as a global issue.
The distribution of poverty is uneven across regions, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia being the most affected. These two regions account for the majority of the world’s poor, facing significant challenges related to limited access to basic services, inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and conflicts. However, poverty exists in varying degrees in every corner of the globe, including developed nations, where income inequality can still leave a substantial portion of the population struggling to meet their basic needs.
It is crucial to note that poverty is a multi-dimensional issue that goes beyond income levels. It encompasses inadequate access to education, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and decent housing. Poverty also disproportionately affects certain demographic groups, such as women, children, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities, further exacerbating social inequalities.
Countries by Poverty Rate
# | Country | Poverty Rate |
---|---|---|
1 | Equatorial Guinea | 76.8% |
2 | South Sudan | 76.4% |
3 | Madagascar | 70.7% |
4 | Guinea-Bissau | 69.3% |
5 | Eritrea | 69% |
6 | Burundi | 64.9% |
7 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 63.9% |
8 | Central African Republic | 62% |
9 | Guatemala | 59.3% |
10 | Eswatini | 58.9% |
11 | Haiti | 58.5% |
12 | Sierra Leone | 56.8% |
13 | South Africa | 55.5% |
14 | Togo | 55.1% |
15 | Afghanistan | 54.5% |
16 | Zambia | 54.4% |
17 | Malawi | 51.5% |
18 | Liberia | 50.9% |
19 | Lesotho | 49.7% |
20 | Yemen | 48.6% |
21 | Honduras | 48.3% |
22 | Senegal | 46.7% |
23 | Sudan | 46.5% |
24 | Mozambique | 46.1% |
25 | Guinea | 43.7% |
26 | Comoros | 42.4% |
27 | Chad | 42.3% |
28 | Mali | 42.1% |
29 | Mexico | 41.9% |
30 | Burkina Faso | 41.4% |
31 | Republic of the Congo | 40.9% |
32 | Niger | 40.8% |
33 | Nigeria | 40.1% |
34 | Papua New Guinea | 39.9% |
35 | Ivory Coast | 39.5% |
36 | Benin | 38.5% |
37 | Zimbabwe | 38.3% |
38 | Rwanda | 38.2% |
39 | Cameroon | 37.5% |
40 | Bolivia | 37.2% |
41 | Kenya | 36.1% |
42 | Colombia | 35.7% |
43 | Argentina | 35.5% |
44 | Syria | 35.2% |
45 | Gabon | 33.4% |
46 | Venezuela | 33.1% |
47 | Egypt | 32.5% |
48 | Angola | 32.3% |
49 | Mauritania | 31% |
50 | Fiji | 29.9% |
51 | Palestine | 29.2% |
52 | Mongolia | 28.4% |
53 | Lebanon | 27.4% |
54 | Brazil | 26.5% |
55 | Armenia | 26.4% |
56 | Tanzania | 26.4% |
57 | Tajikistan | 26.3% |
58 | Tuvalu | 26.3% |
59 | Seychelles | 25.3% |
60 | Nepal | 25.2% |
61 | Ecuador | 25% |
62 | Saint Lucia | 25% |
63 | Nicaragua | 24.9% |
64 | Palau | 24.9% |
65 | Myanmar | 24.8% |
66 | Montenegro | 24.5% |
67 | Bangladesh | 24.3% |
68 | Pakistan | 24.3% |
69 | Bulgaria | 23.8% |
70 | Romania | 23.8% |
71 | Ethiopia | 23.5% |
72 | Paraguay | 23.5% |
73 | Ghana | 23.4% |
74 | Serbia | 23.2% |
75 | Latvia | 22.9% |
76 | El Salvador | 22.8% |
77 | Tonga | 22.5% |
78 | Panama | 22.1% |
79 | India | 21.9% |
80 | Kiribati | 21.8% |
81 | Estonia | 21.7% |
82 | Uganda | 21.4% |
83 | Djibouti | 21.1% |
84 | Costa Rica | 21% |
85 | Dominican Republic | 21% |
86 | Spain | 20.7% |
87 | Lithuania | 20.6% |
88 | Samoa | 20.3% |
89 | Peru | 20.2% |
90 | Italy | 20.1% |
91 | Kyrgyzstan | 20.1% |
92 | Jamaica | 19.9% |
93 | Georgia | 19.5% |
94 | Botswana | 19.3% |
95 | Iraq | 18.9% |
96 | United Kingdom | 18.6% |
97 | Croatia | 18.3% |
98 | Laos | 18.3% |
99 | Greece | 17.9% |
100 | United States of America | 17.8% |
101 | Cambodia | 17.7% |
102 | Luxembourg | 17.5% |
103 | Namibia | 17.4% |
104 | Portugal | 17.2% |
105 | Malta | 17.1% |
106 | Sweden | 17.1% |
107 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 16.9% |
108 | Israel | 16.9% |
109 | Philippines | 16.7% |
110 | Switzerland | 16% |
111 | Japan | 15.7% |
112 | Jordan | 15.7% |
113 | Poland | 15.4% |
114 | Tunisia | 15.2% |
115 | Belgium | 14.8% |
116 | Germany | 14.8% |
117 | Cyprus | 14.7% |
118 | Turkey | 14.4% |
119 | Albania | 14.3% |
120 | Uzbekistan | 14.1% |
121 | France | 13.6% |
122 | Netherlands | 13.6% |
123 | Austria | 13.3% |
124 | Ireland | 13.1% |
125 | People's Republic of China | 13% |
126 | Norway | 12.7% |
127 | Solomon Islands | 12.7% |
128 | Vanuatu | 12.7% |
129 | Russia | 12.6% |
130 | Denmark | 12.5% |
131 | Australia | 12.4% |
132 | Hungary | 12.3% |
133 | Finland | 12.2% |
134 | Slovenia | 12% |
135 | Canada | 11.6% |
136 | Mauritius | 10.3% |
137 | Czech Republic | 10.1% |
138 | Thailand | 9.9% |
139 | Indonesia | 9.4% |
140 | Iceland | 8.8% |
141 | Uruguay | 8.8% |
142 | Chile | 8.6% |
143 | Bhutan | 8.2% |
144 | Maldives | 8.2% |
145 | Moldova | 7.3% |
146 | Vietnam | 6.7% |
147 | Azerbaijan | 6% |
148 | Malaysia | 5.6% |
149 | Algeria | 5.5% |
150 | Belarus | 5% |
151 | Morocco | 4.8% |
152 | Kazakhstan | 4.3% |
153 | Sri Lanka | 4.1% |
154 | Ukraine | 1.1% |
Countries With Highest Poverty Rates
The ten countries with the highest poverty rates in the world are Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Guatemala, and Eswatini. Equatorial Guinea tops the list with a poverty rate of 76.80%, followed closely by South Sudan at 76.40%. Madagascar ranks third with a poverty rate of 70.70%, while Guinea-Bissau and Eritrea hold the fourth and fifth positions with poverty rates of 69.30% and 69% respectively. Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo follow closely with poverty rates of 64.90% and 63.90% respectively. The Central African Republic ranks eighth with a poverty rate of 62%, while Guatemala and Eswatini complete the top ten with poverty rates of 59.30% and 58.90% respectively.
The ten countries with the highest poverty rates are :
1. Equatorial Guinea – 76.80%
2. South Sudan – 76.40%
3. Madagascar – 70.70%
4. Guinea-Bissau – 69.30%
5. Eritrea – 69%
6. Burundi – 64.90%
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo – 63.90%
8. Central African Republic – 62%
9. Guatemala – 59.30%
10. Eswatini – 58.90%
Country With the Highest Poverty Rate
Equatorial Guinea currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest poverty rate in the world. With a staggering poverty rate of 76.80%, the country faces significant challenges in ensuring the well-being of its population. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in terms of GDP per capita in Africa, the benefits of the country’s vast oil wealth have not been equally distributed among its citizens. High levels of income inequality, coupled with limited access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation, contribute to the persistently high poverty rate in Equatorial Guinea.
Poverty Rate by Country
Afghanistan
Poverty Rate
54.5%
Ranked in the World
#15
With a poverty rate of 54.50%, Afghanistan ranks fifteenth. Decades of conflict, political instability, and limited infrastructure have hindered the country's socio-economic progress, leading to widespread poverty and vulnerability for its population.
Albania
Poverty Rate
14.3%
Ranked in the World
#119
Algeria
Poverty Rate
5.5%
Ranked in the World
#149
Angola
Poverty Rate
32.3%
Ranked in the World
#48
Argentina
Poverty Rate
35.5%
Ranked in the World
#43
Armenia
Poverty Rate
26.4%
Ranked in the World
#55
Australia
Poverty Rate
12.4%
Ranked in the World
#131
Austria
Poverty Rate
13.3%
Ranked in the World
#123
Azerbaijan
Poverty Rate
6%
Ranked in the World
#147
Bangladesh
Poverty Rate
24.3%
Ranked in the World
#67
Belarus
Poverty Rate
5%
Ranked in the World
#150
Belgium
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Ranked in the World
#115
Benin
Poverty Rate
38.5%
Ranked in the World
#36
Bhutan
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Ranked in the World
#143
Bolivia
Poverty Rate
37.2%
Ranked in the World
#40
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Poverty Rate
16.9%
Ranked in the World
#107
Botswana
Poverty Rate
19.3%
Ranked in the World
#94
Brazil
Poverty Rate
26.5%
Ranked in the World
#54
Bulgaria
Poverty Rate
23.8%
Ranked in the World
#69
Burkina Faso
Poverty Rate
41.4%
Ranked in the World
#30
Burundi
Poverty Rate
64.9%
Ranked in the World
#6
With a poverty rate of 64.90%, Burundi is ranked sixth on the list. The country faces multiple challenges, including political instability, limited access to education and healthcare, and a high population density, which contributes to its high poverty levels.
Cambodia
Poverty Rate
17.7%
Ranked in the World
#101
Cameroon
Poverty Rate
37.5%
Ranked in the World
#39
Canada
Poverty Rate
11.6%
Ranked in the World
#135
Central African Republic
Poverty Rate
62%
Ranked in the World
#8
With a poverty rate of 62%, the Central African Republic holds the eighth position among countries with the highest poverty rates. The country faces numerous socio-economic challenges, including political instability and weak governance, hindering poverty alleviation efforts.
Chad
Poverty Rate
42.3%
Ranked in the World
#27
Chile
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Ranked in the World
#142
Colombia
Poverty Rate
35.7%
Ranked in the World
#42
Comoros
Poverty Rate
42.4%
Ranked in the World
#26
Costa Rica
Poverty Rate
21%
Ranked in the World
#84
Croatia
Poverty Rate
18.3%
Ranked in the World
#97
Cyprus
Poverty Rate
14.7%
Ranked in the World
#117
Czech Republic
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Ranked in the World
#137
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Poverty Rate
63.9%
Ranked in the World
#7
The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks seventh with a poverty rate of 63.90%. Despite its abundant natural resources, the country faces a range of challenges, including conflict, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, leading to widespread poverty.
Denmark
Poverty Rate
12.5%
Ranked in the World
#130
Djibouti
Poverty Rate
21.1%
Ranked in the World
#83
Dominican Republic
Poverty Rate
21%
Ranked in the World
#85
Ecuador
Poverty Rate
25%
Ranked in the World
#61
Egypt
Poverty Rate
32.5%
Ranked in the World
#47
El Salvador
Poverty Rate
22.8%
Ranked in the World
#76
Equatorial Guinea
Poverty Rate
76.8%
Ranked in the World
#1
Equatorial Guinea holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest poverty rate in the world. With a poverty rate of 76.80%, the country faces significant challenges in ensuring the well-being of its population.
Eritrea
Poverty Rate
69%
Ranked in the World
#5
Eritrea ranks fifth among countries with the highest poverty rates, with a poverty rate of 69%. The country's economy heavily relies on agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity.
Estonia
Poverty Rate
21.7%
Ranked in the World
#81
Eswatini
Poverty Rate
58.9%
Ranked in the World
#10
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, completes the top ten with a poverty rate of 58.90%. Despite its rich cultural heritage, the country faces challenges related to high unemployment rates, limited economic opportunities, and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, impacting poverty levels.
Ethiopia
Poverty Rate
23.5%
Ranked in the World
#71
Fiji
Poverty Rate
29.9%
Ranked in the World
#50
Finland
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Ranked in the World
#133
France
Poverty Rate
13.6%
Ranked in the World
#121
Gabon
Poverty Rate
33.4%
Ranked in the World
#45
Georgia
Poverty Rate
19.5%
Ranked in the World
#93
Germany
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Ranked in the World
#116
Ghana
Poverty Rate
23.4%
Ranked in the World
#73
Greece
Poverty Rate
17.9%
Ranked in the World
#99
Guatemala
Poverty Rate
59.3%
Ranked in the World
#9
Ranked ninth, Guatemala has a poverty rate of 59.30%. The country grapples with issues such as income inequality, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and high levels of violence, which contribute to its high poverty levels.
Guinea
Poverty Rate
43.7%
Ranked in the World
#25
Guinea-Bissau
Poverty Rate
69.3%
Ranked in the World
#4
Guinea-Bissau holds the fourth position with a poverty rate of 69.30%. The country faces numerous challenges, including political instability, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare, which contribute to its high poverty levels.
Haiti
Poverty Rate
58.5%
Ranked in the World
#11
Haiti ranks eleventh among countries with high poverty rates, with a poverty rate of 58.50%. The country has faced significant socio-economic challenges, including natural disasters, political instability, and limited access to basic services, which contribute to its persistent poverty levels.
Honduras
Poverty Rate
48.3%
Ranked in the World
#21
Hungary
Poverty Rate
12.3%
Ranked in the World
#132
Iceland
Poverty Rate
8.8%
Ranked in the World
#140
India
Poverty Rate
21.9%
Ranked in the World
#79
India, one of the world's most populous countries, faces significant challenges in addressing poverty. With a poverty rate of 21.90%, India struggles to lift a substantial portion of its population out of poverty. Despite sustained economic growth in recent years, income inequality, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and regional disparities contribute to the persistence of poverty in various parts of the country.
Indonesia
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Ranked in the World
#139
Iraq
Poverty Rate
18.9%
Ranked in the World
#95
Ireland
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Ranked in the World
#124
Israel
Poverty Rate
16.9%
Ranked in the World
#108
Italy
Poverty Rate
20.1%
Ranked in the World
#90
Ivory Coast
Poverty Rate
39.5%
Ranked in the World
#35
Jamaica
Poverty Rate
19.9%
Ranked in the World
#92
Japan
Poverty Rate
15.7%
Ranked in the World
#111
Jordan
Poverty Rate
15.7%
Ranked in the World
#112
Kazakhstan
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Ranked in the World
#152
Kenya
Poverty Rate
36.1%
Ranked in the World
#41
Kiribati
Poverty Rate
21.8%
Ranked in the World
#80
Kyrgyzstan
Poverty Rate
20.1%
Ranked in the World
#91
Laos
Poverty Rate
18.3%
Ranked in the World
#98
Latvia
Poverty Rate
22.9%
Ranked in the World
#75
Lebanon
Poverty Rate
27.4%
Ranked in the World
#53
Lesotho
Poverty Rate
49.7%
Ranked in the World
#19
With a poverty rate of 49.70%, Lesotho ranks nineteenth. The country faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, limited economic diversification, and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, all of which contribute to its high poverty levels.
Liberia
Poverty Rate
50.9%
Ranked in the World
#18
Liberia holds the eighteenth position among countries with high poverty rates, with a poverty rate of 50.90%. The country faces challenges such as weak infrastructure, limited access to basic services, and a history of civil conflict, which contribute to its persistent poverty levels.
Lithuania
Poverty Rate
20.6%
Ranked in the World
#87
Luxembourg
Poverty Rate
17.5%
Ranked in the World
#102
Madagascar
Poverty Rate
70.7%
Ranked in the World
#3
With a poverty rate of 70.70%, Madagascar ranks third on the list. Despite its rich biodiversity and natural resources, the country faces widespread poverty due to limited access to basic services and economic opportunities.
Malawi
Poverty Rate
51.5%
Ranked in the World
#17
With a poverty rate of 51.50%, Malawi ranks seventeenth. The country faces challenges related to agricultural productivity, climate change impacts, limited access to education and healthcare, and widespread food insecurity, all of which contribute to its high poverty rates.
Malaysia
Poverty Rate
5.6%
Ranked in the World
#148
Maldives
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Ranked in the World
#144
Mali
Poverty Rate
42.1%
Ranked in the World
#28
Malta
Poverty Rate
17.1%
Ranked in the World
#105
Mauritania
Poverty Rate
31%
Ranked in the World
#49
Mauritius
Poverty Rate
10.3%
Ranked in the World
#136
Mexico
Poverty Rate
41.9%
Ranked in the World
#29
Moldova
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Ranked in the World
#145
Mongolia
Poverty Rate
28.4%
Ranked in the World
#52
Montenegro
Poverty Rate
24.5%
Ranked in the World
#66
Morocco
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Ranked in the World
#151
Mozambique
Poverty Rate
46.1%
Ranked in the World
#24
Myanmar
Poverty Rate
24.8%
Ranked in the World
#65
Namibia
Poverty Rate
17.4%
Ranked in the World
#103
Nepal
Poverty Rate
25.2%
Ranked in the World
#60
Netherlands
Poverty Rate
13.6%
Ranked in the World
#122
Nicaragua
Poverty Rate
24.9%
Ranked in the World
#63
Niger
Poverty Rate
40.8%
Ranked in the World
#32
Nigeria
Poverty Rate
40.1%
Ranked in the World
#33
Norway
Poverty Rate
12.7%
Ranked in the World
#126
Pakistan
Poverty Rate
24.3%
Ranked in the World
#68
Palau
Poverty Rate
24.9%
Ranked in the World
#64
Palestine
Poverty Rate
29.2%
Ranked in the World
#51
Panama
Poverty Rate
22.1%
Ranked in the World
#78
Papua New Guinea
Poverty Rate
39.9%
Ranked in the World
#34
Paraguay
Poverty Rate
23.5%
Ranked in the World
#72
People's Republic of China
Poverty Rate
13%
Ranked in the World
#125
Peru
Poverty Rate
20.2%
Ranked in the World
#89
Philippines
Poverty Rate
16.7%
Ranked in the World
#109
Poland
Poverty Rate
15.4%
Ranked in the World
#113
Portugal
Poverty Rate
17.2%
Ranked in the World
#104
Republic of the Congo
Poverty Rate
40.9%
Ranked in the World
#31
Romania
Poverty Rate
23.8%
Ranked in the World
#70
Russia
Poverty Rate
12.6%
Ranked in the World
#129
Rwanda
Poverty Rate
38.2%
Ranked in the World
#38
Saint Lucia
Poverty Rate
25%
Ranked in the World
#62
Samoa
Poverty Rate
20.3%
Ranked in the World
#88
Senegal
Poverty Rate
46.7%
Ranked in the World
#22
Serbia
Poverty Rate
23.2%
Ranked in the World
#74
Seychelles
Poverty Rate
25.3%
Ranked in the World
#59
Sierra Leone
Poverty Rate
56.8%
Ranked in the World
#12
With a poverty rate of 56.80%, Sierra Leone occupies the twelfth position. The country faces challenges related to weak infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and the lingering effects of a civil war, all of which contribute to its high poverty rates.
Slovenia
Poverty Rate
12%
Ranked in the World
#134
Solomon Islands
Poverty Rate
12.7%
Ranked in the World
#127
South Africa
Poverty Rate
55.5%
Ranked in the World
#13
South Africa ranks thirteenth with a poverty rate of 55.50%. Despite being the continent's most developed economy, the country continues to grapple with high levels of income inequality, unemployment, and poverty, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
South Sudan
Poverty Rate
76.4%
Ranked in the World
#2
Ranked second among countries with the highest poverty rates, South Sudan struggles with a poverty rate of 76.40%. The country's ongoing conflicts and political instability contribute to the dire living conditions experienced by a significant portion of its population.
Spain
Poverty Rate
20.7%
Ranked in the World
#86
Sri Lanka
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Ranked in the World
#153
Sudan
Poverty Rate
46.5%
Ranked in the World
#23
Sweden
Poverty Rate
17.1%
Ranked in the World
#106
Switzerland
Poverty Rate
16%
Ranked in the World
#110
Syria
Poverty Rate
35.2%
Ranked in the World
#44
Tajikistan
Poverty Rate
26.3%
Ranked in the World
#57
Tanzania
Poverty Rate
26.4%
Ranked in the World
#56
Thailand
Poverty Rate
9.9%
Ranked in the World
#138
Togo
Poverty Rate
55.1%
Ranked in the World
#14
Togo holds the fourteenth position with a poverty rate of 55.10%. The country faces challenges related to limited economic diversification, low agricultural productivity, and inadequate access to essential services, contributing to its high poverty levels.
Tonga
Poverty Rate
22.5%
Ranked in the World
#77
Tunisia
Poverty Rate
15.2%
Ranked in the World
#114
Turkey
Poverty Rate
14.4%
Ranked in the World
#118
Tuvalu
Poverty Rate
26.3%
Ranked in the World
#58
Uganda
Poverty Rate
21.4%
Ranked in the World
#82
Ukraine
Poverty Rate
1.1%
Ranked in the World
#154
United Kingdom
Poverty Rate
18.6%
Ranked in the World
#96
United States of America
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Ranked in the World
#100
Uruguay
Poverty Rate
8.8%
Ranked in the World
#141
Uzbekistan
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Ranked in the World
#120
Vanuatu
Poverty Rate
12.7%
Ranked in the World
#128
Venezuela
Poverty Rate
33.1%
Ranked in the World
#46
Vietnam
Poverty Rate
6.7%
Ranked in the World
#146
Yemen
Poverty Rate
48.6%
Ranked in the World
#20
Yemen completes the top twenty with a poverty rate of 48.60%. The country's ongoing conflict, political instability, and limited access to basic services have created a severe humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread poverty and food insecurity for its population.
Zambia
Poverty Rate
54.4%
Ranked in the World
#16
Zambia occupies the sixteenth spot with a poverty rate of 54.40%. Despite being rich in natural resources, the country faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure, contributing to its high poverty levels.
Zimbabwe
Poverty Rate
38.3%
Ranked in the World
#37
FAQs
What percentage of the world lives in poverty ?
As of 2020, approximately 9.2% of the world’s population, or around 689 million people, were living in extreme poverty. This figure represents individuals living on less than $1.90 per day. While this percentage signifies progress compared to previous years, it underscores the ongoing challenge of poverty on a global scale.
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