By Hemant SharmaPoverty remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world especially in Muslim countries. In the last few years, many countries have faced ongoing economic problems because of factors like war, political instability, lack of resources, and high debts. These challenges keep them trapped in cycles of poverty which make it difficult for the people to get basic needs like food, health, and education.
Countries like Yemen and Afghanistan struggling with ongoing wars, top the list of the poorest nations due to destroyed infrastructure and shattered economics. Meanwhile, countries like Somalia and Sudan struggle with climate problems, job shortages, and poor leadership which slow down their economic growth. Even resource-rich nations like Niger struggle to improve the living conditions of their people due to inequality and poor resource management.
Despite these hardships, the people in these countries remain strong and have a rich culture and deep faith. However, millions of people face daily struggles with hunger, unemployment, and inadequate public services. The lack of steady work and low wages further intensifies the poverty in these regions.
Now we will check the Top 10 Poorest Muslim Countries in the World in 2025.
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s GDP per capita stands at around $411 making it the poorest Muslim country in the world. Decades of war and a recent takeover by the Taliban have left the economy in shambles. The country is heavily dependent on foreign aid and agriculture. However political instability, no proper planning for the country’s development, and environmental challenges hinder economic growth. In addition to poverty, millions of Afghans face unemployment, malnutrition, and a lack of access to basic services. Since the Taliban’s return to power, the international community has imposed different types of sanctions worsening the economic crises.
2. Yemen
Yemen follows very closely with a GDP per capita of approximately $477. Since 2014 Yemen has been embroiled in the devastating civil war that has badly destroyed the country’s infrastructure and economy. The conflict has led to massive displacement, hunger, and a breakdown of public services.
It is now facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world with over 80% of the population in need of international aid. The war has made poverty worse and left millions without proper healthcare, food, and education.
3. Somalia
Somalia with a GDP per capita at around $597 remains another poorest Muslim country in the world. The ongoing conflict, political unrest has severely crippled the infrastructure and economy of the country. Nearly 3 decades of civil war have left Somalia with a shattered economy. Many people struggle to access basic services like healthcare, education, and sanitation.
Any country’s economy primarily depends on agriculture but recurring droughts and instability make the progress nearly impossible. The humanitarian crises, compounded by insufficient grants leave millions of Somalis struggling to survive.
4. Niger
Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, has a GDP per capita of $ 642.9. Niger has valuable natural resources like Uranium. However poor governance and lack of infrastructure keep it one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy mainly depends on agriculture. However, droughts, poor soil, and low productivity make growth difficult. Niger also has a high fertility rate, contributing to rapid population growth which increases pressure on limited resources. The country lacks basic services like education and healthcare. This makes economic problems worse and leaves many people in extreme poverty.
5. Mali
Mali with a GDP per capita of $869.3 faces ongoing challenges of political instability, violent terrorism, and economic underdevelopment. Climate change badly affects the country’s agriculture. Weak governance and corruption make it hard to manage the resources properly. Mali has gold reserves but mining revenue has not reduced poverty. Poor infrastructure and lack of investment are some major reasons for poverty.
6. Syria
You know that Syria has faced one of the most destructive Civil wars in history, right? And that is purely one of the biggest reasons why their GDP per capita is so low, like at just $ 1,051.7. It really has been a tough time for Syria, but things are getting better now as the government there has control over most areas, however, there still are clashes now and then. Like, in late 2023, we say once again Turkish forces attacked the Kurdish forces in the northern part of the country.
7. South Sudan
Alright, so with a GDP per capita of just $1,080.1, South Sudan is another Muslim nation on this list today. So, why so low of a number? Well, the thing is, for a long time now, things like the humanitarian crisis have been bugging people down there, and things are becoming kinda unstable every now and then. Not just that though, things like Africa’s most significant refugee crisis are going on down there, so it has definitely affected their GDP per capita overall.
8. Tajikistan
Coming in at number eight with a GDP per capita of $ 1,160.8 is Tajikistan. And if you follow geopolitics quite often, you’d know that this nation’s economy has been really affected by things like the civil conflict and loss of markets for its products, you know? And that has just led to depending upon humanitarian assistance for this nation, which isn’t a good sign.
9. Pakistan
To be honest, there are so many things gone wrong for Pakistan, and that’s why it ranks as one of the poorest Muslim nations in the world with a GDP per capita of just $1,365.3. And we all know by this point, corruption is one of the biggest culprits in all this. Because of that, the problems with law & order have been going on for as many as 20 to 25 years now.
10. Guinea
Yes, Guinea is a Muslim nation with a population of just around 12 million people, but out of those, around 89% to 90% are Muslims. And if you’re wondering, yes, their GDP per capita is $1,541.0, which is better than any other country on this list, but it still ranks as one of the poorest Muslim nations in the world. Why? Things like insecurity, no good infrastructure, a lack of economic diversification, a low agricultural scene, an unfavorable business environment, and things like that.
Conclusion
That is pretty much it. If we go by the GDP per capita of these nations, well, surely, things aren’t looking too good for these ten Muslim nations. Sure, some countries are slowly getting stable, and it could be that this list may look a little different in just 5 or 10 years.