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Top Countries Struggling with Extreme Poverty in 2025
1. India: A Continual Battle with Poverty
India remains one of the most affected countries when it comes to extreme poverty, with an estimated 140 million people living below the $3 per day threshold in 2025. Despite rapid economic growth and significant progress in urban development, large rural regions still grapple with limited access to basic necessities like clean water, education, and healthcare. Many families face a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break due to lack of job opportunities and social inequalities.
2. Nigeria: A Crisis of Economic Disparities
Nigeria continues to face severe challenges related to poverty, with over 80 million individuals living on less than $3 a day. Political instability, corruption, and poor infrastructure amplify the poverty crisis, especially in the northern and southeastern regions. Rural communities often lack access to essential services, perpetuating a cycle of hardship that spans generations. International aid and local government initiatives are ongoing but have not yet fully addressed these issues.
3. Democratic Republic of the Congo: Rural Hardship and Conflict
The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks high among countries with extreme poverty. An estimated 95 million people survive on less than $3 daily. Ongoing conflicts and political instability contribute heavily to impoverishment, disrupting agriculture, education, and healthcare systems. Many residents in rural areas rely solely on subsistence farming, making them vulnerable to climate change and violence, which further deepens their economic hardship.
4. Ethiopia: Progress and Persistent Challenges
Although Ethiopia has made notable strides in reducing poverty over the past decade, about 70 million people still live under the $3 per day line in 2025. Agricultural dependency, climate variability, and ongoing internal conflicts hamper development efforts. Urban areas are seeing improved living standards, but rural districts continue to suffer from food insecurity, limited healthcare, and low education access.
5. Mozambique: Struggling to Overcome Poverty
With roughly 25 million residents living on less than $3 a day, Mozambique faces complex socio-economic challenges. The nation’s reliance on agriculture makes it vulnerable to climate change-related disasters like cyclones and droughts. Infrastructure development has been hampered by ongoing political and economic issues, leaving many rural communities in extreme poverty, with limited prospects for advancement.
6. Madagascar: The Struggle for Basic Needs
Madagascar’s poverty rate remains alarmingly high in 2025, with an estimated 75% of the population living below the $3 per day mark. Scarcity of resources, deforestation, and inadequate healthcare access contribute to widespread hardship. Many families depend on fragile farming systems, making them susceptible to environmental and economic shocks that deepen their impoverished state.
7. Afghanistan: War-Driven Poverty
Conflict continues to devastate Afghanistan’s economy. An estimated 30 million of its people live under the $3 threshold, battling food insecurity, displacement, and lack of essential services. The ongoing violence hampers development projects and international aid efforts, leaving vulnerable populations in dire circumstances.
8. Haiti: Poverty Amidst Political Instability
Despite being the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti’s ongoing political unrest, natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure result in over 10 million residents living in extreme poverty. Many struggle to access clean water, health services, and education, hampering efforts to escape the cycle of poverty.
9. Mali: Facing Political and Economic Challenges
Mali’s economic fragility has led to approximately 15 million residents living on less than $3 per day. Ongoing conflict, drought, and limited access to education perpetuate poverty, particularly in remote rural communities. International organizations are working alongside local agencies to implement sustainable development projects.
10. South Sudan: Post-Conflict Hardship
Having endured years of civil war, South Sudan struggles with widespread poverty, with approximately 9 million people living under the extreme poverty line. Food insecurity, displacement, and scarce healthcare resources characterize everyday life for many residents. Efforts to rebuild infrastructure are slowly progressing, but significant challenges remain.
This list highlights the persistent and complex issue of extreme poverty worldwide as of 2025. Despite some countries making progress, millions still live on less than $3 a day, battling everyday hardships that hinder their potential for growth and development. Addressing these issues requires sustained international cooperation, innovative local solutions, and unwavering commitment to improving living standards for the most vulnerable populations.
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