I looked at the per capita GDP figures for 2025, and it's quite striking to see the huge gap between countries. South Sudan remains the poorest country in the world with only $251 per person, followed by Yemen at $417. It's crazy to think that such economic disparity exists in 2025.

What struck me is that the majority of the poorest countries are concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa. Burundi, the Central African Republic, Malawi, Madagascar... all around $500-$600. And then you have cases like the DRC with its massive natural resources but a per capita GDP of only $743. The contrast is striking.

West Africa isn't doing much better, with Niger at $751, Nigeria at $807 despite its oil revenues. Even moving up to South Asia, Bangladesh and India are still low on the list with $2,689 and $2,878 respectively. It really shows how some of the world's poorest countries face enormous structural economic challenges, regardless of their region.