2026 Poorest countries in the world

Key Takeaways

  • South Sudan ranks as the world’s poorest country with a GDP per capita of just $313, where 80% live below the poverty line and devastating civil wars have destroyed economic infrastructure.
  • Yemen and Afghanistan follow closely behind, both devastated by prolonged conflicts that have collapsed their economies and created massive humanitarian crises affecting millions.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa dominates the list of poorest nations, with countries like Burundi, Central African Republic, Madagascar, and Malawi trapped in cycles of poverty due to conflict, climate disasters, and weak governance.
  • A global humanitarian funding crisis has emerged in 2026, with a $25 billion gap leaving aid organizations unable to respond to critical needs as 808 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty.
  • These nations share common challenges including armed conflict, climate vulnerability, resource curses, political instability, and geographic disadvantages that create persistent poverty traps spanning generations.

 

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to dominate the list of poorest countries: When looking at our Consensus Forecasts for the economies with the lowest GDP per capita (in U.S. dollars, current market prices) in 2026, one thing jumps out: 18 of the 20 poorest are from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The non-African nations in the top 20 are the conflict-riven countries Afghanistan and Yemen. Though SSA has been the second-fastest growing economic region after Asia in recent years, exceedingly high population growth—over 2% per annum—means that GDP per capita has risen far more slowly. Moreover, factors such as extreme weather, political turmoil—the continent has experienced a host of coups since 2020—and insecurity continue to stop SSA from reaching its full potential.

Which are the Poorest Countries in the World?

Below is a list of the top 20 poorest countries in the world:

1st poorest country: Afghanistan 

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 445
Afghanistan’s poverty stems from decades of conflict, including foreign invasions, civil wars, and insurgencies. Continuous instability has ravaged infrastructure, undermined institutional development, and deterred foreign investment. The productivity of the agricultural sector, on which most Afghans rely, is low due to outdated farming practices, water scarcity, and land degradation. Widespread corruption and a weak central government further hamper development, with the economy remaining heavily dependent on international aid. Additionally, the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has led to the isolation of Afghanistan from global markets and financial systems, stifling the economy and exacerbating humanitarian crises. Our panelists expect only muted GDP growth next year, notwithstanding some support from infrastructure projects linking Afghanistan to Central Asian neighbors.

2nd poorest country: Yemen 

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 493
Yemen has been beset by civil conflict for over a decade, with the country divided into different factions, chiefly the Houthi-rebel-dominated northwest and the Arab-backed Southern Transition Council in the south. The conflict has ravaged infrastructure and caused mass population displacement; as a result, GDP per capita next year is projected to be only around a third of its pre-crisis level.

3rd poorest country: Central African Republic

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 609
The Central African Republic (CAR) is plagued by instability and conflict. Armed groups control large swathes of the country, undermining central government authority and creating a constant state of insecurity. Frequent clashes involving these groups have displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and prevented economic development. Though the CAR is abundant in natural resources like diamonds, gold and timber, these assets are often exploited by corrupt officials or rebel groups, with little benefit to the general population. The lack of basic services like education, healthcare and reliable infrastructure further entrenches poverty.

4th poorest country: Madagascar

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 628
Madagascar’s low GDP per capita is tied to multiple factors. Firstly, chronic political crises, including coups and contested elections, have weakened institutions and handicapped development efforts. Secondly, deforestation and unsustainable farming practices have degraded the country’s biodiversity, reducing agricultural productivity and increasing vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones. Thirdly, Madagascar’s geographical isolation from major markets, combined with poor infrastructure, makes trade and investment difficult. Finally, a reliance on low-productivity agriculture and the limited diversification of industries have kept the economy stagnant: Just four goods—cloves, cobalt, nickel and vanilla—account for close to half of all goods exports. The upshot is that nearly 80% of the population lived in extreme poverty (that is, had income of less than USD 2.15 per day) in 2023—the highest rate in the world.

5th poorest country: Malawi

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 667
Malawi’s poverty is driven by its dependence on subsistence agriculture, with this activity involving the majority of the population. Extreme climate events—including frequent droughts and floods—regularly disrupt crop yields, exacerbating food insecurity. The most recent of these was the El Niño weather phenomenon, which caused exceedingly dry weather in 2024. Limited industrialization, creaking infrastructure, and an education system that struggles to equip the workforce with marketable skills further stifle economic growth. Additionally, Malawi’s landlocked geography makes trade expensive and hinders access to global markets. Government inefficiencies, corruption, and high population growth further compound these issues. Substantial financial support from foreign creditors provides the economy with a lifeline but has also led to external debt accumulation; Malawi has been in debt default since 2022.

6th poorest country: South Sudan

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 683
South Sudan’s poverty is tied to its protracted civil war, which erupted soon after the country gained independence in 2011. The violence displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure and disrupted agriculture, the backbone of the economy. In addition, mismanagement, corruption, and conflict over oil fields have led to inconsistent production and income of petroleum, South Sudan’s main revenue source. Ethnic divisions and fragile political institutions, high inflation, food insecurity, and a lack of education and healthcare further contribute to the country’s underdevelopment. A civil war in neighboring Sudan caused further havoc, with South Sudanese oil exports being shut in due to a pipeline being ruptured in Sudan in early 2024. Our Consensus is for the country’s GDP growth to roughly track the SSA average in the coming years, which will be insufficient to lift the country notably up the GDP per capita rankings.

7th poorest country: Burundi 

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 692
Burundi’s poverty is a result of its history of ethnic conflict, most notably the 1993–2005 civil war, which shattered its economy and infrastructure. The country relies on subsistence agriculture, but the sector suffers from overpopulation, soil degradation, and limited access to modern farming techniques. Furthermore, political instability and corruption have deterred foreign investment and aid. Burundi also faces a poorly developed education and healthcare system, with the latter failing to prevent the spread of epidemics such as 2024’s mpox outbreak. Finally, frequent flooding has held back activity; in the year to September 2024, torrential rains affected 300,000 people and displaced close to 50,000.

8th poorest country: Mozambique 

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 692
Mozambique’s underdevelopment stems from a history of colonial exploitation, followed by a drawn-out civil war that ended in 1992. Although the country has abundant natural resources—particularly large gas reserves—their mismanagement, combined with corruption, has limited their contribution to overall development. Infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, remains basic, hampering trade. Periodic natural disasters like cyclones and floods, coupled with an ongoing Islamic State insurgency in the north, have further disrupted economic progress. Mozambique is expected to see above-average growth among SSA economies in the coming years thanks to the extractive sector, though a large share of these economic gains are unlikely to filter through to the ordinary populace.

9th poorest country: Eritrea

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 704
Eritrea’s low GDP per capita level stems from the country’s reliance on subsistence agriculture and its status as one of the world’s most closed and repressive nations, which hampers investment and exports. The country does sell some zinc and gold—key sources of foreign exchange. A key threat to political stability is the potential sudden passing of the elderly leader of nearly three decades. Such an event could trigger a fierce succession battle and lead to a level of instability the country has not previously experienced. Tensions with neighboring Ethiopia spilling into conflict are a further risk.

10th poorest country: Somalia

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 717
Somalia’s extreme poverty is primarily a result of decades of civil war, the collapse of central government authority, and an ongoing insurgency by the Al-Shabaab militant group. The prolonged absence of a functional government has left infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and roads in a state of disrepair, and piracy and terrorism have scared off potential investors. Clan-based power struggles and fragmented political control make it difficult to implement national development policies. Moreover, the country also suffers from frequent droughts, which devastate agriculture and lead to chronic food insecurity. On the flipside, flooding can also occur, as observed in 2023–2024 due to the El Niño weather pattern; the late-2023 rainy season led to torrential downpours affecting 2.5 million people. More positively, the country benefits from international aid, plus an African Union peacekeeping mission.

11th poorest country: Niger

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 780
Niger’s poverty is partly driven by its harsh desert climate, which limits agricultural productivity and contributes to frequent droughts. Moreover, as a landlocked country, it faces challenges in accessing international markets, exacerbating its reliance on low-income farming. The fertility rate—one of the highest in the world—puts immense pressure on the country’s limited resources, particularly in terms of food and basic services. Additionally, Niger’s weak governance, high corruption levels, and ongoing security threats from extremist groups in the Sahel region further undermine development efforts. 2023’s successful coup exacerbated matters by reducing international aid and leading to sanctions by ECOWAS, a regional trading bloc—though the latter have since been lifted.

12th poorest country: DR Congo

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 819
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is incredibly resource-rich—the country is the main producer of cobalt for instance, a key element in lithium-ion batteries. However, the DRC remains deeply impoverished. Civil wars and conflict, fueled by competition over minerals, have devastated infrastructure and led to millions of deaths and displaced citizens over the years. Fighting with the M23 militia—allegedly backed by Rwanda—continues in the east of the country. Widespread corruption, especially in the mining sector, prevents wealth from reaching the population; the government is ineffectual and unable to provide basic services such as healthcare, education or security. In the coming years, our panelists project that GDP growth should be rapid by regional standards, boosted by foreign investment in mining and transport infrastructure, though economic hardship will persist for many.

13th poorest country: The Gambia

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 977
The Gambia’s economy is undiversified and relies on tourism and nut exports. Moreover, the authoritarian rule of Yahya Jammeh (1994–2017) left a legacy of corruption and weak institutions that continue to hinder development. Additionally, high youth unemployment and limited access to quality education contribute further to widespread poverty, with many Gambians resorting to irregular emigration in search of better opportunities. More positively, the country appears relatively politically stable under the current leadership of Adama Barrow, which should aid investment going forward. The construction and tourism sectors, in particular, should push up GDP growth above the SSA average in the coming years.

14th poorest country: Liberia

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 1050
Liberia’s poverty is rooted in the aftermath of two devastating civil wars (1989–1997 and 1999–2003), which destroyed much of its infrastructure and left its institutions weak. Although the country is rich in natural resources such as iron ore, gold and rubber, corruption and mismanagement have prevented these industries from benefiting the broader population. The Ebola outbreak in 2014 further crippled the already shaky healthcare system and set back economic recovery efforts. Additionally, Liberia’s education system is underdeveloped, limiting opportunities for workforce development. That said, our Consensus is for the economy to grow faster than the SSA average over the coming years, supported by IMF funding and the development of the mining sector.

15th poorest country: Lesotho

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 1072
Lesotho has numerous economic difficulties. The country’s landlocked, mountainous location near the bottom of the African continent hinders trade. Moreover, reliance on South Africa—a far larger country which completely envelopes Lesotho—is a hindrance given how poorly South Africa’s economy has performed in recent years. The country relies on a few narrow industries, chiefly diamonds and textiles, both of which are at risk from U.S. tariffs and fluctuations in external demand. Widespread corruption and violence are further problems. As a result, economic growth is forecast to be around half the SSA average going forward.

16th poorest country: Sierra Leone

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 1085
Sierra Leone’s underdevelopment is rooted in the aftermath of its brutal 1991–2002 civil war, which decimated infrastructure and strangled economic activity. Although rich in diamonds, resource mismanagement and corruption have prevented the economic returns from mining reaching the broader population. The country also suffers from poor governance and a fragile healthcare system, which was further strained by the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak. Agriculture, the primary livelihood for many, remains unproductive due to outdated techniques and low investment.  

17th poorest country: Rwanda

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 1085
Rwanda has seen a remarkable recovery since the 1994 genocide, with GDP per capita tripling so far this century. The country’s stable political environment, lack of corruption, and strong state-led development plan have all aided growth. However, poverty persists—particularly in rural areas. While the government has made strides in rebuilding infrastructure and diversifying economic growth, agriculture still accounts for around a quarter of GDP and a majority of employment. Moreover, limited natural resources and political instability in the neighboring DRC further constrain development. In addition, in 2025, the economy has taken a blow from EU sanctions on gold exports due to Rwanda’s involvement in conflict in the eastern DRC. But overall, Rwanda is expected to remain one of Africa’s top-performing economies in the coming years due to sustained expansions in the agriculture, industry and services sectors.

18th poorest country: Ethiopia

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 1136
Ethiopia’s relative poverty stems from a longstanding mix of factors such as drought and degraded land, political instability, conflicts, ethnic tensions and a large, inefficient state-led economy. However, the economy has seen one of the continent’s best economic growth trajectories in recent years thanks to deep structural reforms, IMF support and an infrastructure push, and this strong economic performance should continue in 2026.

19th poorest country: Mali

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 1137
Mali is highly reliant on agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock, making it vulnerable to climate change, droughts, and desertification. Additionally, corruption and shoddy infrastructure have discouraged foreign investment, keeping Mali trapped in poverty despite its sizable natural resources—particularly gold. Poverty is exacerbated by ongoing conflict in the northern regions against Islamist insurgencies and rebel groups, as well as by recurring political instability; successful coups took place in 2020 and 2021 for instance. The security situation has worsened in recent years due to the withdrawal of both French and UN peacekeeping troops.

20th poorest country: Guinea-Bissau

GDP per capita 2026 Consensus Forecast: USD 1171
Guinea-Bissau struggles with political instability: Frequent coups and a lack of effective governance have prevented the development of institutions and infrastructure. Drug trafficking is another major issue; Guinea-Bissau serves as a transit hub for cocaine smuggling, further eroding government stability. Moreover, the economy is largely dependent on nut exports, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and extreme weather. In addition, limited access to education, healthcare, and clean water keeps much of the population in poverty. That said, the economy should grow above the SSA average over our forecast horizon, thanks to IMF financial support and healthy infrastructure investment.

 

PART II

The World’s Poorest Countries: Understanding Global Economic Inequality In 2026

When we talk about the poorest country in the world, we’re looking at nations where millions struggle to survive on less than a few dollars per day. Understanding global poverty isn’t just about statistics – it’s about recognizing the human cost of economic inequality that affects 808 million people worldwide as of 2026. Most of these individuals are concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, where conflict, climate change, and weak institutions create devastating cycles of poverty. To accurately compare poverty levels across countries, economists use GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which accounts for local price differences. By this measure, South Sudan ranks as the poorest nation globally, with a GDP per capita of just $716. This stark reality highlights why understanding global poverty matters for anyone interested in international economics, humanitarian issues, or simply grasping how interconnected our world truly is.

Key Takeaways

  • South Sudan ranks as the world’s poorest country with a GDP per capita of just $313, where 80% live below the poverty line and devastating civil wars have destroyed economic infrastructure.
  • Yemen and Afghanistan follow closely behind, both devastated by prolonged conflicts that have collapsed their economies and created massive humanitarian crises affecting millions.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa dominates the list of poorest nations, with countries like Burundi, Central African Republic, Madagascar, and Malawi trapped in cycles of poverty due to conflict, climate disasters, and weak governance.
  • A global humanitarian funding crisis has emerged in 2026, with a $25 billion gap leaving aid organizations unable to respond to critical needs as 808 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty.
  • These nations share common challenges including armed conflict, climate vulnerability, resource curses, political instability, and geographic disadvantages that create persistent poverty traps spanning generations.

1. South Sudan – GDP Per Capita: $313

South Sudan holds the unfortunate distinction of being the poorest country in the world, with a per capita income that barely covers basic survival needs.

Despite gaining independence in 2011 with hopes for a brighter future, the nation has been devastated by brutal civil wars that have torn apart its social and economic fabric.

A staggering 80% of the population lives below the poverty line, while 92% are classified as multidimensionally poor ( lacking access to education, healthcare, and basic services).

Inflation reached a crushing 128% in 2024, making even essential goods unaffordable for most families. The country suffers from what economists call the “resource curse,” where oil wealth (accounting for 90% of government revenue) has fueled conflict rather than prosperity.

Constant warfare disrupts oil exports and destroys traditional agricultural systems that families depend on for survival.

Climate events like floods and droughts compound these challenges, leaving millions facing acute hunger and displacement.

2. Yemen – GDP Per Capita: $415

Yemen’s devastating position as the second-poorest country reflects the catastrophic impact of nearly a decade of civil war that has transformed what was already one of the Arab world’s most impoverished nations into a humanitarian disaster zone.

The ongoing conflict between the Saudi-backed government and Houthi rebels has claimed over 150,000 lives while systematically destroying the country’s economic infrastructure and pushing 80% of the population below the poverty line.

Oil exports, which once served as Yemen’s primary economic lifeline, have virtually collapsed due to damaged infrastructure and continued hostilities, while government revenues have plummeted by more than 70% since the war began.

The humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with over 21 million people – nearly two-thirds of the population – requiring humanitarian assistance and protection services to survive.

Yemen’s healthcare system has largely disintegrated, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases, while contaminated water sources have triggered repeated cholera outbreaks that have infected over one million people.

Food insecurity affects more than half the population, with acute malnutrition rates among children reaching emergency thresholds in many regions, creating a lost generation whose development has been permanently stunted by conflict and deprivation.

3. Afghanistan – GDP Per Capita: $417

Afghanistan’s position as the third-poorest country reflects the catastrophic economic collapse that followed the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, which triggered an immediate freeze of international aid and foreign assets worth $9.5 billion.

The economy has contracted by an estimated 30% since the Taliban takeover, while unemployment has soared to over 40%, leaving millions of families without any source of income in a country where 95% of the population lacks sufficient food.

Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of this crisis, as Taliban restrictions have banned them from most jobs and education, effectively removing half the workforce from an already devastated economy.

The humanitarian situation has reached desperate levels, with 28.8 million people, nearly 70% of the population, requiring humanitarian assistance to survive, making Afghanistan home to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

Banking system restrictions have paralyzed commerce and prevented even basic transactions, while the collapse of development projects has eliminated hundreds of thousands of jobs that families depended on.

Drought and climate disasters compound these man-made crises, destroying crops and livestock that provide the last lifeline for rural communities already pushed to the brink of survival.

Tired of hidden banking fees and low service?

Switch to a bank account that works as hard as you do with better benefits and lower costs.

4. Burundi – GDP Per Capita: $486

Burundi’s position as the fourth-poorest country globally reflects the devastating impact of decades-long civil conflicts that have systematically destroyed economic infrastructure and displaced millions of people from productive activities.

Despite being roughly the size of Maryland, this landlocked East African nation struggles to support 13.7 million people on limited arable land, creating intense competition for resources and contributing to recurring cycles of violence.

The economy remains overwhelmingly dependent on subsistence agriculture, which employs 80% of the population but generates barely enough income to survive, with most families living on less than $1.90 per day.

Political instability has scared away foreign investors and international aid organizations, while government corruption has diverted scarce resources away from essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

Burundi suffers from one of the world’s highest population densities relative to arable land, meaning each family typically farms less than one acre, insufficient to provide adequate nutrition or generate surplus income.

The country’s isolation from major trade routes and lack of natural resources beyond agriculture have created a poverty trap where economic opportunities remain extremely limited for the vast majority of citizens.

5. Central African Republic – GDP Per Capita: $599

The Central African Republic (CAR) ranks as the fifth-poorest country globally, trapped in a devastating cycle of conflict and institutional collapse that has persisted for over a decade.

Since 2013, sectarian violence between Christian and Muslim militias has torn apart the social fabric, displacing over one million people and destroying what little economic infrastructure existed.

The country’s vast mineral wealth, including diamonds, gold, and uranium, has become a curse rather than a blessing, fueling armed groups and corruption while ordinary citizens see no benefit from these resources.

CAR’s government controls less than half of its own territory, with armed groups occupying diamond mines and smuggling routes that could otherwise generate desperately needed tax revenue.

The economy has contracted by more than 30% since the conflict began, while 71% of the population now lives below the poverty line, surviving on less than $1.90 per day.

International peacekeeping forces have struggled to restore stability, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with 3.4 million people requiring emergency assistance in a country of just 5.5 million inhabitants.

6. Madagascar – GDP Per Capita: $616

Madagascar’s position as the sixth-poorest country highlights how geographic isolation and political instability can trap even resource-rich nations in persistent poverty cycles.

Despite being the world’s fourth-largest island with abundant natural resources including vanilla, cobalt, and precious stones, over 75% of Madagascar’s 30 million people survive on less than $1.90 per day.

Recurring political crises and coups have scared away foreign investment and disrupted economic development, while weak governance has allowed widespread corruption to divert resources away from essential public services.

The country faces severe climate vulnerabilities, with cyclones, droughts, and floods regularly destroying crops and infrastructure, pushing rural communities deeper into food insecurity and malnutrition.

Madagascar’s economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture, which employs 80% of the workforce but generates minimal income due to outdated farming techniques and limited access to markets.

The island’s unique biodiversity, while globally significant, has been threatened by deforestation driven by poverty, as families clear forests for farmland and charcoal production to survive.

7. Malawi – GDP Per Capita: $622

Malawi’s position as the seventh-poorest country demonstrates how geographic disadvantages and climate vulnerability can trap landlocked nations in persistent poverty despite relative political stability.

This small southeastern African nation depends almost entirely on rain-fed agriculture, which employs 80% of the population but generates barely enough income to survive, with most families earning less than $2 per day from small-scale farming.

Recurring droughts and floods have devastated crop yields in recent years, pushing food insecurity to crisis levels and forcing 4.8 million people to require humanitarian assistance in a country of just 20 million inhabitants.

Malawi’s economy relies heavily on tobacco exports, which account for over 50% of foreign exchange earnings, but global health campaigns and declining demand have severely reduced prices and government revenues.

The country faces a severe foreign currency shortage that has made it difficult to import essential goods like fuel and fertilizer, while high population density has led to overfarming and soil degradation that reduces agricultural productivity.

Despite these challenges, Malawi has maintained democratic governance and avoided the armed conflicts that plague many neighboring countries, providing a foundation for potential economic recovery if climate adaptation and agricultural modernization can be achieved.

8. North Korea – GDP Per Capita: $640

North Korea’s position among the world’s poorest countries reflects the devastating economic impact of decades-long international sanctions and a rigid command economy that prioritizes military spending over basic human needs.

The hermit kingdom’s GDP per capita of just $640 masks extreme inequality, where the ruling elite in Pyongyang live in relative luxury while rural populations face chronic malnutrition and lack access to basic services like electricity and clean water.

International sanctions imposed due to nuclear weapons development have severely restricted trade and foreign investment, while the government’s “Juche” ideology of self-reliance has isolated the economy from global markets and technological advancement.

An estimated 40% of North Korea’s 26 million people are undernourished, with the UN reporting that stunting affects one in five children under five years old due to persistent food shortages and limited agricultural productivity.

The country’s economy remains heavily dependent on coal mining and textile manufacturing, but sanctions have blocked most export opportunities, forcing many citizens to rely on black market activities and informal trade with China to survive.

Despite possessing significant mineral resources including coal, iron ore, and rare earth elements, North Korea’s economic potential remains locked away by political isolation and a system that diverts an estimated 25% of GDP to military expenditures.

9. Eritrea – GDP Per Capita: $656

Eritrea’s position as the ninth-poorest country reflects the devastating impact of authoritarian rule and international isolation that has transformed what could have been a prosperous Red Sea nation into one of Africa’s most repressive and economically stagnant states.

The country operates under one of the world’s most brutal dictatorships, where indefinite military conscription forces citizens into unpaid labor for decades, effectively creating a system of modern slavery that has driven hundreds of thousands to flee their homeland.

Eritrea’s economy remains largely cut off from international markets due to UN sanctions and the government’s hostile relationships with neighboring countries, while domestic businesses struggle under heavy state control and arbitrary regulations that stifle entrepreneurship.

The nation’s strategic location along the Red Sea shipping lanes and significant mineral deposits including gold, copper, and potash represent untapped economic potential that remains locked away by political repression and international isolation.

Humanitarian organizations have virtually no access to assess conditions inside Eritrea, but refugees report widespread food shortages, lack of basic services, and economic desperation that forces families to risk dangerous journeys across deserts and seas to escape.

Despite achieving independence in 1993 after a 30-year liberation struggle, Eritrea has become a cautionary tale of how authoritarian governance can trap even resource-rich nations in poverty and international isolation.

10. Mozambique – GDP Per Capita: $690

Mozambique’s position as the tenth-poorest country demonstrates how natural disasters and insurgent violence can devastate even nations with significant natural resource potential, including vast offshore natural gas reserves worth billions of dollars.

The country has been battered by recurring cyclones and floods that regularly destroy infrastructure and agricultural production, while an Islamic insurgency in the northern Cabo Delgado province has displaced over 800,000 people and halted lucrative gas extraction projects.

Despite possessing some of the world’s largest untapped natural gas reserves, Mozambique remains trapped in poverty with 65% of its 33 million people living below the poverty line and lacking access to basic services like electricity and clean water.

The economy depends heavily on agriculture, which employs 70% of the workforce but remains vulnerable to climate shocks, while corruption and weak governance have prevented resource wealth from benefiting ordinary citizens.

Major international energy companies have invested over $60 billion in gas projects, but security concerns and infrastructure challenges have delayed production, leaving communities without the promised economic benefits.

The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with 4.3 million people requiring emergency assistance, while the combination of conflict, climate disasters, and economic instability threatens to push even more families into extreme poverty.

The Humanitarian Crisis: Food Insecurity And Aid Funding Collapse

The world’s poorest countries face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in 2026, with Sudan alone having more people in famine conditions than anywhere else on Earth and requiring $4.2 billion in emergency aid.

This crisis has been severely worsened by dramatic cuts to foreign assistance budgets from traditional donor countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other wealthy nations that have historically provided crucial humanitarian support.

The USAID shutdown has particularly devastating consequences, affecting healthcare access for 95 million people and education for 23 million children across the globe’s most vulnerable regions.

International humanitarian organizations report a staggering $25 billion funding gap that emerged in 2024 and has doubled in 2025, leaving aid workers unable to respond to critical needs.

The impact is visible in stark statistics: 80% of communal kitchens in Sudan have been forced to close, leaving families without their last source of nutrition.

This funding collapse comes precisely when climate disasters, conflicts, and economic shocks have pushed more people into extreme poverty than at any time in recent history.

The combination of increased need and decreased resources has created a perfect storm that threatens to reverse decades of progress in global poverty reduction.

Top 10 countries (highest poverty rates)

The leaders in this ranking have poverty headcount rates above 65.0% under the international poverty line. Note the “Latest year” column: the newest available survey year differs by country.

Rank Country Region Poverty rate (%) Latest year
1 Congo, Dem. Rep. Sub-Saharan Africa 85.3 2020
2 Mozambique Sub-Saharan Africa 81.4 2022
3 South Sudan Sub-Saharan Africa 76.5 2016
4 Malawi Sub-Saharan Africa 75.4 2019
5 Burundi Sub-Saharan Africa 74.2 2013
6 Madagascar Sub-Saharan Africa 74.1 2022
7 Niger Sub-Saharan Africa 72.2 2014
8 Central African Republic Sub-Saharan Africa 70.1 2021
9 Rwanda Sub-Saharan Africa 67.4 2016
10 Lesotho Sub-Saharan Africa 65.0 2017

 

 

PART III

Full Top 100 table

Sorted by highest poverty headcount rate first. “Latest year” reflects the newest non-empty survey year available for the chosen indicator.

Rank Country Region Poverty rate (%) Latest year
1 Congo, Dem. Rep. Sub-Saharan Africa 85.3 2020
2 Mozambique Sub-Saharan Africa 81.4 2022
3 South Sudan Sub-Saharan Africa 76.5 2016
4 Malawi Sub-Saharan Africa 75.4 2019
5 Burundi Sub-Saharan Africa 74.2 2013
6 Madagascar Sub-Saharan Africa 74.1 2022
7 Niger Sub-Saharan Africa 72.2 2014
8 Central African Republic Sub-Saharan Africa 70.1 2021
9 Rwanda Sub-Saharan Africa 67.4 2016
10 Lesotho Sub-Saharan Africa 65.0 2017
11 Zambia Sub-Saharan Africa 64.9 2022
12 Liberia Sub-Saharan Africa 64.1 2016
13 Sierra Leone Sub-Saharan Africa 62.7 2018
14 Guinea Sub-Saharan Africa 62.4 2018
15 Mali Sub-Saharan Africa 62.3 2018
16 Guinea-Bissau Sub-Saharan Africa 61.3 2018
17 Gambia, The Sub-Saharan Africa 61.2 2020
18 Uganda Sub-Saharan Africa 60.6 2019
19 Togo Sub-Saharan Africa 59.6 2018
20 Benin Sub-Saharan Africa 58.9 2021
21 Guatemala Latin America & Caribbean 57.2 2014
22 Nigeria Sub-Saharan Africa 57.0 2018
23 Haiti Latin America & Caribbean 56.6 2012
24 Tanzania Sub-Saharan Africa 56.2 2018
25 Angola Sub-Saharan Africa 55.4 2018
26 Ethiopia Sub-Saharan Africa 55.2 2015
27 Chad Sub-Saharan Africa 55.0 2022
28 Zimbabwe Sub-Saharan Africa 54.8 2019
29 Congo, Rep. Sub-Saharan Africa 54.6 2011
30 Somalia Sub-Saharan Africa 54.0 2017
31 Tajikistan Europe & Central Asia 53.5 2022
32 Eswatini Sub-Saharan Africa 53.3 2016
33 Yemen, Rep. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 53.1 2014
34 Papua New Guinea East Asia & Pacific 52.7 2016
35 Burkina Faso Sub-Saharan Africa 51.9 2018
36 Cameroon Sub-Saharan Africa 51.7 2014
37 Laos East Asia & Pacific 51.2 2018
38 Afghanistan Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 50.6 2016
39 South Africa Sub-Saharan Africa 50.2 2022
40 Cambodia East Asia & Pacific 49.6 2021
41 Cote d’Ivoire Sub-Saharan Africa 49.4 2018
42 Honduras Latin America & Caribbean 49.2 2023
43 Myanmar East Asia & Pacific 49.1 2017
44 Eritrea Sub-Saharan Africa 48.9 1992
45 Zambia Sub-Saharan Africa 48.8 2015
46 Nicaragua Latin America & Caribbean 47.7 2014
47 Kenya Sub-Saharan Africa 47.6 2022
48 Nepal South Asia 47.4 2022
49 El Salvador Latin America & Caribbean 46.8 2019
50 Mauritania Sub-Saharan Africa 46.6 2014
51 Georgia Europe & Central Asia 46.2 2023
52 Philippines East Asia & Pacific 46.1 2021
53 Bangladesh South Asia 45.4 2022
54 Ghana Sub-Saharan Africa 45.2 2016
55 Namibia Sub-Saharan Africa 44.8 2015
56 Pakistan Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 44.7 2018
57 Bolivia Latin America & Caribbean 44.3 2022
58 Senegal Sub-Saharan Africa 44.2 2018
59 Sudan Sub-Saharan Africa 43.9 2014
60 Cabo Verde Sub-Saharan Africa 43.7 2015
61 India South Asia 43.5 2022
62 Kiribati East Asia & Pacific 43.3 2006
63 Djibouti Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 42.9 2017
64 Micronesia, Fed. Sts. East Asia & Pacific 42.8 2013
65 Albania Europe & Central Asia 42.7 2022
66 Armenia Europe & Central Asia 42.5 2022
67 Kosovo Europe & Central Asia 42.3 2021
68 Tonga East Asia & Pacific 42.2 2015
69 Equatorial Guinea Sub-Saharan Africa 41.7 2006
70 Moldova Europe & Central Asia 41.6 2022
71 Timor-Leste East Asia & Pacific 41.4 2014
72 Fiji East Asia & Pacific 41.3 2019
73 Comoros Sub-Saharan Africa 41.1 2013
74 Dominican Republic Latin America & Caribbean 40.9 2022
75 Samoa East Asia & Pacific 40.4 2013
76 Botswana Sub-Saharan Africa 39.9 2015
77 Sao Tome and Principe Sub-Saharan Africa 39.8 2017
78 Mongolia East Asia & Pacific 39.7 2018
79 Indonesia East Asia & Pacific 39.5 2023
80 Gabon Sub-Saharan Africa 39.2 2017
81 Nauru East Asia & Pacific 39.1 2012
82 Vanuatu East Asia & Pacific 39.0 2019
83 Egypt, Arab Rep. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 38.7 2018
84 Morocco Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 38.3 2019
85 Ukraine Europe & Central Asia 38.0 2021
86 Tunisia Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 37.8 2021
87 Sri Lanka South Asia 37.4 2022
88 Iran, Islamic Rep. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 37.2 2019
89 Peru Latin America & Caribbean 36.8 2023
90 Kyrgyz Republic Europe & Central Asia 36.4 2023
91 North Macedonia Europe & Central Asia 36.3 2021
92 Jordan Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 36.0 2017
93 Argentina Latin America & Caribbean 35.9 2023
94 Bhutan South Asia 35.3 2022
95 Colombia Latin America & Caribbean 35.2 2023
96 Azerbaijan Europe & Central Asia 34.8 2023
97 Iraq Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 34.4 2012
98 Algeria Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan 34.0 2011
99 Turkey Europe & Central Asia 33.9 2022
100 Paraguay Latin America & Caribbean 33.8 2023

 

UEFA Country Ranking 2026

Last update: Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:55:06 CET

2027

This page shows the calculation of the UEFA country ranking of 2026, which is determined by the sum of the UEFA country coefficients over the last 5 years. The column ‘teams’ lists the number of participating clubs in the last year for that association. In the current season also the number of clubs still in competition is listed (and indicated by a blue color). For all details see Calculation of coefficients.

 

 

# country 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25 25/26 ranking teams
1
eq
England 21.000 23.000 17.375 29.464 22.513 113.352 9/ 9
2
eq
Italy 15.714 22.357 21.000 21.875 17.357 98.303 4/ 7
3
eq
Spain 18.428 16.571 16.062 23.892 18.031 92.984 6/ 8
4
eq
Germany 16.214 17.125 19.357 18.421 18.000 89.117 5/ 7
5
eq
France 18.416 12.583 16.250 17.928 15.250 80.427 4/ 7
6
eq
Portugal 12.916 12.500 11.000 16.250 16.600 69.266 3/ 5
7
eq
Netherlands 19.200 13.500 10.000 15.250 9.062 67.012 1/ 6
8
eq
Belgium 6.600 14.200 14.400 15.650 11.000 61.850 1/ 5
9
eq
Türkiye 6.700 11.800 12.000 10.300 10.675 51.475 2/ 5
10
eq
Czechia 6.700 6.750 13.500 10.550 10.825 48.325 2/ 5
11
eq
Greece 8.000 2.125 11.400 12.687 12.900 47.112 2/ 5
12
eq
Poland 4.625 7.750 6.875 11.750 15.250 46.250 2/ 4
13
eq
Denmark 7.800 5.900 8.500 7.656 11.750 41.606 1/ 4
14
eq
Norway 7.625 5.750 8.000 11.812 8.050 41.237 1/ 5
15
eq
Cyprus 4.125 5.100 3.750 10.562 11.906 35.443 1/ 4
16
eq
Switzerland 7.750 8.500 5.200 7.050 6.200 34.700 5
17
eq
Austria 10.400 4.900 4.800 9.650 4.100 33.850 5
18
eq
Scotland 7.900 3.500 6.400 9.250 5.000 32.050 5
19
eq
Sweden 5.125 6.250 1.875 11.375 5.000 29.625 4
20
eq
Croatia 6.000 3.375 5.875 5.875 6.781 27.906 1/ 4
21
eq
Israel 6.750 6.250 8.750 2.875 2.875 27.500 4
22
eq
Hungary 2.750 5.875 4.500 6.625 6.937 26.687 1/ 4
23
eq
Serbia 9.500 5.375 1.400 3.725 5.750 25.750 4
24
eq
Romania 2.250 6.250 3.250 7.750 5.750 25.250 4
25
eq
Ukraine 4.200 5.700 4.100 3.600 6.812 24.412 1/ 4
26
eq
Slovenia 3.000 2.125 3.875 9.093 5.875 23.968 1/ 4
27
eq
Azerbaijan 4.375 4.000 5.875 2.875 5.812 22.937 4
28
eq
Russia 5.300 4.333 4.333 4.333 4.333 22.632 0
29
eq
Slovakia 4.125 6.000 5.000 4.625 2.625 22.375 4
30
eq
Bulgaria 3.375 4.500 4.375 3.625 5.187 21.062 4
31
eq
Ireland 2.875 3.375 1.500 5.343 4.250 17.343 4
32
eq
Iceland 1.500 3.000 3.833 4.562 3.625 16.520 4
33
eq
Armenia 1.875 2.375 2.250 4.375 4.187 15.062 4
34
eq
Moldova 5.250 3.750 2.000 2.125 1.500 14.625 4
35
eq
Finland 3.750 2.625 1.750 2.250 3.625 14.000 4
36
eq
Kosovo 2.333 2.875 3.000 2.000 3.781 13.989 4
37
eq
Kazakhstan 2.875 1.125 3.125 3.000 3.625 13.750 4
38
eq
Bosnia-Herzegovina 1.625 2.000 2.250 4.531 3.312 13.718 4
39
eq
Latvia 2.625 2.750 1.625 3.875 2.000 12.875 4
40
eq
Faroe Islands 1.500 2.250 2.750 1.500 1.750 9.750 4
41
eq
Malta 1.875 2.625 1.500 1.000 2.000 9.000 4
42
eq
Liechtenstein 0.000 6.500 0.500 0.500 1.000 8.500 1
43
eq
Estonia 3.666 1.166 0.125 1.625 1.625 8.207 4
44
eq
Albania 1.625 0.875 2.125 1.250 2.250 8.125 4
45
eq
North Macedonia 0.625 1.625 1.500 0.666 3.343 7.759 4
46
eq
Lithuania 1.750 2.375 1.125 1.375 1.125 7.750 4
47
eq
Northern Ireland 1.625 1.250 1.125 1.500 1.750 7.250 4
48
eq
Gibraltar 1.250 0.875 0.166 1.500 3.333 7.124 3
49
eq
Andorra 1.500 0.666 1.666 1.000 2.000 6.832 3
50
eq
Belarus 0.250 0.625 1.750 1.875 2.125 6.625 4
51
eq
Luxembourg 1.250 1.125 2.250 1.250 0.750 6.625 4
52
eq
Montenegro 0.750 1.000 1.333 2.500 1.000 6.583 3
53
eq
Georgia 1.250 1.125 1.250 1.250 1.125 6.000 4
54
eq
Wales 1.500 1.166 0.625 2.000 0.333 5.624 3
55
eq
San Marino 0.166 0.833 0.333 0.666 0.833 2.831 3

 

 

Finland Flag
Finland 7.74 1st
Denmark Flag
Denmark 7.52 2nd
Iceland Flag
Iceland 7.52 3rd
Sweden Flag
Sweden 7.35 4th
Netherlands Flag
Netherlands 7.31 5th
Costa Rica Flag
Costa Rica 7.27 6th
Norway Flag
Norway 7.26 7th
Israel Flag
Israel 7.23 8th
Luxembourg Flag
Luxembourg 7.12 9th
Mexico Flag
Mexico 6.98 10th
Australia Flag
Australia 6.97 11th
New Zealand Flag
New Zealand 6.95 12th
Switzerland Flag
Switzerland 6.94 13th
Belgium Flag
Belgium 6.91 14th
Ireland Flag
Ireland 6.89 15th
Lithuania Flag
Lithuania 6.83 16th
Austria Flag
Austria 6.81 17th
Canada Flag
Canada 6.80 18th
Slovenia Flag
Slovenia 6.79 19th
Czechia Flag
Czechia 6.78 20th
United Arab Emirates Flag
United Arab Emirates 6.76 21st
Germany Flag
Germany 6.75 22nd
United Kingdom Flag
United Kingdom 6.73 23rd
United States Flag
United States 6.72 24th
Belize Flag
Belize 6.71 25th
Taiwan Flag
Taiwan 6.67 27th
Kuwait Flag
Kuwait 6.63 30th
Serbia Flag
Serbia 6.61 31st
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabia 6.60 32nd
France Flag
France 6.59 33rd
Singapore Flag
Singapore 6.57 34th
Romania Flag
Romania 6.56 35th
Brazil Flag
Brazil 6.49 36th
El Salvador Flag
El Salvador 6.49 37th
Spain Flag
Spain 6.47 38th
Italy Flag
Italy 6.42 40th
Estonia Flag
Estonia 6.42 39th
Panama Flag
Panama 6.41 41st
Argentina Flag
Argentina 6.40 42nd
Kazakhstan Flag
Kazakhstan 6.38 43rd
Poland Flag
Poland 6.37 26th
Chile Flag
Chile 6.36 45th
Guatemala Flag
Guatemala 6.36 44th
Vietnam Flag
Vietnam 6.35 46th
Nicaragua Flag
Nicaragua 6.33 47th
Malta Flag
Malta 6.32 48th
Thailand Flag
Thailand 6.22 49th
Slovakia Flag
Slovakia 6.22 50th
Latvia Flag
Latvia 6.21 51st
Oman Flag
Oman 6.20 52nd
Uzbekistan Flag
Uzbekistan 6.19 53rd
Paraguay Flag
Paraguay 6.17 54th
Japan Flag
Japan 6.15 55th
Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.14 56th
Philippines Flag
Philippines 6.11 57th
South Korea Flag
South Korea 6.04 58th
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain 6.03 59th
Portugal Flag
Portugal 6.01 60th
Colombia Flag
Colombia 6.00 61st
Ecuador Flag
Ecuador 5.97 62nd
Malaysia Flag
Malaysia 5.96 64th
Honduras Flag
Honduras 5.96 63rd
Russia Flag
Russia 5.95 66th
Peru Flag
Peru 5.95 65th
Cyprus Flag
Cyprus 5.94 67th
China Flag
China 5.92 68th
Hungary Flag
Hungary 5.92 69th
Tunisia Flag
Tunisia 5.91 70th
Montenegro Flag
Montenegro 5.88 71st
Bolivia Flag
Bolivia 5.87 74th
Croatia Flag
Croatia 5.87 72nd
Jamaica Flag
Jamaica 5.87 73rd
Kyrgyzstan Flag
Kyrgyzstan 5.86 75th
Dominican Republic Flag
Dominican Republic 5.85 76th
Mongolia Flag
Mongolia 5.83 77th
Mauritius Flag
Mauritius 5.83 78th
Libya Flag
Libya 5.82 79th
Moldova Flag
Moldova 5.82 80th
Greece Flag
Greece 5.78 81st
Venezuela Flag
Venezuela 5.68 82nd
Indonesia Flag
Indonesia 5.62 83rd
Algeria Flag
Algeria 5.57 84th
Bulgaria Flag
Bulgaria 5.55 85th
North Macedonia Flag
North Macedonia 5.50 86th
Hong Kong Flag
Hong Kong 5.49 88th
Armenia Flag
Armenia 5.49 87th
Tajikistan Flag
Tajikistan 5.41 90th
Albania Flag
Albania 5.41 89th
Georgia Flag
Georgia 5.40 91st
Nepal Flag
Nepal 5.31 92nd
Laos Flag
Laos 5.30 93rd
Turkey Flag
Turkey 5.26 94th
South Africa Flag
South Africa 5.21 95th
Mozambique Flag
Mozambique 5.19 96th
Gabon Flag
Gabon 5.12 97th
Ivory Coast Flag
Ivory Coast 5.10 98th
Iran Flag
Iran 5.09 99th
Republic of the Congo Flag
Republic of the Congo 5.03 100th
Iraq Flag
Iraq 4.98 101st
Guinea Flag
Guinea 4.93 102nd
Namibia Flag
Namibia 4.91 103rd
Nigeria Flag
Nigeria 4.89 105th
Cameroon Flag
Cameroon 4.89 104th
Azerbaijan Flag
Azerbaijan 4.88 106th
Senegal Flag
Senegal 4.86 107th
Palestine Flag
Palestine 4.78 108th
Pakistan Flag
Pakistan 4.77 109th
Niger Flag
Niger 4.73 110th
Ukraine Flag
Ukraine 4.68 111th
Morocco Flag
Morocco 4.62 112th
Mauritania Flag
Mauritania 4.54 114th
Kenya Flag
Kenya 4.51 115th
Uganda Flag
Uganda 4.46 116th
Gambia Flag
Gambia 4.42 117th
India Flag
India 4.39 118th
Burkina Faso Flag
Burkina Faso 4.38 120th
Chad Flag
Chad 4.38 119th
Benin Flag
Benin 4.36 121st
Mali Flag
Mali 4.35 123rd
Somalia Flag
Somalia 4.35 122nd
Ghana Flag
Ghana 4.34 125th
Cambodia Flag
Cambodia 4.34 124th
Myanmar Flag
Myanmar 4.32 126th
Togo Flag
Togo 4.32 127th
Jordan Flag
Jordan 4.31 128th
Liberia Flag
Liberia 4.28 129th
Madagascar Flag
Madagascar 4.16 130th
Zambia Flag
Zambia 3.91 131st
Ethiopia Flag
Ethiopia 3.90 132nd
Sri Lanka Flag
Sri Lanka 3.89 133rd
Bangladesh Flag
Bangladesh 3.85 134th
Egypt Flag
Egypt 3.82 135th
Tanzania Flag
Tanzania 3.80 136th
Eswatini Flag
Eswatini 3.77 137th
Lesotho Flag
Lesotho 3.76 138th
Comoros Flag
Comoros 3.75 139th
Yemen Flag
Yemen 3.56 140th
DR Congo Flag
DR Congo 3.47 141st
Botswana Flag
Botswana 3.44 142nd
Zimbabwe Flag
Zimbabwe 3.40 143rd
Malawi Flag
Malawi 3.26 144th
Lebanon Flag
Lebanon 3.19 145th
Sierra Leone Flag
Sierra Leone 3.00 146th
Afghanistan Flag
Afghanistan 1.36 147th
  • Happiness rankings are three-year averages. For example, 2025 rankings compile data from 2022-2024, while 2024 rankings compile data from 2021-2023.
  • Happiness rankings are determined by analyzing comprehensive Gallup polling data from 149 countries in six particular categories: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make your own life choices, generosity of the general population, and perceptions of internal and external corruption levels.
  • The following countries lack survey information in 2022, so their 2023 averages are based on the 2020 and 2021 survey: Zambia, Uganda, Turkey, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Slovakia, Singapore, Serbia, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Montenegro, Malaysia, Laos, Iraq, China, Burkina Faso, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bahrain, Algeria
  • The following countries lack survey information in 2021, so their 2022 averages are based on the 2019 and 2020 survey: Yemen, Turkmenistan, Rwanda, Palestine, Niger, Mauritania, Madagascar, Luxembourg, Libya, Liberia, Lesotho, Kuwait, , Guatemala, Gambia, Eswatini, Comoros, Chad, Botswana, Belarus, Azerbaijan.

Other Categories

Finland Flag
Finland 7.74 1st
Denmark Flag
Denmark 7.52 2nd
Iceland Flag
Iceland 7.52 3rd
Sweden Flag
Sweden 7.35 4th
Netherlands Flag
Netherlands 7.31 5th
Costa Rica Flag
Costa Rica 7.27 6th
Norway Flag
Norway 7.26 7th
Israel Flag
Israel 7.23 8th
Luxembourg Flag
Luxembourg 7.12 9th
Mexico Flag
Mexico 6.98 10th
Australia Flag
Australia 6.97 11th
New Zealand Flag
New Zealand 6.95 12th
Switzerland Flag
Switzerland 6.94 13th
Belgium Flag
Belgium 6.91 14th
Ireland Flag
Ireland 6.89 15th
Lithuania Flag
Lithuania 6.83 16th
Austria Flag
Austria 6.81 17th
Canada Flag
Canada 6.80 18th
Slovenia Flag
Slovenia 6.79 19th
Czechia Flag
Czechia 6.78 20th
United Arab Emirates Flag
United Arab Emirates 6.76 21st
Germany Flag
Germany 6.75 22nd
United Kingdom Flag
United Kingdom 6.73 23rd
United States Flag
United States 6.72 24th
Belize Flag
Belize 6.71 25th
Taiwan Flag
Taiwan 6.67 27th
Kuwait Flag
Kuwait 6.63 30th
Serbia Flag
Serbia 6.61 31st
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabia 6.60 32nd
France Flag
France 6.59 33rd
Singapore Flag
Singapore 6.57 34th
Romania Flag
Romania 6.56 35th
Brazil Flag
Brazil 6.49 36th
El Salvador Flag
El Salvador 6.49 37th
Spain Flag
Spain 6.47 38th
Italy Flag
Italy 6.42 40th
Estonia Flag
Estonia 6.42 39th
Panama Flag
Panama 6.41 41st
Argentina Flag
Argentina 6.40 42nd
Kazakhstan Flag
Kazakhstan 6.38 43rd
Poland Flag
Poland 6.37 26th
Chile Flag
Chile 6.36 45th
Guatemala Flag
Guatemala 6.36 44th
Vietnam Flag
Vietnam 6.35 46th
Nicaragua Flag
Nicaragua 6.33 47th
Malta Flag
Malta 6.32 48th
Thailand Flag
Thailand 6.22 49th
Slovakia Flag
Slovakia 6.22 50th
Latvia Flag
Latvia 6.21 51st
Oman Flag
Oman 6.20 52nd
Uzbekistan Flag
Uzbekistan 6.19 53rd
Paraguay Flag
Paraguay 6.17 54th
Japan Flag
Japan 6.15 55th
Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.14 56th
Philippines Flag
Philippines 6.11 57th
South Korea Flag
South Korea 6.04 58th
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain 6.03 59th
Portugal Flag
Portugal 6.01 60th
Colombia Flag
Colombia 6.00 61st
Ecuador Flag
Ecuador 5.97 62nd
Malaysia Flag
Malaysia 5.96 64th
Honduras Flag
Honduras 5.96 63rd
Russia Flag
Russia 5.95 66th
Peru Flag
Peru 5.95 65th
Cyprus Flag
Cyprus 5.94 67th
China Flag
China 5.92 68th
Hungary Flag
Hungary 5.92 69th
Tunisia Flag
Tunisia 5.91 70th
Montenegro Flag
Montenegro 5.88 71st
Bolivia Flag
Bolivia 5.87 74th
Croatia Flag
Croatia 5.87 72nd
Jamaica Flag
Jamaica 5.87 73rd
Kyrgyzstan Flag
Kyrgyzstan 5.86 75th
Dominican Republic Flag
Dominican Republic 5.85 76th
Mongolia Flag
Mongolia 5.83 77th
Mauritius Flag
Mauritius 5.83 78th
Libya Flag
Libya 5.82 79th
Moldova Flag
Moldova 5.82 80th
Greece Flag
Greece 5.78 81st
Venezuela Flag
Venezuela 5.68 82nd
Indonesia Flag
Indonesia 5.62 83rd
Algeria Flag
Algeria 5.57 84th
Bulgaria Flag
Bulgaria 5.55 85th
North Macedonia Flag
North Macedonia 5.50 86th
Hong Kong Flag
Hong Kong 5.49 88th
Armenia Flag
Armenia 5.49 87th
Tajikistan Flag
Tajikistan 5.41 90th
Albania Flag
Albania 5.41 89th
Georgia Flag
Georgia 5.40 91st
Nepal Flag
Nepal 5.31 92nd
Laos Flag
Laos 5.30 93rd
Turkey Flag
Turkey 5.26 94th
South Africa Flag
South Africa 5.21 95th
Mozambique Flag
Mozambique 5.19 96th
Gabon Flag
Gabon 5.12 97th
Ivory Coast Flag
Ivory Coast 5.10 98th
Iran Flag
Iran 5.09 99th
Republic of the Congo Flag
Republic of the Congo 5.03 100th
Iraq Flag
Iraq 4.98 101st
Guinea Flag
Guinea 4.93 102nd
Namibia Flag
Namibia 4.91 103rd
Nigeria Flag
Nigeria 4.89 105th
Cameroon Flag
Cameroon 4.89 104th
Azerbaijan Flag
Azerbaijan 4.88 106th
Senegal Flag
Senegal 4.86 107th
Palestine Flag
Palestine 4.78 108th
Pakistan Flag
Pakistan 4.77 109th
Niger Flag
Niger 4.73 110th
Ukraine Flag
Ukraine 4.68 111th
Morocco Flag
Morocco 4.62 112th
Mauritania Flag
Mauritania 4.54 114th
Kenya Flag
Kenya 4.51 115th
Uganda Flag
Uganda 4.46 116th
Gambia Flag
Gambia 4.42 117th
India Flag
India 4.39 118th
Burkina Faso Flag
Burkina Faso 4.38 120th
Chad Flag
Chad 4.38 119th
Benin Flag
Benin 4.36 121st
Mali Flag
Mali 4.35 123rd
Somalia Flag
Somalia 4.35 122nd
Ghana Flag
Ghana 4.34 125th
Cambodia Flag
Cambodia 4.34 124th
Myanmar Flag
Myanmar 4.32 126th
Togo Flag
Togo 4.32 127th
Jordan Flag
Jordan 4.31 128th
Liberia Flag
Liberia 4.28 129th
Madagascar Flag
Madagascar 4.16 130th
Zambia Flag
Zambia 3.91 131st
Ethiopia Flag
Ethiopia 3.90 132nd
Sri Lanka Flag
Sri Lanka 3.89 133rd
Bangladesh Flag
Bangladesh 3.85 134th
Egypt Flag
Egypt 3.82 135th
Tanzania Flag
Tanzania 3.80 136th
Eswatini Flag
Eswatini 3.77 137th
Lesotho Flag
Lesotho 3.76 138th
Comoros Flag
Comoros 3.75 139th
Yemen Flag
Yemen 3.56 140th
DR Congo Flag
DR Congo 3.47 141st
Botswana Flag
Botswana 3.44 142nd
Zimbabwe Flag
Zimbabwe 3.40 143rd
Malawi Flag
Malawi 3.26 144th
Lebanon Flag
Lebanon 3.19 145th
Sierra Leone Flag
Sierra Leone 3.00 146th
Afghanistan Flag
Afghanistan 1.36 147th
  • Happiness rankings are three-year averages. For example, 2025 rankings compile data from 2022-2024, while 2024 rankings compile data from 2021-2023.
  • Happiness rankings are determined by analyzing comprehensive Gallup polling data from 149 countries in six particular categories: gross domestic product per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make your own life choices, generosity of the general population, and perceptions of internal and external corruption levels.
  • The following countries lack survey information in 2022, so their 2023 averages are based on the 2020 and 2021 survey: Zambia, Uganda, Turkey, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Slovakia, Singapore, Serbia, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Montenegro, Malaysia, Laos, Iraq, China, Burkina Faso, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bahrain, Algeria
  • The following countries lack survey information in 2021, so their 2022 averages are based on the 2019 and 2020 survey: Yemen, Turkmenistan, Rwanda, Palestine, Niger, Mauritania, Madagascar, Luxembourg, Libya, Liberia, Lesotho, Kuwait, , Guatemala, Gambia, Eswatini, Comoros, Chad, Botswana, Belarus, Azerbaijan.

Other Categories