- By Ridam Sharma
- Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:10 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Poorest Countries In Asia: Asia is known for its rich traditional and cultural heritage in world dynamics. However, it is also unfortunately significantly known for its poverty and difficult socio-economic conditions across the countries. One of the most commonly used ways to measure a poverty rate in a country is through its Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) per capita, which easily lets us know about the standard of living of people in the country after considering the price of goods and services. To know more, here is a list of the 11 poorest countries in Asia, according to PPP (international dollars) data provided by the World Population Review report.
List Of 11 Poorest Countries In Asia:
Countries | PPP INT (International Dollars ) |
Yemen | $840 |
Afghanistan | $1,690 |
Nepal | $4,750 |
Myanmar | $4,760 |
Timor-Leste | $4,780 |
Tajikistan | $5,680 |
Kyrgyzstan | $5,830 |
Pakistan | $6,350 |
Bangladesh | $7,690 |
Palestine | $8,170 |
India | $8,210 |
Which Is The Poorest Country In Asia?
1. Yemen ($840)
Yemen is the poorest country in Asian, with a total PPP rate of $840. The nation’s low poverty rates are due to civil war, economic failure, and no human rights, which have led to a population fighting for survival. The majority of the Yemen population faces food insecurity, lack of healthcare facilities, along prevalent unemployment.
2. Afghanistan ($1,690)
Afghanistan is the second-poorest country in the world, with a recoded PPP of $1,690. The nation has suffered through it all, from decades-long war, the worst infrastructure, lack of education, and poor health. Additionally, the return of the Taliban has further weakened its economy.
3. Nepal ($4,750)
Most of Nepal's population works in sectors like agriculture, frequently on a subsistence basis. The climatic issues influence its development, which highly impacts its rural populations, who see no growth despite recent growth in the tourism sector.
4. Myanmar ($4,760)
In Myanmar, the political instability and regional conflicts have worsened economic growth. The nation is packed with natural resources, but faces underinvestment in public infrastructure and a military government.
5. Timor-Leste ($4,780)
Timor-Leste is one of Asia's youngest countries, which has faced significant regional conflicts. Natural resources like oil add up to its economy, but limited diversification and weak institutions are the reasons for deep-rooted poverty, especially in rural areas.
6. Tajikistan ($5,680)
Tajikistan lacks substantial industrial or natural resources. Poor governance and an underdeveloped agricultural sector add up to the economic vulnerability here.
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7. Kyrgyzstan ($5,830)
Kyrgyzstan’s population is also dependent on agriculture and remittances. Instability and low natural resources hamper prolonged economic growth.
8. Pakistan ($6,350)
Despite Pakistan’s relatively large population and favourable geographical position, the economy of Pakistan is going downhill, mainly due to energy crises, political instability, and scarcity of development in the education and healthcare sectors.
9. Bangladesh ($7,690)
Bangladesh has experienced high growth in manufacturing and textiles, but long-standing overpopulation and exposure to climate change have led to natural calamities like flooding, cyclones. All these issues have made economic progress difficult here.
10. Palestine ($8,170)
Palestine is facing decades-long political turmoil and violence that have greatly restricted its economic stability. Movement restrictions, violence, and limited resources make everyday life extremely difficult here.
11. India ($8,210)
India's ranking on this list is concerning, considering it is an emerging global power. The country has shown significant growth in its GDP in the past few years. While technology development and urban hubs thrive, a majority of the population remains rural and lives in poverty, malnutrition, and poor public facilities. Considering economic disparity and health, and education keep the nation of billions below the poverty line.
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The list of 11 poorest countries in the world showcases significant poverty, bad institutions, and constant turmoil. India's position stands out: as its GDP is globally unmatched, the PPP also illustrates severe inequalities within the nation. The list is also a firm reminder of the world’s rural poverty, especially in Asian countries. Asian countries on the list are in urgent need of effective policy, focused assistance, and long-term development on the continent.