Poverty is still a major problem in several nations that are struggling economically and are home to some of the world’s poorest people. The enormity of the problem and the necessity of long-term economic reforms to alter the narrative in the impacted countries are made clear by highlighting the countries with the biggest populations living in extreme poverty.
According to the most recent United Nations report, these numbers highlight the need for a more thorough investigation of the causes of poverty in various geographical areas and highlight the continuous challenges that communities face.
The top 5 poorest people in the world are as follows:
India
With almost 234 million people living in extreme poverty out of a population of 1.4 billion, India has the highest rate of poverty in the world. Even with recent economic expansion, a sizable section of the populace is still at risk. Poverty persists in both urban and rural areas due to a number of factors, including insufficient access to healthcare, unemployment, and educational inequality.
Pakistan
About 93 million people in Pakistan, after India, live in abject poverty. With a population of more than 240 million, many Pakistanis struggle with issues including inflation and restricted access to healthcare and education. Many families find it difficult to meet their basic requirements as a result of economic challenges and political uncertainty.
Ethiopia
Over 130 million people live in Ethiopia, with 83 million, or nearly 67 percent, of them living in extreme poverty.
The nation continues to struggle with food insecurity and the effects of climate change, despite recent advancements in agricultural productivity and educational access. Environmental problems like droughts can seriously impair livelihoods and drive vulnerable groups farther into poverty.
Nigeria
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with about 74 million people living in abject poverty. Widespread poverty is a result of economic issues such as debilitating economic conditions and high unemployment rates.
High levels of corruption, war, terrorism, and mass slaughter in many areas further impede development initiatives and interfere with access to basic services, depriving many people of sufficient assistance.
Congo’s Democratic Republic (DRC)
Approximately 66 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are extremely poor. Economic growth and development are severely hampered by the DRC’s persistent political instability, violence, and corruption, despite its abundance of natural resources. The cycle of poverty is sustained by the fact that many Congolese lack access to essential services like clean water, healthcare, and education.