South Sudan

War, famine, poverty. Which countries live worse than others

Twice a year, the International Monetary Fund publishes a huge collection of indicators on economic power, where per capita gross domestic product (GDP) is considered key. According to them, the poorest countries in the world are the states of Africa and some states of the Middle East, which are exhausted by wars and famines..

Note on the indices indicated in the article:

• HDI (Human Development Index). The UN is annually calculated to compare the standard of living, education, literacy and longevity in different countries. The maximum value is 1.

• Corruption perception index. It is annually calculated by Transparency International based on independent surveys of Freedom House, African, Asian Development Banks and the World Bank. It is estimated from 0 (maximum) to 100 (minimum) points. Rating consists of 180 countries.

Only countries for which statistics are published on the International Monetary Fund website in January 2019 are included in the list..

1. South Sudan

• GDP per capita: $ 224.75
• HDI: 0.388
• Inflation (2018): 106.359%
• Corruption Perception Index: 12 (179/180)

This state in Central Africa gained independence from Sudan in 2011 as a result of a referendum (98% of the vote). But the situation remained difficult. There is a civil war in the country between the Nuer tribal union (opposition) and the Dinka people (government), as well as military conflicts with neighboring Sudan. These events are affecting agriculture, which is why hunger has been in the republic since 2017. According to the UN, approximately 4.9 million people suffer from malnutrition.

2. Burundi

• GDP per capita: $ 309.87
• HDI: 0.417
• Inflation (2018): 1.238%
• Corruption Perception Index: 22 (157/180)

The Republic of Burundi is located on the shores of Tanganyika, the longest lake in the world. Frequent interethnic conflicts impeded development and subsided only in the 21st century due to international presence. The country has large reserves of minerals, but some of them are not mined, for example, platinum. Most of the population lives below the poverty line. Burundi – the state with one of the highest emigration rates in the world.

3. Malawi

• GDP per capita: $ 361.15
• HDI: 0.477
• Inflation (2018): 9.194%
• Corruption Perception Index: 31 (122/180)

It is a presidential republic, independent of Britain since 1964. Until 1994, the leader of the country was the Hastings Gang. He established a one-party conservative regime, organized censorship, and fought fiercely with the opposition. In the 1980s, the fall in world prices for tobacco and tea hit the economy, Western support weakened, the country became dependent on the World Bank and IMF.

More than 50% of the population lives below the poverty line. 90% of workers are engaged in agriculture (tea, sugar, tobacco). Natural resources are poorly developed. In 2013, HIV infection was 11.9%.

4. Sierra Leone

• GDP per capita: $ 489.31
• HDI: 0.419
• Inflation (2018): 15.58%
• Corruption Perception Index: 30 (130/180)

The former British colony of Sierra Leone, and after gaining independence, maintained close relations with Great Britain. With her help, she managed to stop the civil war in 2002.

The country has impressive mineral, fishing and agricultural resources, but the poor infrastructure does not allow them to fully utilize. The share of the agricultural sector in GDP is 49%, industry – 31%. About 70% of the population is below the poverty line.

5. Central African Republic

• GDP per capita: $ 489.55
• HDI: 0.367
• Inflation (2018): 4.019%
• Corruption Perception Index: 23 (156/180)

The half-century history of an independent CAR is also filled with armed confrontations, civil and sectarian conflicts. And now government forces are being attacked by gangs, but the country is receiving international support. For example, President Tuader is guarded by Russian units, which also provide the local army with uniforms and weapons.

The CAR has deposits of oil, gold, uranium, and diamonds, but does not use these resources efficiently. Mining, together with the production of footwear, beer and logging, make up about 20% of GDP. 55% falls on agricultural activities, namely the cultivation of tobacco, coffee, corn, bananas, cassava.

The social situation is difficult: HIV infection – 6.3%, average life expectancy – 48/50 years (women / men), literacy – 48%.

6. Mozambique

• GDP per capita: $ 500.77
• HDI: 0.437
• Inflation (2018): 5.969%
• Corruption Perception Index: 25 (153/180)

Mozambique – the former Portuguese colony, in 1975 became independent and took socialism as a basis, and two years later fell into a civil war. Military operations ended only in 1992 – Mozambique switched to multi-party democracy. The economy was destroyed, and even with active international assistance, the state is still included in the IMF rating.

There is inefficiency: with 81% of employment in the agricultural sector (24% of GDP), 12% of fertile land is cultivated. In industry (30% of GDP) 6% of the working population. About 70% of the population is below the poverty line. Life expectancy is 52.6 years. Only half of the citizens are literate, with 36% of women. HIV infection – 10.75%.

7. Madagascar

• GDP per capita: $ 500.95
• HDI: 0.519
• Inflation (2018): 7.784%
• Corruption Perception Index: 24 (155/180)

Madagascar is an island with unique flora and fauna. From the date of independence (06/26/1960), the state has experienced several coups, rebellions and perestroika.

The economy is seen as developing. Its basis is fishing, agriculture (spices, spices, vanilla, coffee, sugar, tapioca, legumes). Export of vanilla is so important for Madagascar that Coca-Cola transition from a natural product to a synthetic one has hit the country hard. Of great importance for the economy is tourism. Life expectancy is 63 years. State 13th in the world in annual population growth (3%).

8. Democratic Republic of the Congo

• GDP per capita: $ 501.65
• HDI: 0.457
• Inflation (2018): 23%
• Corruption Perception Index: 21 (161/180)

The former colony of Belgium was previously the republics of Zaire and Congo, and now is called DR Congo. Change was accompanied by rebellion, civil conflict, and the overthrow of leaders. In 1998-2002, the country was hit hard by the Second Congolese War..

Authorities are making efforts to restore the mining sector, which forms the basis of exports. But stagnation continues due to falling prices and demand for key products (gold, diamonds, copper, cobalt, zinc). The big problem is the shadow export of tantalum raw materials, which includes the mafia, the governments of neighboring countries and world electronics manufacturers (tantalum is a chemical element).

9. Niger

• GDP per capita: $ 503.31
• HDI: 0.354
• Inflation (2018): 3.9%
• Corruption Perception Index: 33 (112/180)

Most of Niger is occupied by the Sahara desert and the Sahel semi-desert, and the population is concentrated in the west and south. The basis of the economy is uranium ore mining and agriculture. The second half of the 20th century was a time of uprisings, killings of high-ranking officials, droughts and military coups (the last successful – in 2009, an attempt – in 2011).

The development and recovery from the crisis is largely hindered by the low literacy rate of the population – 28% (men – 43%, women – 15%). The state has a very high birth rate – 51.1 per 1,000 people, but it takes 3rd place in infant mortality (115 per 1,000).

10. Afghanistan

• GDP per capita: $ 577.21
• HDI: 0.498
• Inflation (2018): 3%
• Corruption Perception Index: 15 (177/180)

Although Afghanistan’s location allows it to play a large role in the politics and culture of the region, it remains one of the least developed countries. The reason is the ongoing civil war in which foreign forces are participating..

In 2008, unemployment in the republic reached 35%. Of the workers, 78% are employed in agriculture, 16% in the service sector, 6% in industry. The main export products are opium, carpets, nuts, fruits, astrakhan, wool, precious and semiprecious stones.

Literate 42% of men and only 12% of women. The highest infant mortality rate is 274 per 1,000. Life expectancy is 44.6 years..

11. Liberia

• GDP per capita: $ 651.85
• HDI: 0.435
• Inflation (2018): 21.27%
• Corruption Perception Index: 31 (122/180)

Between 1980 and 2003, Liberia survived the dictatorship of the Dow and two civil wars. It is not known when the country’s economy will be able to recover and reach a decent level – unemployment reaches 85%. The state has valuable resources – gold, diamonds, iron ore – but there is no infrastructure for their use. One of the main sources of income remains the “convenient flag” – Liberia allows foreign ships to fly under its own flag, helping them reduce maintenance costs in world ports.

12. Togo

• GDP per capita: $ 691.42
• HDI: 0.503
• Inflation (2018): 0.4%
• Corruption Perception Index: 32 (117/180)

The Togolese Republic to this day remains under the rule of an authoritarian regime, which impedes international relations and, accordingly, economic development. The economy is based on re-export and agriculture, but still imports most of the food. Important areas are the extraction of phosphates, the processing of agricultural products (coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, tapioca). Livestock is underdeveloped due to tsetse flies.

13. Uganda

• GDP per capita: $ 746.59
• HDI: 0.516
• Inflation (2018): 3.825%
• Corruption Perception Index: 26 (151/180)

Independence from Great Britain for Uganda was marked by rebellion and interethnic clashes. The country headed for socialism, nationalized, clashed with neighbors, built up the army and lost a lot of time and development opportunities.

It is the youngest country in the world with an average age of 14.8 years. HIV infection is 6.4% and infant mortality is 64 per 1,000. About a third of the population lives below the poverty line. 82% of workers are employed in the agricultural sector (22% of GDP), about 5% – in industry (25% of GDP). The main exports are coffee, tea, fish, flowers, cotton and gold.

14. The Gambia

• GDP per capita: $ 761.23
• HDI: 0.46
• Inflation (2018): 6.197%
• Corruption Perception Index: 30 (130/180)

The Gambia is the smallest state in continental Africa. Riots, coups, entry and exit from the Confederation of Senegambia, renaming to the Islamic Republic and vice versa – all this fit into half a century of independent existence.

Now the economy is fragmented and poorly organized. Economically active 52% of the population, but there is an influx of migrants from Guinea, Mali, Senegal. The main source of income is agriculture, specifically peanuts (40% of the value of exports). Hard currency inflows have been increasing in recent years due to tourism development.

15. Burkina Faso

• GDP per capita: $ 767.7
• HDI: 0.423
• Inflation (2018): 2%
• Corruption Perception Index: 42 (74/180)

The final position is Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta). She survived a series of coups in the 1980s, after which President Blaise Compaore ruled until 2014. Now his place is occupied by former military Rock Marc Christian Cabore.

The country has low literacy – 15% among women and 29% among men. Life expectancy is 53 years. 46% of residents are under the age of 14 years. 90% of workers are engaged in agriculture, which has to cope with frequent droughts. The main export commodities are cotton, gold, livestock, hides, meat.

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