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12 countries that are poorer than you might think
Surprisingly poor countries
By Daniel Coughlin · August 6, 2026
Nations that aren't that wealthy in reality
While some countries look wealthy from the outside, scratch beneath the surface and their economic reality is actually very different.
Using the World Bank's most recent GDP-per-capita figures, which quantify each country's economic output per person and better reflect the population's wealth, click or scroll on as we look at 12 countries that aren't as rich as you might think.
All dollar amounts in US dollars unless otherwise stated
Nigeria, GDP per capita: $1,224 (£915)
Nigeria is Africa's third-largest economy and ranks within the top 50 globally. The nation is awash with oil wealth and boasts the 10th-largest proven oil reserves globally. According to recent figures, it's also the eighth most important exporter of the commodity.
The country's four billionaires have a combined net worth of $51.6 billion (£38.6bn). The country's richest person, Dangote Cement founder Aliko Dangote, sits on a fortune of $30.9 billion (£23.1bn) according to Forbes, making him the wealthiest individual on the continent.
Nigeria, GDP per capita: $1,224 (£915)
Sadly, wealth disparities are massive in Nigeria. The country has one of the world's largest populations living in poverty, with around 104 million Nigerians estimated to be living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. That's a staggering 46% of the population.
Instead of capitalising on the nation's oil wealth, successive governments have squandered it, and corruption is rife.
India, GDP per capita: $2,702 (£2,020)
Based on the World Bank's latest data, India has the world's sixth-largest economy, eclipsing more advanced economies such as France and Canada.
The country has the third-highest number of billionaires on the planet, clocking in at 229 according to Forbes data from March 2026, as well as a large affluent middle class. Cities such as Mumbai boast soaring skyscrapers and the country also has a national space agency, both of which are classic signs of a wealthy nation.
India, GDP per capita: $2,702 (£2,020)
Yet the gap between the rich and poor members of India's 1.4 billion population is glaring. Poverty is rife and, according to the World Poverty Clock, close to 15 million people (around 1% of the total population) are living in extreme poverty and surviving on just $2.15 (£1.60) or less a day.
While India has experienced one of the fastest declines in extreme poverty in history, people in rural areas and historically disadvantaged groups still bear the brunt.
Iran, GDP per capita: $3,924 (£2,933)
On paper, Iran would appear to be a fantastically wealthy nation. After all, the Middle Eastern country possesses the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world and the second-largest proven natural gas reserves.
On top of that, it's home to a highly educated population and a rapidly growing number of high net worth individuals (HNWIs). And then there's the Rich Kids of Tehran Instagram account, which has half a million followers and showcases the lavish lifestyles of the country's young elite.
Iran, GDP per capita: $3,924 (£2,933)
In reality, however, Iran is a poor country, having been subject to strict sanctions imposed by the US and other nations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Other factors contributing to its impoverishment include a lack of competition in the mostly state-run economy and widespread corruption. The World Bank has estimated that a third of the country's population was living in poverty in recent years, with persistently high inflation likely to push many more over the line. None of this takes into account the ongoing conflict with America, which is certain to exacerbate the problem.
Indonesia, GDP per capita: $5,059 (£3,781)
Indonesia has the largest economy in Southeast Asia and is a member of the G20 group of the world's richest nations.
The country is a major exporter of oil and natural gas and is the 10th-largest manufacturing nation in the world, according to World Population Review. Its bustling capital Jakarta is packed with spectacular skyscrapers, high-end shopping malls and other classic indicators of wealth.
Indonesia, GDP per capita: $5,059 (£3,781)
The city is also full of squalid shanty towns, with a jaw-dropping 450 slum areas in total. In fact, almost 20% of Indonesia's population live on just $4.20 (£3.15) or less per day, while 68% of the population gets by on $8.30 (£6.20) or less a day, according to World Bank data.
By contrast, the number of millionaires in the country is expected to reach 235,000 by 2028, which is a testament to its high levels of income inequality.
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Ukraine, GDP per capita: $5,865 (£4,384)
Looking at the Ukrainian economy prior to Russia's invasion in February 2022, the country seemed to be a lot wealthier than it actually was. This was in part due to its bountiful natural resources, highly educated population and status as a leading exporter of agricultural and hard commodities. It also had a strong manufacturing base and had become a leader in providing outsourced IT services.
Ukraine, GDP per capita: $5,865 (£4,384)
However, even before the all-out conflict, Ukraine was still Europe's poorest country in terms of GDP per capita. Ukraine has some of the world's lowest levels of income inequality but scores poorly for corruption, a hangover from the previous regime. However, President Zelensky's democratic government has done much to combat this.
Tragically, the economy was battered by Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. In 2022, the year of Russia's invasion, Ukraine's economy is estimated to have shrunk by between 20% and 30%, although it has slowly begun to rebound.
South Africa, GDP per capita: $6,597 (£4,931)
South Africa boasts Africa's largest economy and has one of the most diverse and lucrative agricultural sectors in the world. It's also home to abundant mineral reserves, ranging from diamonds and gold to iron ore and coal, and has highly developed manufacturing and tourism industries.
The country also has the highest number of HNWIs in Africa at well over 41,100, and is home to eight billionaires.
South Africa, GDP per capita: $6,597 (£4,931)
Despite these indicators of affluence, South Africa's GDP per capita is painfully modest, coming in at $6,597 (£4,931). The country also has the dubious honour of being the most unequal country in the world: no other has such a wide gap between the haves and have-nots. So while the elite prospers, the majority of the population lives in abject poverty.
The appalling income inequality is partly a vestige of the apartheid system, which resulted in racial segregation. However, corruption and government mismanagement during the three decades since apartheid ended have also played a major part.
Brazil, GDP per capita: $10,713 (£8,007)
Brazil has the 10th-largest global economy and is one of the world's leading mining, agricultural and manufacturing nations. It also has a fast-growing services sector.
The country ranks 19th in the world when it comes to the number of millionaires, and is ninth when it comes to billionaires, with 70 living in Brazil in total.
Brazil, GDP per capita: $10,713 (£8,007)
Despite those dazzling figures, Brazil's riches rest in the hands of a tiny elite. The gulf between the rich and poor is incredibly wide, with charity Oxfam reporting in 2022 that the country's six wealthiest individuals have the same collective wealth as the poorest 50% of the nation, around 107 million people.
The most recent World Bank data estimates that up to 4% of the country's population lives in extreme poverty, while up to a quarter get by on less than $8.30 (£6.20) per day.
China, GDP per capita: $13,862 (£10,360)
China's GDP is the second biggest in the world, and it's expected to overtake America as the world's largest economic power by the end of the next decade.
The Asian powerhouse has the second-highest number of millionaires and billionaires on the planet, while more than half the population is now considered to be middle class, up from just 3% in 2000. China would appear to be a mega-wealthy nation – although things aren't always as they seem...
China, GDP per capita: $13,862 (£10,360)
The GDP per capita of the People's Republic tells another story entirely, and sits at just $13,862 (£10,360).
Although China had reportedly almost eradicated extreme poverty by 2020, it's still a relatively poor nation riven by wealth disparities, and hundreds of millions of the country's 1.4 billion residents live in poverty. World Bank data estimates that up to a fifth of its citizens survive on less than $8.30 (£6.20) per day.
Mexico, GDP per capita: $13,889 (£10,381)
Mexico has the world's 13th-largest economy, with a GDP of nearly $2 trillion (£1.5tn).
Its economy is relatively advanced, with services accounting for two-thirds of GDP, and the North American nation has more than its fair share of wealthy citizens, including billionaires like business giant Carlos Slim Helú.
Mexico, GDP per capita: $13,889 (£10,381)
Nevertheless, Mexico's GDP per capita is almost 15 times smaller than its rich neighbour to the north. A fifth of the country's workers are employed in agriculture, though the sector represents only a minuscule part of overall GDP. Around 36% of the population lives in poverty, with many people reliant on money sent from family members working abroad.
Needless to say, income inequality is a major problem in the country.
Maldives, GDP per capita: $14,614 (£10,923)
The Maldives has established itself as one of the world's premier luxury tourism destinations and is synonymous with once-in-a-lifetime getaways.
The tourism sector accounts for a large chunk of the island nation's GDP and generated over $5 billion (£3.7bn) last year. Considering the country's relatively small population of just over 530,000, you'd imagine residents would be generally well-off.
Maldives, GDP per capita: $14,614 (£10,923)
However, while extreme poverty is low in the country, around 10% of the population is affected by broader poverty, surviving on $8.30 (£6.20) a day or less. The country is plagued by high living costs due to its geographical isolation and, given its reliance on tourism, is particularly susceptible to economic shocks, with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the nation hard.
Income inequality is a major factor, and living standards vary greatly between the wealthy regions tourists see and the poorer outer islands.
Kazakhstan, GDP per capita: $14,692 (£10,981)
Visitors to Kazakhstan's gleaming new capital Nur-Sultan are no doubt bowled over by its magnificence and could easily think they're in one of the world's richest countries.
On the face of it, Kazakhstan has a thriving economy that's bolstered by abundant mineral resources and lots of foreign direct investment.
Kazakhstan, GDP per capita: $14,692 (£10,981)
While the country isn't quite as extreme as depicted in the Borat movies, the autocratic nation does have a very long way to go before it can be considered affluent.
Corruption is widespread and wealth is unfairly distributed. Half of the country's population lives in rural, economically isolated areas with inferior public services. Low wages and poor living standards are both common.
Russia, GDP per capita: $17,546 (£13,114)
The Russian Federation has the world's ninth-largest economy, with oil and natural gas exports key.
Before its invasion of Ukraine, the vast Eurasian nation supplied around 10% of the world's petroleum, which made up a huge two-thirds of its total exports. The country also provided around 40% of Europe's natural gas. All in all, its fossil fuel exports are incredibly lucrative, particularly for its billionaire oligarchs and political elite.
Russia, GDP per capita: $17,546 (£13,114)
However, Russia is something of a paper tiger economically. Having dangerously put all its eggs in one basket, the nation is overly reliant on fossil fuel exports, which are now being hit hard by sanctions and the transition to cleaner energies. Corruption is off the scale, as is income inequality, with the top 1% thought to control 71% of the nation's wealth.
Around 10 million Russians live in poverty, the equivalent of 7% of the population. Even prior to COVID-19 and the invasion of Ukraine, half of all working Russians were earning less than $550 (£411) a month.
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