11 Poorest Countries in Asia: Where Does India Stand?
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Asia is a land of contrasts - home to centuries-old traditions, vibrant cultures, and booming economies. Yet, behind its rich heritage lies a harsh reality: many nations across the continent still struggle with deep-rooted poverty. One way to measure this is through Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) per capita, which reflects people’s standard of living after accounting for the cost of goods and services. Based on data from the World Population Review , here are the 11 poorest countries in Asia , ranked by their PPP in international dollars.
1. Yemen – $840
Yemen tops the list as Asia’s poorest nation. Years of civil war, political collapse, and a lack of basic human rights have left millions battling hunger, unemployment, and a crumbling healthcare system. For most citizens, daily survival is a challenge.
One of Asia’s youngest countries, Timor-Leste relies heavily on oil revenues. However, lack of economic diversification and weak institutional systems have left rural communities struggling with extreme poverty.
6. Tajikistan – $5,680
With limited industrial development and a struggling agricultural sector, Tajikistan’s economy remains fragile. Corruption and weak governance further hinder long-term growth prospects.
7. Kyrgyzstan – $5,830
Kyrgyzstan’s economy depends heavily on agriculture and remittances from overseas workers. Political instability and limited natural resources have prevented it from achieving sustained development.
8. Pakistan – $6,350
Pakistan’s economic struggles stem from energy shortages, political uncertainty, and insufficient investment in healthcare and education. While its location offers trade potential, systemic issues slow down progress.
9. Bangladesh – $7,690
Known for its booming textile industry, Bangladesh has made economic gains. Yet, overpopulation, climate change risks, and frequent natural disasters like floods and cyclones continue to hold the nation back.
10. Palestine – $8,170
Ongoing conflict and political instability have severely limited Palestine’s economic capacity. Restricted movement, resource scarcity, and frequent violence make daily life extremely challenging for its citizens.
11. India – $8,210
India’s position on this list is a stark reminder of the country’s deep economic divide. While urban hubs and tech industries thrive, millions in rural areas still face poverty, malnutrition, and poor access to education and healthcare. The gap between rapid GDP growth and actual living conditions remains a pressing concern.
This list highlights the ongoing battle against poverty in several Asian nations, where political instability, weak institutions, and limited resources have kept millions trapped in hardship. India’s inclusion, despite its global economic rise, underscores how income inequality and uneven development remain urgent issues for policymakers across the continent.
1. Yemen – $840
Yemen tops the list as Asia’s poorest nation. Years of civil war, political collapse, and a lack of basic human rights have left millions battling hunger, unemployment, and a crumbling healthcare system. For most citizens, daily survival is a challenge. 2. Afghanistan – $1,690
Decades of war, fragile governance, and limited infrastructure have devastated Afghanistan’s economy. The return of Taliban rule has only worsened the situation, with education, healthcare, and security systems barely functioning.3. Nepal – $4,750
Agriculture is the backbone of Nepal’s economy, but most farmers operate at a subsistence level. Harsh weather conditions and limited industrial growth make economic progress slow, even as tourism sees gradual improvement.4. Myanmar – $4,760
Despite abundant natural resources, Myanmar faces persistent economic challenges due to political instability, underdeveloped infrastructure, and ongoing regional conflicts. Military control continues to limit growth opportunities.
5. Timor-Leste – $4,780
One of Asia’s youngest countries, Timor-Leste relies heavily on oil revenues. However, lack of economic diversification and weak institutional systems have left rural communities struggling with extreme poverty.6. Tajikistan – $5,680
With limited industrial development and a struggling agricultural sector, Tajikistan’s economy remains fragile. Corruption and weak governance further hinder long-term growth prospects. 7. Kyrgyzstan – $5,830
Kyrgyzstan’s economy depends heavily on agriculture and remittances from overseas workers. Political instability and limited natural resources have prevented it from achieving sustained development. 8. Pakistan – $6,350
Pakistan’s economic struggles stem from energy shortages, political uncertainty, and insufficient investment in healthcare and education. While its location offers trade potential, systemic issues slow down progress. 9. Bangladesh – $7,690
Known for its booming textile industry, Bangladesh has made economic gains. Yet, overpopulation, climate change risks, and frequent natural disasters like floods and cyclones continue to hold the nation back.10. Palestine – $8,170
Ongoing conflict and political instability have severely limited Palestine’s economic capacity. Restricted movement, resource scarcity, and frequent violence make daily life extremely challenging for its citizens. 11. India – $8,210
India’s position on this list is a stark reminder of the country’s deep economic divide. While urban hubs and tech industries thrive, millions in rural areas still face poverty, malnutrition, and poor access to education and healthcare. The gap between rapid GDP growth and actual living conditions remains a pressing concern. This list highlights the ongoing battle against poverty in several Asian nations, where political instability, weak institutions, and limited resources have kept millions trapped in hardship. India’s inclusion, despite its global economic rise, underscores how income inequality and uneven development remain urgent issues for policymakers across the continent.
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