Zimbabwe among the 50 poorest countries in the world but you will be surprised at which countries it is better than

37. Mauritania

Total GDP (in billions): $10

GDP Per Capita: $2,166

5 Year CAGR: 8.0%

Mauritania is a predominantly desert country (75% of the country is the Sahara Desert), with very little arable land (only 0.5% of the total land area) and large areas of pastoral land. Mauritania has a number of natural resources, including iron ore, gypsum, and oil, and these resources are a significant contributor to the country’s economy. Mauritania’s especially hydrocarbon sector has potential for growth. U.S. energy company Kosmos Energy discovered a large deposit of natural gas off the coast of Mauritania and Senegal in 2014.

36. Micronesia

Total GDP (in billions): $0.4

GDP Per Capita: $3,571

5 Year CAGR: 2.0%

Federated States of Micronesia is a country in the Pacific Ocean with a small and underdeveloped economy. The Federated States of Micronesia’s economy is primarily based on subsistence agriculture and fishing. The country lacks valuable mineral deposits, with the exception of high-grade phosphate. Micronesia is one of several Pacific islands where the governments do not properly spend funds received in aid, thereby exacerbating poverty instead of eradicating it.

35. Tanzania

Total GDP (in billions): $67.8

GDP Per Capita: $1,099

5 Year CAGR: 4.9%

Tanzania is a country in East Africa with a large and underdeveloped economy. Tanzania has failed to improve its agricultural productivity over the past few decades which is why it is still among the poorest countries in the world. Nevertheless, Tanzania has experienced significant economic development in recent years, which has been fueled by its diverse natural resources and growing tourism industry.

34. Vanuatu

Total GDP (in billions): $1.0

GDP Per Capita: $2,997

Year CAGR: 1.7%

Vanuatu is a small, island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a small and underdeveloped economy. The top three industries are agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Rural areas in Vanuatu have very limited infrastructure while the country’s food security is also under threat from climate change.

33. Nepal

Total GDP (in billions): $36.3

GDP Per Capita: $1,208

5 Year CAGR: 4.6%

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia with a large and underdeveloped economy. Nepal’s economic growth has been slower compared to many of its neighboring countries due to a history of political instability. Despite Nepal charging thousands of dollars to hundreds of climbers each year who want to climb Mount Everest, its location means that the development of infrastructure is more difficult while the country also needs to make more advances in agricultural technology.

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