Sierra Leone has been ranked 11th among the world's 15 poorest countries, according to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) October 2026 World Economic Outlook dataset. The country's GDP per capita is estimated at US$946.47, placing it among the countries with the lowest economic output per person. This ranking highlights Sierra Leone's continuing economic development challenges.
Burundi ranks lowest on the list, with an estimated GDP per capita of US$510.37, followed by Yemen at US$566.84 and Sudan at US$596.60. South Sudan and Madagascar occupy fourth and fifth positions, with estimates of US$641.95 and US$649.01, respectively. These countries face significant economic challenges that impact the well-being of their citizens.
Mozambique, Malawi, Niger, Somalia, and the Central African Republic complete the ten countries ranked below Sierra Leone. The country's position on the list underscores the need to expand productive industries, create jobs, and improve household incomes. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the living standards of Sierra Leone's population.
Liberia, with an estimated GDP per capita of US$976.26, follows Sierra Leone, closely trailed by The Gambia at US$1,030.25, the Democratic Republic of the Congo at US$1,111.44, and Ethiopia at US$1,131.49. These figures are based on nominal GDP per capita, which measures a country's total economic output divided by its population and expressed in current US dollars.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook provides economic data and projections for countries worldwide. The 2026 figures are estimates and may be revised as new economic information becomes available. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for understanding the relative size of economies in relation to their populations.
GDP per capita does not represent the average salary or income earned by individual citizens, nor does it directly measure the poverty rate or show how wealth is distributed across the population. Factors such as inflation, employment, access to public services, and income inequality also influence living standards.
The IMF's estimates provide an indication of the economic challenges faced by Sierra Leone and other low-income countries. Policymakers and stakeholders can use this data to inform decisions aimed at promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving the well-being of citizens.
Key points
- Sierra Leone's GDP per capita is estimated at US$946.47, ranking 11th among the world's poorest countries.
- The IMF's World Economic Outlook dataset provides economic data and projections for countries worldwide.
- GDP per capita does not directly measure poverty rates or income inequality.
