Unveiling The Struggle For Development: An Insight Into The Top 10 Least Developed Countries In The World

It is challenging to define what constitutes an underdeveloped country, as it can be influenced by various factors such as economic, social, political, and cultural aspects. However, the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations use the Human Development Index (HDI) to measure a country's level of development based on three indicators: income, education, and life expectancy.

these top 10 underdeveloped countries face various challenges, including political instability, ongoing conflict, natural disasters, and economic difficulties. International aid, development assistance, and sustained efforts to address the root causes of these challenges can help improve their living conditions and overall development. It is crucial to continue promoting sustainable development, improving access to education, healthcare, and basic services, and reducing poverty and inequality to support the growth and prosperity of these countries.

In this article, we will discuss the top 10 underdeveloped countries in the world based on HDI rankings.

Top 10 Least Developed Countries in the World

• Niger
• Central African Republic (CAR)
• South Sudan
• Chad
• Burundi
• Mali
• Eritrea
• Mozambique
• Guinea-Bissau
• Sierra Leone

1. Niger

Niger is located in West Africa and is considered one of the poorest countries globally, with a population of over 23 million people. The country's economy is primarily agricultural, and about 80% of the population relies on subsistence farming. Niger has a low HDI ranking of 189 out of 189 countries, indicating the country's underdevelopment. The life expectancy in Niger is only 61.9 years, and the literacy rate is only 19.1%, with only 15% of the population having access to electricity.

2. Central African Republic (CAR)

The Central African Republic is located in Central Africa and has a population of over 4.8 million people. The country has been in a state of political instability and violence for several years, affecting its economic and social development. The CAR has an HDI ranking of 188 out of 189 countries, with a life expectancy of only 53.6 years and a literacy rate of 37.4%.

3. South Sudan

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South Sudan is the youngest country globally, gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. The country has a population of over 12 million people and is primarily dependent on oil exports for revenue. However, the country's economic growth has been affected by political instability and ongoing conflict, leading to a low HDI ranking of 187 out of 189 countries. The life expectancy in South Sudan is only 57.3 years, and the literacy rate is 27%.

4. Chad

Chad is located in Central Africa and has a population of over 16 million people. The country is rich in natural resources, such as oil, but has been affected by political instability and ongoing conflict. Chad has an HDI ranking of 186 out of 189 countries, with a life expectancy of only 54.9 years and a literacy rate of 22.3%.

5. Burundi

Burundi is located in East Africa and has a population of over 12 million people. The country has been affected by political instability and ethnic conflict for several years, leading to a low HDI ranking of 185 out of 189 countries. The life expectancy in Burundi is only 61.2 years, and the literacy rate is 75%.

6. Mali

Mali is located in West Africa and has a population of over 20 million people. The country is primarily agricultural, but the sector has been affected by droughts and desertification. Mali has also been affected by political instability and ongoing conflict, leading to a low HDI ranking of 184 out of 189 countries. The life expectancy in Mali is only 59.6 years, and the literacy rate is 33.4%.

7. Eritrea

Eritrea is located in East Africa and has a population of over 3.5 million people. The country gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, but political instability and human rights violations have affected its economic and social development. Eritrea has an HDI ranking of 182 out of 189 countries, with a life expectancy of only 65.2 years and a literacy rate of 77.8%.

8. Mozambique

Mozambique is located in Southeast Africa and has a population of over 31 million people. The country is rich in natural resources, such as coal, gas, and minerals, but has been affected by natural disasters, political instability, and ongoing conflict. Mozambique has an HDI ranking of 181 out of 189 countries, with a life expectancy of only 60.2 years and a literacy rate of 47.8%.

9. Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is located in West Africa and has a population of over 1.9 million people. The country is primarily agricultural, but political instability and ongoing conflict have affected its development. Guinea-Bissau has an HDI ranking of 178 out of 189 countries, with a life expectancy of only 58.2 years and a literacy rate of 45.9%.

10. Sierra Leone

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Sierra Leone is located in West Africa and has a population of over 7.8 million people. The country is rich in natural resources, such as diamonds, but has been affected by political instability and civil war, which ended in 2002. Sierra Leone has an HDI ranking of 175 out of 189 countries, with a life expectancy of only 54.3 years and a literacy rate of 43.3%.