Central African Republic - 62.8%
The Central African Republic is a landlocked country located in central Africa, with an area of about 623,000 square kilometers and a population of about 5 million. The country's chronic economic backwardness has led to a high poverty rate among its inhabitants, with about 62.8 per cent of the population living below the poverty line.
Central Africa's economy is largely dependent on agriculture, which accounts for about 43% of GDP, and agriculture is highly dependent on natural conditions. Much of the country is dry and rainless, with frequent severe droughts that hit agriculture hard. More than 60 per cent of Central Africa's land is available for grazing, but livestock farming is also often disrupted by repeated armed conflicts. In addition, Central Africa is rich in mineral resources, including gold diamonds, uranium, copper, cobalt, etc., but it is difficult to mine due to inconvenient transportation. Central Africa's manufacturing sector is underdeveloped, and exports are dominated by agricultural products and some primary products.
Central Africa has a long history of political instability, inefficient government and armed rebellions of all kinds, wreaking havoc and refugee problems. The situation was further chaotic in 2013 by ethnic cleansing of Muslims. Weak economic fundamentals and political instability have prevented Central Africa from fundamentally improving people's lives. Statistics from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) show that in 2015, Central Africa was the second-lowest in the world in the human development index, with poor educational and cultural conditions and only 36.8% literacy.
Central Africa's GDP per capita is only about $700, far below the world average. Poverty is particularly acute in rural areas, where urban dwellers rely mainly on government and foreign aid for their livelihoods. Due to poor health care and the high incidence of infectious diseases, child and infant mortality rates remain high. Lack of safe water and sanitation is also a problem.
In summary, the Central African Republic has a weak economic foundation, lagging agricultural development, underdeveloped industry, and political instability leading to a long-term economic recession. In addition, the frequent occurrence of natural disasters and poor medical and health conditions have led to extremely difficult life and poverty problems, with about 62.8% of the population living below the poverty line. To solve the problem of poverty once and for all, China and Africa must rebuild their economies, develop education, improve people's livelihoods, and maintain political stability.
Burundi - 64.6%
Burundi is a landlocked country located in east-central Africa, with an area of only 28,000 square kilometers but a population of 11 million, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Burundi has long faced problems such as land scarcity, environmental degradation and lagging economic development, resulting in a high national poverty rate, with about 64.6% of the population living below the poverty line.
Burundi's economy is predominantly agricultural, with more than 90 per cent of the population living in agriculture, but limited arable land. Land fragmentation leads to the small scale of agricultural land and low unit output, making it difficult to obtain surplus accumulation for agricultural development. Burundi's mountainous terrain is not conducive to modern, mechanized agriculture, and production has not been able to meet the needs of a growing population. In addition, the frequent occurrence of natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, famines, etc., have had a devastating impact on agriculture.
Burundi's industry is backward, with manufacturing accounting for less than 10% of GDP. The lack of infrastructure such as energy and transportation severely restricts the development of industry and commerce. Foreign trade dependence is high but the scale is small, and the main output is a few agricultural products such as coffee. Political turmoil has led to a shortage of foreign investment. Ninety per cent of the country's workforce is employed in low-income agricultural jobs, and the service sector is underdeveloped, making it difficult to create jobs.
Burundi has long underinvested in public services such as education and health care. The literacy rate of the population over the age of 15 is only 67.2 per cent, and the quality of education is uneven. The HIV infection rate is as high as 3%, but medical resources are severely scarce. Lack of clean drinking water and basic sanitation is also an important factor.
Burundi has been in turmoil since independence in 1962, with a civil war that has resulted in 3 million deaths and refugees. Political instability has played a huge role in damaging economic development. About 80 per cent of the country's population lives below the poverty line, and hunger is a serious problem.
In summary, Burundi's lack of land resources, lagging agricultural development, weak industrial base, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability have led to a long-term economic recession and social problems. Together, these factors contribute to the fact that about 64.6 per cent of Burundi's population lives in poverty. To radically improve poverty, Burundi must develop more advantageous industries, develop education and health care, and maintain social stability.
Liberia - 66.8%
Liberia is a country located in West Africa with a population of about 5 million. It is a relatively resource-rich country with abundant minerals, forest resources, water resources, etc., but due to the economic collapse caused by the protracted civil war, about 66.8% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Liberia had been one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa in the eighties of the twentieth century, but two civil wars that broke out in the late eighties set back its economic and social development. The civil war not only killed 300,000 people, but also caused severe damage to infrastructure and a massive loss of foreign investment. After the end of the civil war, Liberia's GDP per capita was less than $200, one of the lowest in the world.
The civil war has led to the collapse of public services such as education and health care in Liberia. Today, the country has an illiteracy rate of 85 per cent, a high incidence of malaria, indiscriminate, AIDS and other infectious diseases, and a high infant mortality rate. Only 1/4 of the urban population is covered by safe drinking water, and only 2% in rural areas. There is also a serious lack of infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and communications. Agricultural productivity is low and food self-sufficiency is not possible.
After the civil war, the political situation in Liberia also continued to be turbulent, with contradictions between various factions intensifying and the credibility of the government being lost. Taxes are so small that they do not provide basic public services and social security. The displacement of large numbers of refugees is also a major factor in poverty.
At present, Liberia is still a typical agrarian society, with industry and commerce unable to grow and jobs scarce. The lack of foreign investment is also a constraint on economic reconstruction. Liberia's original iron ore, rubber, gold and other resources have not been effectively exploited.
In summary, the proportion of people living in poverty in Liberia is as high as 66.8%, mainly due to the collapse of the economy, the destruction of infrastructure, and the loss of human capital due to the protracted civil war. To reverse this situation, it is necessary to rebuild infrastructure, improve education, develop agriculture and light industry, and maintain political stability in order to achieve real economic development and reduce poverty.
Madagascar - 68.7%
Madagascar is an African island country located in the western Indian Ocean with a population of about 27 million. It is a relatively resource-rich country, but due to various reasons, the national standard of living is low, with about 68.7% of the population living below the poverty line.
Madagascar's economy is predominantly agricultural, with about 80 per cent of the population living in rural areas. However, its agricultural productivity is low, and it mainly uses self-sufficient primitive agriculture, which does not allow it to obtain higher incomes. Frequent natural disasters such as droughts, hurricanes, and pests and diseases also lead to reduced agricultural yields. The overexploitation of animal and plant resources has also affected economic development.
Madagascar's industry is underdeveloped, mostly in the form of handicrafts, and the proportion of manufacturing in GDP is only about 15%. Mining resources are abundant, but underdeveloped. The construction of infrastructure such as transportation, communications, and electricity is also relatively weak, which increases production costs. The dependence on foreign trade is high, but the export products are single, which is easily affected by price fluctuations in the international market.
The level of education in Madagascar is low, with only 70 per cent of the population literate. Poor public health and a lack of doctors and medicines have led to epidemics. Government corruption and economic policy failures have also affected economic and social development. The political crisis of recent years has further weakened the momentum of economic growth.
In addition, the rapid growth of Madagascar's population has exacerbated poverty. The per capita GDP is only about 1,600 US dollars, and the income gap between urban and rural areas is huge. A large number of surplus labor in rural areas have been undertransferred, and jobs are scarce. The lack of social security also leaves the poor unable to cope with the hardships of life.
In summary, the proportion of poor people in Madagascar is as high as 68.7%, mainly due to a combination of backward agricultural production, underdeveloped industry, poor infrastructure, lack of education and medical care, and political and economic problems. To reduce poverty, it is necessary to accelerate economic transformation and industrial upgrading, develop education and medical care, and maintain political stability.
Nigeria - 70%
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a total population of over 200 million. Nigeria's economy is dominated by oil exports, but the vast majority of the population remains poor, with about 70 per cent of the population living below the poverty line.
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic country with uneven regional development. The level of education is relatively high in the south, while poverty and backwardness are generally in the north. Poverty is particularly acute in rural areas, where infrastructure is poor and agricultural products such as grain lack market competitiveness. Nigeria has poor land, which determines low agricultural productivity.
Nigeria has abundant oil resources, but is overly reliant on oil export earnings as the backbone of its economy. Oil revenues go mainly into government finances, rather than into public services that improve people's livelihoods. In addition, oil resources are monopolized by a very small number of wealthy people, and the majority of the population has not benefited.
Nigeria has a low level of industrialization, and most of the industries are raw material processing. The inability of the manufacturing industry to absorb the surplus labor force has led to a large number of youth unemployment. Income is mainly concentrated in capital-intensive industries such as oil, rather than labor-intensive industries. The unitary economic structure established during the colonial period has not been fundamentally adjusted to this day.
The low level of education also constrains Nigeria's development. The literacy rate of the population over the age of 15 is only 59.6 per cent. The lack of public health care resources and the epidemic of diseases have also caused a large number of working people to lose their ability to work. Government management is inefficient and inadequate infrastructure and public services are not provided. Political instability has also weakened the economy.
To sum up, the reason why the proportion of poor people in Nigeria is as high as 70% is that its economic structure is single, dependent on oil exports, underdeveloped industry and commerce, low agricultural productivity, and lack of education and medical care, resulting in the overall low standard of living of the people. To fundamentally reverse this situation, it is necessary to readjust the economic structure, develop education, and improve the people's livelihood.
Democratic Republic of the Congo - 71.3%
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in central Africa and has a population of about 90 million, making it the fourth most populous country in Africa. As a resource-rich country, about 71.3 per cent of the population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo lives below the poverty line for the following reasons:
First, the Congolese civil war has led to the collapse of its economy. Since the 90s of the 20th century, Congo has been plagued by civil wars that have killed more than 5 million people, severely damaged infrastructure, and caused billions of dollars in economic losses. As a result of the war, agriculture cannot be carried out and mineral resources cannot be exploited, resulting in a serious humanitarian crisis.
Secondly, the level of education in the Congo is extremely low. Only 67 per cent of adults are literate, and many more children do not have access to formal education. The lack of knowledge and skills restricts the increase in labour productivity.
Thirdly, the Congo has poor health conditions. On average, there are only 8 doctors per 100,000 people. Infectious diseases such as malaria take a heavy toll of life. The lack of safe drinking water also poses a threat to public health.
Fourthly, Congo has dilapidated infrastructure, inaccessibility and a general lack of communications and electricity. These factors limit the development of the economy and trade. Foreign capital is also reluctant to enter the Congo on a large scale due to security concerns.
Fifth, the Congolese political environment is volatile, with high levels of corruption and corruption, making it difficult for people to improve their lives through political participation. The government is unable to provide basic public services and social security to the majority of the general population.
Sixth, Congo has long relied on the export of raw materials, and the level of industrialization is very low. Agricultural productivity is low and cannot meet demand. Underemployment has led to a large number of refugees.
In summary, political turmoil leads to poor economic development, low levels of agriculture and industrialization, and underdeveloped education and health care, all of which are responsible for the high proportion of poor people in Congo. Poverty reduction requires a fundamental increase in economic strength and human capital.
Sierra Leone - 71.3%
Sierra Leone is a country located in West Africa with a population of about 8 million. Sierra Leone had experienced a devastating civil war that had set back its socio-economic development, with some 71.3 per cent of the population living in poverty.
First, Sierra Leone's civil war has led to severe damage to its infrastructure, destroying 70 per cent of the country's health facilities, schools, etc. The civil war also caused a large number of refugees and social disorder. Together, these factors led to the collapse of the economy.
Secondly, the level of education in Sierra Leone is extremely low. Less than 50 per cent of adults are literate, and many more children are out of school. There is a shortage of knowledge-based talents, and it is difficult to promote economic development.
Thirdly, Sierra Leone has poor health conditions and an average life expectancy of only 45 years. There is a high incidence of infectious diseases such as malaria, and there is a serious shortage of doctors. Lack of sanitation also contributes to the spread of disease.
Fourthly, Sierra Leone is rich in mineral resources, but its infrastructure is dilapidated and difficult to exploit. During the civil war, many foreign investments withdrew, leading to a decline in economic vitality. Nor can agricultural productivity improve.
Fifth, the government is lax and unable to provide adequate public services and social security. Many rural areas have little to no government presence. Corruption also weakens the dynamics of economic development.
Sixth, Sierra Leone has long relied on the export of timber, diamonds and other raw materials. But export revenues are mainly captured by politicians and not used to improve people's livelihoods. The scarcity of jobs has led to youth unemployment.
In summary, the economic collapse and social chaos caused by the civil war are the root causes of poverty in Sierra Leone. Poverty reduction requires rebuilding infrastructure, developing education and improving health care, and establishing a clean and effective government. This requires the long-term support and assistance of the international community for Sierra Leone.
Mozambique - 71.4%
Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa and has a population of about 30 million. It is a resource-rich country, but its socio-economic situation has deteriorated due to years of civil war, with about 71.4 per cent of the population living in extreme poverty.
First, the 16-year-long civil war has severely damaged Mozambique's economic foundations. Many infrastructures, factories, hospitals, schools have been destroyed. Important export industries such as mining and agriculture have been destroyed, and foreign investment has been lost. These factors have led to a sharp decline in GDP.
Second, the civil war has displaced millions of people. These refugees have lost their means of livelihood and are plunged into extreme poverty. Living conditions in the camps are poor and diseases are prevalent.
Third, the civil war led to the disruption of education. Today, Mozambique's youth literacy rate is only 50.6 per cent. Lack of skills leads to low labor productivity. Access to education is also scarce.
Fourthly, natural disasters such as floods and droughts that followed the civil war also dealt a severe blow to the economy and prevented the poor from escaping poverty.
Fifth, Mozambique has poor medical conditions, with an average life expectancy of only 55 years. The HIV infection rate is as high as 13.2 per cent. Illness leads to a massive loss of labor.
Sixth, Mozambique's government is poorly managed, corrupt and fails to use the country's resources effectively to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods.
In summary, the civil war has led to a general economic and social regression in Mozambique, which is the root cause of the high proportion of people living in poverty. Sustained poverty reduction requires maintaining political stability, rebuilding infrastructure, and developing education and health.
Burkina Faso - 72.9%
Burkina Faso is located in West Africa and has a population of about 20 million. As a landlocked country, Burkina Faso has a long history of slow economic development, with about 72.9 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. The main reasons for the high proportion of poor people are:
First, Burkina Faso has a harsh geographical environment and belongs to the arid zone of West Africa, where droughts are frequent, and a large number of farmers and herders are plunged into extreme poverty. The scarcity of water resources also constrains agricultural development. More than 80 per cent of Burkina Faso's population depends on agriculture in harsh natural conditions for their livelihoods.
Secondly, the level of education in Burkina Faso is extremely low, with a literacy rate of only 41.2 per cent for the population over the age of 15. Lack of knowledge leads to low labor productivity and difficulty in modernization. Many children also do not have the means to receive an education.
Thirdly, Burkina Faso has poor health conditions, a high incidence of infectious diseases such as malaria, and a severe shortage of doctors. The number of doctors per 10,000 people is one of the lowest in the world.
Fourth, Burkina Faso has a long history of political turmoil and social disorder. The government's management is sloppy and infrastructure construction is seriously insufficient, which seriously restricts economic development.
Fifth, Burkina Faso's industrial and commercial development is lagging behind, and its exports are dominated by raw materials and agricultural products. Low-tech industries are not able to create large numbers of jobs.
Sixth, Burkina Faso's rapid population growth and limited arable land have left a large number of young people landless and unemployed. Youth unemployment is a prominent problem.
In summary, Burkina Faso's poor natural conditions, low human capital, and volatile political environment have combined to lead to lagging economic development, inadequate education and medical care, and insufficient employment opportunities, resulting in about 72.9% of the population living in poverty. To fundamentally change this, Burkina Faso needs to start by improving education and health care, and by creating more stable jobs.
South Sudan - 82.8%
South Sudan is the youngest country in Africa, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It is a country with a small population, with a population of about 11 million, but 82.8% of the population lives in extreme poverty for the following reasons:
First, South Sudan has been in a state of civil war for a long time, which has led to a complete collapse of its economic and social development. Infrastructure has been destroyed and industrial chains have been disrupted, creating a serious humanitarian crisis. The terror and insecurity caused by the civil war have also weakened the economy.
Second, the level of education in South Sudan is extremely low, with less than 30 per cent of adults literate. A large number of children are out of school, and their future prospects are bleak. A lack of knowledge and skills constrains economic progress.
Third, South Sudan suffers from poor medical conditions, high incidence of infectious diseases such as malaria, and a severe shortage of doctors and medicines. The lack of safe drinking water also contributes to the spread of disease.
Fourth, South Sudan is located in an area with little drought and frequent droughts. Agriculture is not able to carry out properly, resulting in severe malnutrition. Rely on imports for food, etc.
Fifth, the South Sudanese government has weak governance capacity and high levels of corruption, which has failed to build an effective economic and financial system. A large amount of money has been lost, and the people are struggling to make a living.
Sixth, South Sudan's oil resources are mainly monopolized by the wealthy, and ordinary people do not benefit from it. The oil-dependent structure of the economy also constrains economic diversification.
In summary, the long-term turmoil has led to the collapse of South Sudan's economy and the decline of people's livelihoods, which is the root cause of the high poverty rate. To reverse this, South Sudan must stop the civil war, stabilize politics, rebuild the economy, and improve human capital.