Poorest Countries in South America 2014

The economic gap between the rich and the poor in most South American countries is larger than in most of the other continents. Here is a brief overview of the five poorest nations in South America, according to their GDP per capita.

The Five poorest countries in South America as of 2014, ranked by GDP per capita:

5) Peru – $11,735

Even though many people claim that Peru is booming, the rural Andes and the Amazon languish in nearly feudal conditions. According to a World Bank report, a citizen of Lima earns 21 times more than a resident of the outback.

4) Ecuador – $10,055

Poverty is a major issue in this Andean nation. Wealth distribution is highly skewed in Ecuador. Around 35 percent of the population is affected by poverty. Around one and a half million people suffer from extreme poverty.

3) Guyana – $7,938

Around 43 percent of the population falls below the poverty line. Approximately two-thirds of the poor can be classified as being extremely poor, with an expenditure level below that required to purchase a minimum low-cost diet.

2) Paraguay – $6,758

In Paraguay, poverty is more prevalent in small cities and in rural areas. To address the high level of poverty in Paraguay, a Poverty Reduction Program was implemented in 2007.

1) Bolivia – $5,364

Poverty affects the life of many citizens of Bolivia. It restricts the right to enjoy and exercise the human rights of those affected. Nearly 60 percent of the population of Bolivia lives under the poverty line.