Here are some of the poorest countries in Europe, ranked by GDP per capita (nominal), which is often used as an indicator of a country’s overall economic health and standard of living:
1. Moldova
- GDP per Capita: ~$5,200 (2023)
- Details: Moldova is often cited as the poorest country in Europe, with an economy that heavily depends on agriculture, remittances from workers abroad, and foreign aid. It has faced political instability and issues with corruption.
2. Ukraine
- GDP per Capita: ~$5,500 (2023, impacted by the war)
- Details: Ukraine’s economy has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict with Russia since 2014, and the full-scale invasion in 2022 has led to even further economic decline.
3. Kosovo
- GDP per Capita: ~$6,500 (2023)
- Details: Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, has a young economy that relies heavily on remittances from its diaspora, as well as services and agriculture. It faces high unemployment and limited industrial infrastructure.
4. Albania
- GDP per Capita: ~$7,000 (2023)
- Details: Albania has been making progress in economic development but remains one of the poorest in Europe. Its economy depends on agriculture, tourism, and remittances from Albanians living abroad.
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- GDP per Capita: ~$7,800 (2023)
- Details: Still recovering from the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, Bosnia faces challenges with political fragmentation, unemployment, and a slow-growing economy reliant on manufacturing and agriculture.
6. North Macedonia
- GDP per Capita: ~$8,000 (2023)
- Details: North Macedonia has been working towards economic reforms and EU membership, but economic progress is slow. The economy is based on services, agriculture, and industry, but faces high unemployment.
7. Serbia
- GDP per Capita: ~$9,000 (2023)
- Details: Serbia’s economy has been gradually improving but remains one of the poorer nations in Europe. It has a diversified economy with growing sectors like IT, but unemployment and poverty levels are still concerns.
8. Montenegro
- GDP per Capita: ~$9,800 (2023)
- Details: Montenegro relies heavily on tourism and is one of the smaller economies in Europe. While it has been developing, it still has a relatively low GDP per capita.
9. Armenia
- GDP per Capita: ~$6,600 (2023)
- Details: Armenia, located in the Caucasus region, is often included in European economic lists. The country has struggled economically due to geopolitical tensions and a lack of natural resources.
10. Georgia
- GDP per Capita: ~$6,500 (2023)
- Details: Another Caucasus country often counted as part of Europe, Georgia has a developing economy but still faces challenges related to poverty and slow industrial growth.
These countries are working towards economic development, but face significant challenges including political instability, conflict, and underdeveloped infrastructure.