Sana'a -- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has officially ranked Yemen among the five poorest countries in the world, citing the devastating impact of prolonged conflict, economic collapse, and widespread humanitarian suffering.

In its latest country study titled “Development Challenges in Yemen”, ESCWA highlights that Yemen’s poverty levels have reached unprecedented depths, with millions of citizens facing chronic food insecurity, lack of access to basic services, and near-total economic paralysis.

According to the report, Yemen’s GDP per capita has plummeted, and the country’s economic indicators now place it alongside nations such as South Sudan, Somalia, and Haiti in terms of extreme poverty. ESCWA attributes this decline to over a decade of armed conflict, institutional fragmentation, and the collapse of public infrastructure.

The study also warns that humanitarian aid alone cannot reverse the trajectory of poverty in Yemen, urging international stakeholders to prioritize sustainable development, peacebuilding, and economic recovery. ESCWA calls for coordinated efforts to rebuild institutions, restore livelihoods, and ensure equitable access to resources.

Yemen’s ranking reflects not only material deprivation but also the erosion of human development indicators, including education, health, and employment. The report emphasizes that women and children are disproportionately affected, with rising malnutrition rates and limited access to healthcare.

ESCWA’s findings align with recent assessments by the World Bank, which also placed Yemen among the most impoverished nations globally, noting that data scarcity and ongoing conflict make it difficult to fully quantify the extent of poverty.

As the international community continues to push for a political settlement in Yemen, experts stress that economic recovery must be central to any peace roadmap, with urgent investments in infrastructure, governance, and social protection.