GNI, HDI, and Development Characteristics of Countries

Low-income countries (GNI per capita)

$1,135 or less

Lower-middle-income countries (GNI per capita)

$1,136 - $4,465

Upper-middle-income countries (GNI per capita)

$4,466 - $13,845

High-income countries (GNI per capita)

$13,846 or more

HDI - Low human development

Below 0.550

HDI - Medium human development

0.550 - 0.699

HDI - High human development

0.700 - 0.799

HDI - Very high human development

0.800 and above

Economic characteristics of low-income countries

Reliance on agriculture, low productivity, limited industrialization

Social characteristics of low-income countries

Low literacy, limited healthcare, high population growth

Political characteristics of low-income countries

Weak institutions, political instability, reliance on foreign aid

Example of a low-income country (2024)

Chad, South Sudan, or Burundi