A comparison of the world's richest and poorest countries reveals that the poorest countries tend to be/have all of the following, except: be largely rural. have large populations and high fertility rates. be heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture. have a socialist government.

Many of the poorest countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, are characterized by their rural makeup, where a significant portion of the population relies on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods. This can lead to large populations and high fertility rates, as families often have more children to support agricultural labor and ensure some survive into adulthood. On the other hand, being heavily dependent on a socialist government does not always align with poor economic conditions. Many impoverished nations operate under various political systems, including democracies, authoritarian regimes, and even monarchies, indicating that poor economic outcomes can stem from a range of governance structures rather than solely from socialism.