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The world's worst economies

By at least one measure, these countries rank worst in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund's estimates.

Sudan: Worst economic growth

World Economy Sudan
Smoke billows from burning tires as Sudanese demonstrators protest against rising prices.
  • Measure: Gross domestic product growth
  • 2012 reading: -7.3%

The war-torn North African nation of Sudan has endured decades of civil war and social strife -- a cycle that has significantly hindered the country's economy.

The latest trial is the separation of South Sudan -- an oil-rich region which seceded in July 2011, taking around 70% of the formerly united country's oil reserves with it.

As a result, Sudan's economy is expected to contract by 7.3% in 2012, according to projections from the International Monetary Fund. That puts Sudan at the very tail end of the IMF's projections, falling behind even Greece, which has an economy that is projected to contract by 4.5% this year.

Source: IMF data and the CIA world factbook were consulted for this gallery.
  @CRrileyCNN - Last updated August 07 2012 10:22 AM ET

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