12. Sudan
Sudan faced decades of international sanctions due to human rights abuses, civil war, and state-sponsored terrorism allegations. The U.S. placed Sudan on its State Sponsors of Terrorism list in 1993, leading to sweeping economic restrictions. After the secession of South Sudan and some reforms, many sanctions were lifted in 2017. However, ongoing unrest and authoritarian governance keep Sudan under global scrutiny. The situation echoes those faced by Iran and Zimbabwe, with mixed humanitarian outcomes.
