Over the past 25 years, the share of low-income countries has decreased from 30.7% to 11.9%. According to the World Bank, in 2023, only 26 countries were classified as having a low gross national income (GNI) per capita. For classification, the World Bank used GNI per capita, which includes all income earned by residents and businesses both domestically and abroad, as reported by finprom.kz.
Countries classified as low-income had a GNI per capita not exceeding $1,145 for the year 2023, while those with income levels below average ranged from $1,146 to $4,515, above average from $4,516 to $14,005, and high income from $14,006 and above.
The largest number of countries, 86 out of 218, fell into the high-income category. This group included most countries from Western, Northern, and Central Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Notably, among the Central Asian (CA) and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries, only Russia was included in this category.
Additionally, 55 countries fell into the above-average income category. It is worth highlighting China, which transitioned from the low-income category to above average in just 12 years, becoming the world's second-largest economy. A total of 51 countries were classified as having below-average income.
Among the CA and EAEU countries, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Turkmenistan were included in the above-average income category. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan were categorized as having below-average income.
Meanwhile, the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita at current prices is projected by the World Bank to reach $14,500 globally by 2025.
There is a significant disparity across regions. The highest GDP per capita at current prices is expected in North America ($67,000), while the lowest will be in Africa (only $1,900). In the Middle East and Central Asia, the projected GDP per capita will amount to just $5,900, while in Europe it will be $38,300.
The countries with the highest projected GDP per capita are Luxembourg ($141,100), Switzerland ($117,700), and Ireland ($107,200), while the lowest are Burundi ($156.5), South Sudan ($334.1), and Malawi ($448.3).
Among the CA and EAEU countries, Kazakhstan and Russia lead in projected GDP per capita at current prices, each at $15,100. They are followed by Turkmenistan ($13,700), Armenia ($9,000), and Belarus ($8,500). The lowest figures are expected in Tajikistan ($1,400), Kyrgyzstan ($2,400), and Uzbekistan ($3,400).
