GDP per Capita by Country (2026)

Understanding GDP per Capita

GDP per capita is the most commonly used proxy for comparing living standards across countries. It divides total GDP by population, yielding an estimate of average economic output per person. The range is staggering: the richest countries (Liechtenstein at $246,738) report figures 100x higher than the poorest (South Sudan at $369). This gap reflects accumulated differences in institutions, education, infrastructure, and governance.

Nominal GDP per capita in US dollars is distorted by exchange rates — a salary of $10,000 goes much further in India than in Switzerland. For a fairer cross-country comparison, use GDP per capita in PPP terms. GDP per capita is also an average that masks inequality — Qatar has among the world's highest GDP per capita but most GDP accrues to citizens while a large migrant labor force earns far less.