List of South American countries by GDP per capita

Guyana is the richest economy in South America, followed by Uruguay and Chile. These three have a GDP per capita above $20,000, while seven economies have a GDP per capita above $10,000. Venezuela is the poorest economy in South America.

Overall, only three South American economies have a GDP per capita above the global average. None ranks among the top 40, while only one is within the top 50 world GDP per capita rankings.

Out of 12 economies, all South American economies would see an increase in nominal GDP per capita in 2026 compared with 2025. Guyana would record the largest increase, adding $6,174, followed by Uruguay ($3,059). In the nominal GDP per capita ranking, Suriname would overtake Ecuador in 2026.

In PPP terms, Guyana is the only South American economy with a GDP per capita above Int. $50,000, while nine economies exceed Int. $20,000 and all 12 are above Int. $9,000. This puts Guyana at the top of the region and 11th globally, just outside the top 10 richest economies. It is also the only South American economy to rank within the top 50 in the world GDP per capita rankings.

Based on 2026 projections, 11 of the 12 economies would see higher PPP GDP per capita compared with 2025, while Bolivia would be the only decliner. Guyana would record the largest increase, adding Int. $13,979, followed by Uruguay, with an increase of Int. $1,815.