World Bank ranks Kazakhstan highest in Central Asia by GNI per capita
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Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in gross national income per capita, according to the World Bank's 2025 Atlas method classification. Uzbekistan showed the fastest regional growth, with GNI per capita rising sevenfold over two decades. The World Bank's updated income thresholds took effect on July 1, 2026.
Key Facts
- Kazakhstan's GNI per capita grew fivefold over the past twenty years, according to the World Bank's Atlas method.
- Uzbekistan's GNI per capita grew sevenfold over the same period, the fastest increase in Central Asia.
- The World Bank's 2025 income classification uses thresholds of $1,200 for low-income, $4,600 for lower-middle-income, and $14,400 for high-income economies.
- Switzerland recorded the highest GNI per capita in 2025 at $110,300, followed by Norway at $97,300.
- Burundi had the lowest GNI per capita at $240, while Afghanistan's figure of $390 was based on 2024 data.
Central Asia Rankings
Kazakhstan ranks first among Central Asian countries in GNI per capita under the World Bank's 2025 Atlas method classification. Uzbekistan's GNI per capita increased sevenfold over twenty years, outpacing Kazakhstan's fivefold growth. The World Bank's classification effective from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 uses 2025 data.
Income Thresholds
The World Bank sets the low-income threshold at $1,200 GNI per capita and the lower-middle-income range from $1,200 to $4,600. Upper-middle-income economies fall between $4,600 and $14,400, while high-income economies exceed $14,400. These thresholds are revised annually to account for international inflation.
Global Extremes
Switzerland led all countries with a GNI per capita of $110,300 in 2025, followed by Norway at $97,300 and Luxembourg at $95,700. The United States recorded $88,800, placing fifth globally. Burundi had the lowest GNI per capita at $240, with Afghanistan at $390 based on 2024 data. Ten of the eleven lowest-ranked economies were in Africa.
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World Bank ranks Kazakhstan highest in Central Asia by GNI per capita
