Taiwan’s per capita GDP ranking is expected to surpass South Korea’s for the first time in 22 years, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF’s recent report forecasts South Korea’s ranking to drop from 34th to 37th globally, while Taiwan is set to climb from 38th to 35th. South Korea’s per capita GDP is projected to decrease by 0.8% to $35,962 this year compared to last year’s $36,239. Further declines are expected, with rankings falling to 38th next year and continuing down to 41st by 2029.
In contrast, Taiwan is experiencing significant growth. The IMF projects its per capita GDP to rise by 11.1% to $37,827 this year, boosting its global ranking by three places. By next year, Taiwan is expected to achieve a per capita GDP of $41,586, entering the $40,000 range two years ahead of Korea, and climbing to 31st in global ranking, as Korea drops to 38th.
Japan’s situation shows an increase of approximately 7% in per capita GDP to $34,713 this year, yet its global ranking is predicted to remain at 40th, with an eventual breakthrough to $40,020 in 2029 but falling to 42nd in ranking.
Meanwhile, Liechtenstein is predicted to lead globally in per capita GDP at $231,071, with Luxembourg, Ireland, and Switzerland also among the top ranks.