Kazakhstan has achieved a major economic milestone, overtaking China in GDP per capita and strengthening its position as Central Asia’s top performer.

According to the latest report by the International Monetary Fund, Kazakhstan’s GDP per capita reached $14,723 in 2025, surpassing China at $13,806. The country also secured a spot among the top 50 economies worldwide by nominal GDP, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Kazakhstan ranked 50th out of 218 countries in nominal GDP, with a total economic output of $300.05 billion. The IMF projects further growth, with GDP per capita expected to approach $15,527 in 2026.

Experts highlight several key factors behind Kazakhstan’s rapid economic rise:

natural resources

expanding processing industries and higher value-added production

ongoing business climate reforms

increased foreign investment inflows

large-scale infrastructure modernization

Macroeconomic stability has also played a crucial role, supported by moderate inflation, a stable national currency, and balanced fiscal policies.

Within the CIS, Russia leads in GDP per capita at $17,450, followed by Kazakhstan. Other countries trail behind, including Turkmenistan, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

On the global stage, the highest GDP per capita in 2025 was recorded in Monaco at $256,500, followed by Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.

Meanwhile, the lowest levels were seen in South Sudan, Yemen, and Afghanistan.