Kazakhstan Tops Post-Soviet States in GDP Per Capita, Surpassing Russia and China

Kazakhstan’s GDP per capita in 2025 is projected at $14,770, edging out Russia ($14,260) and Turkmenistan ($13,340) according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

For comparison, China’s GDP per capita is expected to reach $13,690. This milestone underscores Kazakhstan’s rapid economic growth and strengthened regional standing, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Following Kazakhstan in the regional ranking are Georgia ($9,570), Armenia ($8,860), Moldova ($8,260), Belarus ($7,880), Azerbaijan ($7,600), Ukraine ($6,260), Uzbekistan ($3,510), Kyrgyzstan ($2,750), and Tajikistan ($1,430).

Leading the Region

Calculated at current prices to reflect inflation and the present price level, Kazakhstan’s GDP per capita not only tops the post-Soviet region but also surpasses some larger global economies, demonstrating consistent progress over nations like Russia and China.

Drivers of Kazakhstan’s Economic Success

Several factors have contributed to Kazakhstan’s strong performance:

Abundant natural resources: Kazakhstan holds some of the world’s largest reserves of oil, gas, uranium, and other minerals. Energy and raw material exports remain key economic drivers, complemented by growing high value-added processing industries.

Business and investment climate reforms: Government initiatives have modernized the economy, enhanced competitiveness, and attracted foreign investment. Significant projects in transport, logistics, and technology sectors have further fueled growth.

Social and infrastructure investment: Spending on education, healthcare, and social infrastructure has improved living standards, boosted productivity, and expanded the domestic consumer market.

Strategic geographic position: Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan benefits from initiatives like the Belt and Road and partnerships with Russia, China, the EU, and other global players, creating extensive trade and investment opportunities.

Macroeconomic stability: Strong fiscal and monetary policies, low inflation, a stable tenge, and a balanced budget have allowed Kazakhstan to maintain resilience amid global economic challenges.