The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Chile's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita will exceed $37,000 this year, according to data from the World Economic Outlook released this Tuesday.
Measured in purchasing power parity (PPP), the estimate places the figure at $37,336 by the end of 2026. This represents an increase of $1,686 compared to the end of last year.
The international organization also highlighted a key milestone for the national economy. Chile is set to break the $40,000 barrier for the first time in 2028, one year earlier than previously anticipated in the October 2025 update.
Regional leadership and global comparisons
Despite this growth, Chile will remain the third-richest economy in Latin America in terms of GDP per capita (PPP). The country trails behind Panama, which is projected at $46,404, and Uruguay, at $39,029.
The improved outlook is driven by an upward adjustment in total economic growth, which rose from 2.0% to 2.4%. According to the report, Chile will maintain this third-place position in the region through the end of the projection period in 2031.
The report details an upward trajectory for the coming years. The indicator is expected to reach $38,942 in 2027 and hit $45,075 by the end of 2031.
In terms of nominal dollars, Chile's GDP per capita will reach $20,239 this year, surpassing the $17,734 recorded at the close of 2025. Globally, Chile would rank 69th on the world list.
The IMF report also highlights deep contrasts within the region. While Argentina shows a projected growth of $2,432 for this year, nations such as Haiti remain at the lowest levels, with just $2,992 per capita.
At the top of the global wealth rankings, the IMF places Liechtenstein as the world's richest economy, with a GDP per capita (PPP) of $195,372, followed by Singapore and Ireland.
