Kazakhstan has taken the leading position in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita among post-Soviet countries and has overtaken Russia and China in this indicator. According to the results for 2025, the figure stood at $14.7 thousand per person.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER COUNTRIES
According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kazakhstan demonstrated a higher GDP per capita than Russia ($14.2 thousand) and China ($13.6 thousand).
In Central Asia, Turkmenistan took second place ($13.3 thousand), followed by:
- Uzbekistan ($3.5 thousand)
- Kyrgyzstan ($2.7 thousand)
- Tajikistan ($1.4 thousand)
Among CIS countries, Kazakhstan also outperforms:
- Georgia ($9.5 thousand)
- Armenia ($8.8 thousand)
- Moldova ($8.2 thousand)
- Belarus ($7.8 thousand)
- Azerbaijan ($7.6 thousand)
- Ukraine ($6.2 thousand)
Higher figures are recorded only for the Baltic states: Estonia ($32.7 thousand), Lithuania ($30.8 thousand) and Latvia ($24.3 thousand).
HOW THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IS EXPLAINED
As the IMF reports, the calculation of GDP per capita is carried out at current prices and reflects the level of economic well-being and purchasing power.
The fund's analysts link Kazakhstan's results to a number of factors:
- significant reserves of natural resources;
- export of energy and minerals;
- development of raw materials processing and high value-added products.
"Kazakhstan's strong position is underpinned by significant mineral reserves, while the export of energy resources and raw materials remains a key driver of growth," the report states.
Additionally noted are:
- business environment reforms;
- inflow of foreign investment;
- infrastructure modernisation.
Government spending is directed towards transport, logistics, technology, education, healthcare and social services, which supports domestic demand and labour productivity.
MACROECONOMIC STABILITY
The IMF report emphasises that the resilience of Kazakhstan's economy is ensured by low inflation, a stable tenge exchange rate, and a balanced budget.
It is specifically noted that the policies of the National Bank and the government help maintain stability even against the backdrop of global economic challenges.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The GDP per capita indicator reflects the average level of economic development of a country. According to IMF data, Kazakhstan maintains its position as one of the most prosperous economies in the post-Soviet space in nominal terms.
At the same time, differences in growth rates between countries point to different models of economic development: some states demonstrate rapid growth from a low base, while others maintain a higher level over a long period.