In 2025, Kazakhstan ranked first among post-Soviet countries for GDP per capita in current prices for the first time. According to the International Monetary Fund, the figure reached $14,770 — a historic high for the country and one of the best results among emerging economies worldwide, Zakon.kz reports.
Kazakhstan overtook Russia ($14,260) and Turkmenistan ($13,340), as well as China, where GDP per capita stands at $13,690. The next countries in the 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).
Among the former Soviet republics, the Baltic states remain far ahead: Latvia — $24,370, Lithuania — $30,840, and Estonia — $32,000. For comparison, GDP per capita in Turkey is $16,710, in India — $2,880, in Japan — $33,960, and in the United States — $89,110.
Kazakhstan’s economic growth is driven by substantial reserves of oil, gas, uranium, and other minerals, with energy and raw material exports remaining key drivers. In recent years, the country has been actively developing resource processing, producing goods with higher added value, improving the business climate, and modernizing the economy.
Foreign investment is flowing into transport, logistics, technology, and infrastructure projects. Significant attention is also being paid to education, healthcare, and social infrastructure, helping raise living standards and boosting domestic demand.
Kazakhstan’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, along with participation in international initiatives including the Belt and Road, strengthens its transit potential and export capabilities.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 14, 2025