The Richest Countries In South America 2025
to 12 sovereign states, South America ranks fourth in nominal GDP among the continents, following Asia, North America, and Europe. Although the continent has faced numerous challenges over the years due to factors like European Colonization, political corruption, and government unrest, many of the countries have been implementing economic reforms, diversifying their industries, and expanding trade agreements to strengthen their economies and improve overall quality of life.
Here’s a closer look at the ten South American countries with the highest GDP per capita (PPP) in 2025, according to IMF data. Guyana takes the top spot at $94,258, with Uruguay at $37,060 and Chile at $35,146 following behind. Each entry explores the impact of factors like political conditions, industrial diversity, and climate challenges on economic performance.