A Visual Capitalist ranking, compiled on the basis of the October forecast of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), shows that Liechtenstein will retain first place globally by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita by purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2031 with around $226,000, while Singapore will be second with $215,000; the United States is forecast to be in 12th place with about $115,000.
GDP per capita by purchasing power parity (PPP) takes into account differences in price levels between countries and allows comparison of the volume of goods and services produced per resident.
Ranking leaders and top five positions
According to the forecast, in 2031 only two economies will exceed $200,000 in GDP per capita (PPP): Liechtenstein with about $226,000 and Singapore with $215,000. Ireland is projected to take third place with $182,100, Macau fourth with $173,900, and Luxembourg fifth with $173,800.
The figures are given in current international dollars and are based on the forecast published in Visual Capitalist.
Qatar expected to see the fastest growth
Among the 25 economies in the ranking, Qatar is projected to see the largest increase in GDP per capita — 64%, to $170,400. As a result, Qatar could climb two places to sixth.
The gap between Qatar and Luxembourg in 2026 is estimated at roughly $53,000, and by 2031 it could narrow to $3,400.
Other fast-growing economies and risks
Guyana ranks second in growth rate — 43%, to $141,800, and third are the United Arab Emirates with 37%, to $114,400. The rise in these countries’ positions is primarily linked to development of the energy sector and expansion of oil and gas production.
These projections depend on geopolitical risks: damage to production facilities in Qatar and disruptions to shipping could affect plans to expand liquefied natural gas exports.
Shifts in Europe and the US position
Several European economies in the ranking will fall in position: Luxembourg will move from third to fifth, Norway from sixth to ninth, and Switzerland from seventh to tenth. The report notes this does not mean their economies are contracting, but that other countries are growing faster.
The United States is forecast to see GDP per capita rise by 21% — from $95,200 in 2026 to nearly $115,000 in 2031, while remaining in 12th place.
Metric limitations and possible revisions to the forecast
High GDP per capita by PPP does not automatically translate into correspondingly high wages or personal wealth for citizens: Ireland’s figures depend on the activity of multinational corporations, and Guyana’s on the rapid development of its oil sector.
The IMF’s forecast covers the period up to 2031 and may be revised depending on economic conditions, energy prices and the growth pace of individual countries.
