🇸🇬 Singapore is Southeast Asia’s Richest Nation

What we’re showing:

A map of GDP per capita levels for 11 Southeast Asian countries. Data is in current USD and sourced from the International Monetary Fund, last updated in April 2024.

Key Takeaways

Singapore stands head-and-shoulders above the rest of Southeast Asia, with a per capita GDP past $88,000. It is also one of the richest nations in the world.

The 730 sq. km country has only 5.6 million residents and very few natural resources. However the country’s strategic location makes it a center for trade and commerce. 

This is in sharp contrast to Brunei, Southeast Asia’s next richest country, with a per capita GDP of $35,000. 

Oil is a critical part of Brunei's economy, making it both very wealthy, but landing it in a vulnerable, resource-dependent position. Oil and gas revenues contribute half the country’s entire revenue receipts.