In this article, we discuss 5 richest countries in Central and South America. If you want to see more countries in this selection, check out 15 Richest Countries in Central and South America.
5. Peru
Total Wealth in 2021: $477 billion
Peru is a nation located in the western region of South America, formally known as the Republic of Peru. Its primary sources of economic growth are derived from activities such as mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and fishing, as well as rapidly developing sectors like telecommunications and biotechnology. Peru is recognized as a middle power and actively participates in international organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Pacific Alliance, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the World Trade Organization. It is one of the richest countries in Central and South America, with net worth amounting to $477 billion as of 2021.
4. Venezuela
Total Wealth in 2021: $531 billion
Venezuela, officially known as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country located on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many islands in the Caribbean Sea. It has the world’s largest known oil reserves and was once a leading exporter of oil, which replaced agriculture as the dominant export and revenue source. However, due to the excesses and poor policies of the government, Venezuela’s economy collapsed, and by 2017, the country was declared in default regarding debt payments by credit rating agencies. As per Credit Suisse’s report, Venezuela’s total wealth in 2021 was $531 billion.
3. Colombia
Total Wealth in 2021: $616 billion
The Republic of Colombia, also known as Colombia, is a nation primarily located in South America but also has regions in North America. It is considered one of the seventeen megadiverse countries in the world and is home to various ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest, highlands, grasslands, and deserts. Colombia plays a significant role as a member of prominent global and regional organizations including the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Pacific Alliance, the Andean Community, and is a NATO Global Partner. With total wealth of $616 billion as of 2021, Colombia is one of the richest countries in Central and South America.
2. Chile
Total Wealth in 2021: $785 billion
Chile, or the Republic of Chile, is a nation located in the western region of South America with Santiago as its capital and largest city, and Spanish as its official language. The country boasts a high-income economy and is considered as one of the most economically and socially stable nations in South America. Chile is known for its exceptional achievements in Latin America when it comes to promoting commercial competitiveness, per capita income, globalization, peace, and economic freedom. In 2021, the country’s total wealth rounded up to $785 billion, making it one of the richest countries in Central and South America.
1. Brazil
Total Wealth in 2021: $3.327 trillion
Brazil is formally known as the Federative Republic of Brazil, and it holds the distinction of being the biggest country in South America and Latin America. Its most crowded city is São Paulo, and the capital is Brasília. Brazil is a key partner of the United States and is classified as an emerging power with regional and middle power status. It was a founding member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the G20, BRICS, Mercosul, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. With total wealth amounting to $3.327 trillion as of 2021, Brazil ranks 1st on our list of the richest countries in Central and South America.
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