Summary
Taiwan has surpassed South Korea in per capita income due to a strong demand for advanced semiconductors. This ranking is based on data from the International Monetary Fund and lists economies in East and Southeast Asia by their per capita income.
Key Facts
- Taiwan's rise in per capita income is linked to its semiconductor industry and particularly the success of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
- Per capita income is a measure of national wealth divided by population, indicating average wealth but not accounting for income inequality or cost differences.
- Singapore leads in the region with the highest per capita income of $94,480.
- Macau and Hong Kong, both special administrative regions of China, rank second and third with incomes of $74,920 and $56,840 respectively.
- Taiwan's per capita GDP reached $37,827, moving it ahead of South Korea ($35,960) and Japan ($34,720).
- Other regional rankings include Brunei with significant oil and gas income, and countries like Malaysia, China, and Thailand with lower per capita incomes.
- The rankings are part of a forecast from a United Nations special agency.
