Venezuela will stop being South America's poorest country in 2026

Venezuela will stop being South America's poorest country by the end of 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in a report circulated by El Nacional through its Instagram account. With estimated GDP per capita of $4,300, the country would overtake Bolivia, which would register $4,264.

The projection follows a decade of deep economic contraction and a mass exodus that has driven some 10 million Venezuelans out of the country, according to data published by the outlet. The departure of millions of people of working age has drastically altered the country's demographics and productive capacity over the past 12 years.

To put the inflationary context in perspective, the IMF projects that annual price inflation in Venezuela will reach 387.4% by the end of 2026, reflecting persistent macroeconomic imbalances, although with a slowdown from the levels recorded in previous years.

In parallel with these estimates, El Nacional reported that the World Bank is weighing possible financing for Venezuela of up to $5 billion over the next two years. The resources would be aimed at driving structural reforms and meeting critical basic services, with an initial $500 million operation focused specifically on the water and electricity sectors.