Same Start, 10× Different Outcome
In 1960, South Korea and Argentina had nearly identical GDP per capita. Today, the gap is staggering.
Key Findings
1.
South Korea's GDP per capita grew 200× while Argentina's grew 5×
2.
Singapore went from a developing port city to the world's richest nation
3.
Latin America's middle-income trap vs Asia's breakout — what made the difference?
Where They Stand Now (2025)
Singapore ($94,481), Chile ($17,181), Argentina ($14,359), Mexico ($13,967), and Brazil ($10,578).
Then vs Now
| Country | 1960 | 2025 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | $428 | $94,481 | 221× |
| Chile | $516 | $17,181 | 33× |
| Argentina | $778 | $14,359 | 18× |
| Mexico | $355 | $13,967 | 39× |
| Brazil | $235 | $10,578 | 45× |
Who Grew Fastest?
Singapore grew 221× since 1960, from $428 to $94,481. Argentina grew only 18× in the same period.
Singapore - Decade by Decade
| Decade | Start | End | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | $428 | $813 | $558 |
| 1970s | $926 | $3,901 | $2,248 |
| 1980s | $4,928 | $10,395 | $7,111 |
| 1990s | $11,862 | $21,797 | $20,349 |
| 2000s | $23,853 | $38,927 | $30,115 |
| 2010s | $47,237 | $65,952 | $57,793 |
| 2020s | $61,410 | $94,481 | $83,722 |
Methodology
Data from World Bank World Development Indicators and IMF World Economic Outlook. Values in current US dollars unless stated. GDP per capita uses Atlas method. Full methodology.
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