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What is the Most Developed Country in Latin America

Valentina Rodriguez

It's difficult to provide a definitive answer to the question of which country in Latin America is the most developed, as development can be measured in many different ways, and there is no universally agreed-upon definition of what it means to be "developed."

However, some commonly used measures of development include factors such as economic growth, GDP per capita, education, healthcare, and human development index (HDI). According to the Human Development Index rankings published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2021, the following Latin American countries are ranked highest in terms of human development:

The most developed region in all of Latin America is Puerto Rico. This is based on GDP Per Person, Life Expectancy, Unemployment Rate, plus additional Quality of Life metrics.

1) Puerto Rico


Even though Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, it is the most developed region in ALL of Latin America. While Puerto Rico is technically a territory of the United States and not a sovereign nation, it has a strong economy and high human development indicators that are comparable to many independent countries in the region.

According to the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index (HDI), Puerto Rico has a ranking of 31 out of 191 countries, which is higher than all other countries in Latin America except for Chile and Argentina.

Puerto Rico also has THE HIGHEST GDP per capita in Latin America, with a 2020 estimate of $34,960. This is over double the amount of wealth in Chile, the Latin America country with the highest GDP per capita.

Some of the key factors that have contributed to Puerto Rico's development include its strong infrastructure, particularly in transportation and telecommunications, its skilled workforce, and its location as a hub for trade and commerce. The territory's government has also implemented a number of social programs to promote education, health, and social inclusion.

However, it's important to note that Puerto Rico faces significant challenges as well, particularly in the areas of debt and political status. The territory has been grappling with a severe debt crisis in recent years, which has led to austerity measures and cuts to social programs. Additionally, the ongoing debate over Puerto Rico's political status as a territory of the United States versus a sovereign nation has implications for its development and relationship with other countries in the region.

Overall, if Puerto Rico were considered a separate country, it would be considered the most developed country in Latin America, by a fairly wide margin.


Puerto Rico Metrics

  • GDP Per Person = $34,960 USD

  • Human Development Index (HDI, 2020): N/A (Puerto Rico is not listed separately in the HDI rankings, but is included in the United States' HDI ranking)

  • Life expectancy at birth (2020): 80.1 years

  • Poverty rate (2019 estimate): 44.9%

  • Unemployment rate (January 2022 estimate): 8.7%

  • Inflation rate (2021 estimate): 3.2%

  • Home Ownership Rate = 54.8%



2) Chile

Santiago, Chile (South America)

Chile has made significant progress in improving its human development outcomes over the past few decades, thanks in part to its strong commitment to social spending, education, and healthcare. Chile has one of the highest rates of educational attainment in Latin America, with high levels of literacy and enrollment in primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

In addition, Chile has a relatively low poverty rate, and its economy has been growing steadily in recent years.

Chile Metrics

  • HDI score: 0.851/1.00

  • GDP per capita: $15,978

  • Unemployment rate: 8.8%

  • Average monthly wage: $1,234

  • Homeownership rate: 74.9%

  • Life expectancy: 80.5 years


3) Argentina

Despite facing economic and political challenges in recent years, Argentina remains a relatively well-developed country in Latin America, with a strong social welfare system, high literacy rates, and good healthcare outcomes.

Argentina has a strong tradition of public education, and a high percentage of its population has completed secondary or tertiary education. The country also has a relatively low infant mortality rate and a high life expectancy.

Argentina Metrics

  • HDI score: 0.825

  • GDP per capita: $11,747

  • Unemployment rate: 10.4%

  • Average monthly wage: $684

  • Homeownership rate: 53.9%

  • Life expectancy: 76.3 years


4) Uruguay

Uruguay is a small country with a high level of social and economic development. The country has a strong commitment to social welfare, and its government invests heavily in education and healthcare. Uruguay has one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America, and its population has relatively good health outcomes, with a low infant mortality rate and high life expectancy.

Uruguay Metrics

  • HDI score: 0.817

  • GDP per capita: $16,498

  • Unemployment rate: 9.4%

  • Average monthly wage: $1,200

  • Homeownership rate: 65.9%

  • Life expectancy: 77.9 years

5) Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a long history of investing in social welfare and environmental protection, which has contributed to its relatively high level of development. The country has a well-established public healthcare system, and a high percentage of its population has completed primary and secondary education.

Costa Rica also has a relatively low poverty rate and a high life expectancy, and has made significant progress in protecting its natural resources and promoting sustainable development.



Costa Rica Metrics

  • HDI score: 0.810

  • GDP per capita: $11,933

  • Unemployment rate: 11.7%

  • Average monthly wage: $630

  • Homeownership rate: 65.5%

  • Life expectancy: 80.1 years


    6) Panama



Panama is a small country that is known for its strong economy, low tax rates, and excellent infrastructure. It is a hub for international business and has a well-developed banking sector.

Panama Metrics

  • HDI score: 0.789

  • GDP per capita: $16,626

  • Unemployment rate: 7.5%

  • Average monthly wage: $975

  • Homeownership rate: 64.8%

  • Life expectancy: 78.3 years

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