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Small South American country soars in the global economy and surprises even experts with growth far above the world average in 2026
In a scenario marked by economic instabilities and international tensions, a country in South America has been catching the attention of economists, investors, and governments around the world. This is because, surprisingly, it not only surpasses regional powers like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, but also leads the global ranking of economic growth in 2026.
The information was released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which published its economic projections this Tuesday (14), highlighting an impressive growth of 16.2% for the economy of Guyana throughout this year. This number alone is noteworthy — especially when compared to the projected global average of only 3.1%.
Furthermore, when we analyze the Brazilian scenario, the contrast becomes even more evident. According to the IMF itself, Brazil is expected to grow only 1.9% in 2026, falling below the global average and far from the extraordinary performance presented by the small neighboring country.
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Guyana’s accelerated growth impresses, but the pace has been even greater in recent years
Although it seems like an outlier advancement, the projected growth of 16.2% for 2026 actually represents a slowdown for the economy of Guyana. This is because, in recent years, the country has recorded even more impressive numbers.
According to data published by Exame magazine, Guyana grew by 63.3% in 2022, followed by an increase of 43.8% in 2023 and again 43.8% in 2024. In 2025, growth was 19.3%, indicating a gradual reduction in pace — although still far above any global standard.
This recent history demonstrates that the country is experiencing a true cycle of accelerated economic expansion, establishing itself as one of the most dynamic economies in the world. Therefore, even with the slowdown, the performance remains extremely relevant on the international stage.
Oil drives Guyana’s economy and explains the billion-dollar leap in the country’s GDP
But after all, what explains such significant growth in such a short time? The answer is straightforward: oil.
In recent years, Guyana began exploring oil in its coastal waters, which triggered a true economic boom. As a result, the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) jumped from R$ 4.2 billion in 2015 to an impressive R$ 42 billion in 2024 — an exponential growth in less than a decade.
Moreover, the international scenario has also contributed to this advancement. With conflicts in the Middle East driving up oil prices in the global market, the trend is that producing countries, like Guyana, will benefit even more throughout 2026.
According to information released by Exame, the country is expected to register the largest public budget in its history this year, estimated at 1.558 trillion dollars from Guyana (about R$ 39 billion). This amount will be primarily driven by revenues generated from oil exploration, further consolidating economic growth.
Global ranking reveals the countries expected to grow the most in 2026
Finally, the IMF report also presented the list of economies that are expected to grow the most in the world in 2026. In this context, Guyana’s leadership reinforces the country’s relevance on the global stage.
Check out the complete ranking:
- Guyana – 16.2%
- Ethiopia – 9.2%
- Guinea – 8.7%
- Bhutan – 7.5%
- Uganda – 7.5%
- Vietnam – 7.1%
- Benin – 7%
Thus, it is evident that Guyana’s growth is not just a regional phenomenon, but rather an absolute highlight on a global scale.
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