Each year on July 1, the World Bank revises analytical classification of the world's economies based on estimates of gross national income (GNI) per capita for the previous year. The updated GNI per capita estimates are also used as input to the World Bank's operational classification of economies that determines lending eligibility. As of 1 July 2014, low-income economies are defined as those with a GNI per capita, calculated using the World Bank Atlas method, of $1,045 or less in 2013; middle-income economies are those with a GNI per capita of more than $1,045 but less than $12,746; high-income economies are those with a GNI per capita of $12,746 or more. Lower-middle-income and upper-middle-income economies are separated at a GNI per capita of $4,125. Note that low- and middle-income economies are sometimes referred to as developing economies. The term is used for convenience; it is not intended to imply that all economies in the group are experiencing similar development or that other economies have reached a preferred or final stage of development.
The country and lending groups page provides a complete list of economies classified by income, region, and lending status. The classification tables include all World Bank members, plus all other economies with populations of more than 30,000. The two income classification changes are for Kyrgyz Republic and South Sudan moving from low income to lower middle income group.
In addition to the new income-related data, there have been updates to some of the other indicators in the World Development Indicators (WDI) database including balance of payments, government finance and monetary indicators, military expenditure, air traffic, Enterprise Surveys, merchandise trade, and more. To access the WDI database, click here.
Tables showing 2013 GNI, GNI per capita, GDP, GDP PPP, and Population data are also available as part of the World Bank's Open Data Catalog . Note that these are preliminary estimates and may be revised. Country classifications are determined once a year and remain fixed, regardless of subsequent revisions to their estimates of their GNI per capita. These estimates have not been reconciled with the historical time-series included in the WDI database. For more information please visit the World Bank country classification site or visit the country classifications section of the knowledge base. You can also send us an email at data@worldbank.org.
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