Six countries move up income rankings

Six countries advanced to higher World Bank income classifications, reflecting economic growth, recovery and stronger development progress across several regions.

“These classifications help governments, researchers and international organisations track economic progress worldwide,” said the World Bank Group’s Development Data Group.

Five countries — Jordan, Micronesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam — moved from lower-middle to upper-middle income status, while Togo advanced from low to lower-middle income. Viet Nam’s export-led economy recorded GDP growth of 7% in 2024 and 8% in 2025, the Philippines averaged 5.8% annual GDP growth over five years, and Sri Lanka returned to growth following its 2022 economic crisis. Jordan’s updated national accounts showed its economy was nearly 10% larger than previously estimated, while Togo’s revised census data contributed to its new classification. Overall, the share of economies classified as low-income has fallen from 30% in 1987 to 11%, highlighting long-term global development progress.