- According to the Prosperity Index prepared by the World Bank and UNDP
In a regional and global context marked by economic slowdown and financial uncertainty, the Dominican Republic has climbed positions in the most recent Prosperity Index, ranking among the five most prosperous economies in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The country holds fifth place among 23 nations in the region, with a score of 37.4 out of 100, according to the index compiled with data from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Only Chile, Uruguay, Panama, and Argentina rank above the Dominican Republic, which outperforms larger economies such as Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.
The report highlights the Dominican Republic’s progress in economic growth and the reduction of monetary poverty. These results reflect the strong performance of two of the main drivers of the national economy: tourism and remittances.
In the first four months of 2025, the country welcomed 4.3 million visitors—a figure that far exceeds pre-pandemic levels. In April alone, more than one million tourists arrived, making it the best month in the history of the sector. Tourism currently contributes over 15% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has accounted for nearly 40% of economic growth in recent years, according to official data.
The Role of Remittances
This performance contrasts with the regional outlook. Economic growth projections for Latin America in 2025 are around 2%, according to recent reports by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The region’s main economies are facing weak investment, slowing trade, and increasing risks due to global trade tensions and financial volatility.
- Globally, the IMF forecasts growth of just 2.8% in 2025, the lowest level outside of recession periods since the 2008 financial crisis. Tariff disputes—especially those driven by the United States—continue to impact supply chains and complicate the recovery of emerging economies.
Despite the complexities of the international environment, the Dominican Republic continues to show solid growth and a dynamic economy. However, experts warn that in order to sustain this pace over the medium term, the country will need to further diversify its productive base, strengthen institutions, and improve the quality of public services, particularly in education, health, and infrastructure.
Countries Leading the Ranking
In the Prosperity Index, only Chile, Uruguay, Panama, and Argentina rank above the Dominican Republic. Following the Dominican Republic are countries such as Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. Tourism and remittances play a key role in the country’s strong performance.
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