Philippines Nears Upper-Middle-Income Status With GNI Growth

Several countries are actively pursuing or approaching upper-middle-income status as part of their economic development goals for 2025 and beyond. Tanzania is set to launch its Tanzania Development Vision 2050, aiming to increase its per capita income from about $1,158 to $7,000 by mid-century, reflecting an inclusive and broad-based national development plan. Zimbabwe has revised its GDP upward to approximately $44.4 billion due to expanded economic activity coverage, projecting per capita income to exceed $3,000 in 2025 and signaling progress toward upper-middle-income status. The Philippines is also nearing the upper-middle-income threshold, with its gross national income per capita close to $4,496, aiming to achieve this milestone by early 2026 through industrial growth and inclusive economic policies. Meanwhile, the concept of upper-middle-class income in the United States is defined not only by salary—ranging roughly from $106,000 to $149,000 depending on location—but also by lifestyle factors such as home ownership, childcare, and vacation affordability, highlighting the economic diversity within middle-class designations. These developments illustrate a global trend of striving for economic advancement and improved standards of living across different regions.