Saquarema, a municipality in Rio de Janeiro, has achieved the remarkable distinction of holding the highest per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Brazil for 2023. This economic surge, driven primarily by iron ore extraction, places the city far above the national average, offering a compelling snapshot of Brazil’s diverse economic landscape.
The data, released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) as part of its “GDP of Municipalities 2023” survey, highlights a significant disparity in wealth distribution across the nation. Saquarema’s impressive economic performance serves as a focal point for understanding regional development and the impact of specific industries.
This report delves into the specifics of Saquarema’s economic achievement, compares it to the national figures, and identifies other municipalities that are experiencing substantial economic growth. We will also explore the cities at the other end of the spectrum, facing economic challenges, and examine the factors contributing to these contrasting economic realities, according to the latest IBGE findings.
Saquarema’s Economic Powerhouse Status
In 2023, Saquarema recorded an extraordinary per capita GDP of R$ 722,441.52. This figure is a direct reflection of the robust iron ore mining activities within its territory. This level of wealth per inhabitant stands in stark contrast to the national per capita GDP, which was R$ 53,886.67 during the same year, as reported by the IBGE.
The Top Tier: Cities Driven by Natural Resources
The IBGE’s research reveals that the top positions in the per capita GDP ranking are heavily influenced by the oil and gas sector. The top six municipalities listed are linked to either the extraction or refining of petroleum. Following Saquarema, other municipalities with high per capita GDP include São Francisco do Conde in Bahia, Maricá in Rio de Janeiro, Paulínia in São Paulo, Presidente Kennedy in Espírito Santo, and Ilhabela in São Paulo.
A Tale of Two Extremes: Wealth and Poverty Pockets
At the opposite end of the economic spectrum, the municipality of Manari, located in Pernambuco, registered the lowest per capita GDP in the country, with R$ 7,201.70. The state of Maranhão also featured prominently among the municipalities with the lowest per capita GDP, including Nina Rodrigues, Matões do Norte, Cajapió, and São João Batista, indicating significant regional economic disparities.
Brasília Leads Among Capitals
Among the municipalities that are also state capitals, Brasília, the Federal District, recorded the highest per capita GDP. Its figure of R$ 129.8 thousand per capita is 2.41 times greater than the national average, showcasing its unique economic standing within the country, as detailed by the IBGE’s findings.
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