Argentina's GDP per capita was among the highest in the world in the early 20th century and fell substantially relative to the United States over the following decades.

Is it true that Argentina's GDP per capita was among the highest in the world in the early 20th century and fell substantially relative to the United States over the following decades?

Yes. A Wikipedia economic history states Argentina was among the world's ten wealthiest states per capita by 1913 and that its economy deteriorated notably from the 1930s, while Our World in Data notes Argentina fell behind over the 20th century. A peer-reviewed paper adds that Argentina's relative GDP per capita stagnated or declined.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 3 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 2 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Argentina was one of the richest countries in the world at the beginning of the 20th century | Our World in Data. (n.d.). ourworldindata.org. https://ourworldindata.org/data-insights/argentina-was-one-of-the-richest-countries-in-the-world-at-the-beginning-of-the-20th-century

Economic history of Argentina - Wikipedia. (n.d.). en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Argentina

Long-Term Growth and Productivity Trends: Secular Stagnation or Temporary Slowdown?. (2018). amu.hal.science. https://doi.org/10.3917/reof.157.0037