Most Powerful Countries 2023 (2024)

Defining the world’s most powerful countries is a more complex process than one might imagine. Power comes in many forms, from military might to economic strength, political influence, and cultural impact. The most powerful nations in the world shape global economic patterns, maintain a strong military, and establish foreign policies whose effects reverberate all around the world. U.S. News and World Report, in partnership with BAV Group and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, ranks the world’s most powerful countries in its annual Best Countries rankings. The 2021 report surveyed over 20,000 people across the globe and asked them to associate 80 countries with five attributes: military alliances, international alliances, political influence, economic influence, and leadership.

The Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World (2021 Best Countries report):

  1. United States
  2. China
  3. Russia
  4. Germany
  5. United Kingdom
  6. Japan
  7. France
  8. South Korea
  9. Saudi Arabia
  10. United Arab Emirates

According to the 2020 survey (released in 2021), the United States is the world’s most powerful country. The United States has the world’s largest economy, with a GDP of $20.93 trillion in 2020 and the most massive military budget of $778 billion in 2020. The U.S. defense spending is higher than the next ten largest defense spenders (China, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Italy) combined.

China and Russia are the second and third most powerful countries, known for their military spending and vast physical expanse. China also has a large economy with a GDP of $14.3 trillion. Next on the list are Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and France, all of which have large economies and distribute high amounts of international aid.

Although a few have switched places, nine of the top ten countries are returners from the previous year's list. The lone new entry is the United Arab Emirates, which arrives at #10 and nudges Israel down to #11. Honorable mentions for the world's most powerful countries are Canada, India, and Turkey.

Most Powerful Countries 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Most Powerful Countries 2023? ›

US News & World Report ranked the world's most powerful countries in 2023. The US remains No. 1, but some countries saw their positions rise or fall due to global instability. India and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that saw a jump in their rankings this year.

What is the strongest country 2023? ›

US News & World Report ranked the world's most powerful countries in 2023. The US remains No. 1, but some countries saw their positions rise or fall due to global instability. India and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that saw a jump in their rankings this year.

Which is the most powerful country in the world in 2024? ›

The United States of America:

The United States holds the top position globally, boasting the most potent military force. According to Global Firepower, it has a Power Index of 0.0712, demonstrating unparalleled capabilities in defence technologies and armed forces.

Which country will be the most powerful in the world by 2050? ›

Let's now head over to the list of the most powerful countries in 2050.
  • Indonesia. ...
  • Turkiye. ...
  • Saudi Arabia. ...
  • South Korea. ...
  • Brazil. Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $7.54 trillion. ...
  • France. Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $4.7 trillion. ...
  • Russia. Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $7.13 trillion. ...
  • Japan. Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $6.78 trillion.
Apr 10, 2024

Is the US still a superpower? ›

Currently, only the United States fulfills the criteria to be considered a superpower, though this has been questioned in recent years. At present only China, the European Union, India, and Russia have consistently been academically discussed as having the potential to attain superpower status.

Who has the most advanced military? ›

Which country has the best military in the world? The United States stands first among the top 10 militaries in the world. The US also leads globally in technological advancements, medical, aerospace, and computer/telecom sectors. As per the list, US possesses 13,300 aircraft, with 983 being attack helicopters.

Who is the richest country in the world? ›

Luxembourg

This country controls the pandemic duration better than any other European country. In 2020, they had a growth rate of minus 0.9%, and the country will grow by 7% in 2021. Hans Luxembourg is at the top of the list of the richest countries in the world by GDP 14,3740 USD.

Which is the poorest country in the world? ›

Africa
  • Somalia.
  • South Sudan.
  • Sudan.
  • Tanzania.
  • The Gambia.
  • Togo.
  • Uganda.
  • Zambia.

Who has the largest army in the world? ›

China has the largest standing army, with over 2 million active personnel. With increasing defense spending over the last decades, the country also ranks third in the number of tanks and second in the number of aircraft carriers in service.

Which country has the best soldiers in the world? ›

'The United States' has the most powerful army in the world. If we talk about power, in 2024 the US have 104 million soldiers. According to the data, the US government spent US$693 billion on its military in 2023.

What is the US number 1 in? ›

The U.S. ranks among the world's highest in human rights, economic competitiveness, productivity, innovation, and higher education. Its hard power and cultural influence have a global reach.

Which country will rule the world in 2100? ›

According to the forecast by Fathom Consulting, Asian economies such as China and India are expected to lead the global economy with the highest GDP share. The report forecasts China to have a share of 22.68% and reach $101 trillion by 2100.

What country is most likely to become a superpower? ›

By 2050, more countries are likely to be defined as superpowers, joining the United States and creating a multipolar world order. Extrapolating current economic, geopolitical, and demographic trends would suggest that China is likely to become a new superpower, although its economy is currently faltering.

Who will control the world in 2050? ›

The world's two most powerful countries, the US and China, will vie for the number 1 spot within 14 years. China is estimated to overtake the US in 2037 as the largest economy in the world. By 2050, China is expected to dominate the global GDP by nearly a $10 trillion margin.

What country has the strongest economy 2023? ›

United States Of America (U.S.A)

What country has the most freedom 2023? ›

Switzerland

What country is the biggest 2023? ›

Russia is the biggest nation in the world, covering 17.2 million square kilometers, based on estimates from 2023. Nonetheless, Russia comes in ninth place globally in terms of population, behind Bangladesh, Nigeria, Brazil, Indonesia, India, China, and the United States.

What is the US ranked in the world in 2023? ›

The U.S. is overall the No. 5 best country in the world, according to the 2023 Best Countries rankings, which were based on a survey of more than 17,000 people and gathered perceptions about 87 nations. That's down just one spot from last year, when it was the No. 4 Best Country in the U.S. News rankings.

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