The Richest Countries in the World (2024)

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1. Luxembourg: USD 143,203 per capita in 2025

We forecast Luxembourg to be the world’s wealthiest economy in 2025 in nominal GDP terms (at market exchange rates). Luxembourg’s economic success in recent decades is thanks to a booming services sector: The country is home to several important EU institutions and boasts a large financial sector thanks to a favorable tax regime. While the economy likely contracted last year due to Covid-19, it should return to a strong growth trajectory in the coming years and is set to expand well above the EU average, amid the continued dynamism of the services sector and strong population growth.

“Luxembourg is one of the world’s largest financial centres, due to renowned high skilled labour from the ‘Grande Region’ and infamous tax regulation. It is a worldwide leader in the investment fund industry with assets under management of over EUR4.1trn. It is also the largest international private banking centre and the largest captive reinsurance centre in Europe. There are approximately 3,900 funds registered in Luxembourg. As of 2018, the number of banks in Luxembourg was 133, of which 40 are branches of foreign banks. Collectively, the banks hold assets of approximately EUR760bn.” – Katharina Koenz, economist at Oxford Economics

2. Ireland: USD 112,769 per capita in 2025

In recent decades, Ireland has gone from being one of the poorest EU nations to one of the wealthiest, thanks to an export-oriented economic model and huge success in attracting FDI—particularly from large multinationals. Ireland benefits from a favorable tax regime, a skilled, English-speaking workforce, a stable business environment and close ties to the U.S. Over our forecast horizon, Ireland is set to continue growing at a healthy clip, bolstered by strong inward migration and investment. However, extra trade frictions with the UK due to Brexit, and a potential reduction in the country’s tax competitiveness pose risks. Moreover, interpreting national accounts data is made difficult by the large presence of multinationals in the country.

“Calculating Ireland’s economic growth is complicated by the distortionary effects of balance-sheet movements of foreign multinational companies headquartered in Ireland. These distortions mean that Ireland’s official GDP figures are an unreliable measure of domestic activity, while also being volatile and subject to frequent and substantial revisions. This is particularly acute in the external sector, where official export growth figures have increased during the pandemic, owing to large corporations’ balance-sheet movements. The pharmachemical and technology firms that dominate Ireland’s multinational sector have thus far fared relatively well. This improved export performance, as well as increased government spending and a double-digit decline in imports, is estimated to have more than counterbalanced sharp declines in real private consumption and overall fixed investment.” – Economist Intelligence Unit

3. Switzerland: USD 96,788 per capita in 2025

Switzerland’s economy is supported by an extremely robust institutional framework, a stable and conducive business environment, and an extremely high-performing education system. The country also boasts a strong industrial base and a convenient location at the heart of Europe’s largest national markets. Switzerland weathered the Covid-19 crisis fairly well, thanks to generous state support and generally laxer restrictions than other nations. Looking forward, the economy is seen returning to a solid—if unspectacular—growth trajectory, although disagreements with the EU over the bilateral relationship and exposure to external shocks pose risks.

“Compared to the situation at the end of 2019, the level of activity in Switzerland at the end of the third quarter was well above that of its European neighbours […]. For 2020 as a whole, we forecast a contraction of 3.2% of GDP. The recovery in 2021 should be solid, mainly in the second half of the year once the Covid vaccine eliminates any risk of a third wave of the pandemic. We expect growth of 3.1% for the year 2021 as a whole.” – Charlotte de Montpellier, economist at ING

4. Norway: USD 95,165 per capita

The discovery of oil and gas in the North Sea in the 1960s transformed Norway’s economy, with the government subsequently building the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund—today valued at over USD 1 trillion—on the back of this natural resource wealth. Today, energy is still a key component of the economy, although the services sector is by far the largest economic sector at over 60% of GDP. Norway was less affected by Covid-19 than other European economies, and is set to return to growth from 2021 onwards thanks to higher oil prices and rebounding domestic demand.

“We expect the domestic Norwegian economy to be in position for a strong rebound […]. Household incomes have kept up well during the pandemic, in large part thanks to generous unemployment support from the government. Consumer spending fell last year as households cut back on travel and services. But consumer confidence is good, consumption of goods remains strong, and the housing market is booming. We therefore believe that underlying consumer demand is strong and will contribute significantly to the economic recovery once restrictions are lifted. Businesses are also benefitting from generous government support, which has prevented any rise in bankruptcies. Moreover, temporary tax changes for the oil industry have spurred companies’ investment plans and prevented a bigger decline in activity in the sector.” – Analysts at Swedbank

5. Denmark: USD 78,068 per capita

The economy’s high standard of living can be traced to effective governance, elevated human capital and a conducive business environment. Denmark has a developed services sector, is a net exporter of food and boasts a burgeoning renewable energy industry as part of the government’s goal to go carbon neutral by 2050. Despite taking a knock in 2020 from the coronavirus pandemic, the economy should resume a robust growth trajectory over our forecast horizon, buttressed by favorable demographics and healthy consumption and investment. That said, elevated household debt is a risk.

“We have recently revised our population forecasts, taking into consideration stronger inflows of migrants and labour force reforms that will see the pension age increase from 65 to 67 by 2022. This has helped raise the potential of the Danish economy, and the new government’s plan to be more welcoming of skilled immigration should help further. A rising participation rate, particularly among older workers, is the main factor behind the increased contribution of equilibrium employment to potential output growth. This should facilitate higher potential growth.” – Rory Fennessy, economist at Oxford Economics

6. United States: USD 77,653 per capita

A leading position in many cutting-edge technological fields, deep capital markets, a flexible labor market and strong rule of law are all factors which make the United States one of the richest countries in the world in GDP per capita terms. These same factors should continue to support the economy over the next several years and ensure the U.S. remains among the world’s wealthiest nations, while vast fiscal stimulus should provide a further boost. However, a bitterly divided political panorama, elevated debt levels, sharp socioeconomic inequalities and China tensions all cloud the outlook.

“The diversity, dynamism, and competitiveness of the U.S. economy, along with the U.S. dollar’s status as the preeminent international reserve currency and very large size and depth of the U.S. Treasury market, will continue to offset rising fiscal pressures. However, the U.S.’ fiscal strength is deteriorating and that deterioration is expected to accelerate over time as higher ageing-related entitlement spending, debt service payments and relatively weaker government revenues drive persistent fiscal deficits. Diminishing confidence that U.S. policymakers will take effective action in the coming years to reduce federal government budget deficits and the ongoing rise of the debt burden would signal erosion of both fiscal and institutional strength.” – Analysts at Moody’s

7. Singapore: USD 75,250 per capita

Upon expulsion from Malaysia in 1965, the nascent independent republic of Singapore was a tiny third-world country, with no natural resources and simmering ethnic tensions. Fast forward half a century, and Singapore is now among the world’s richest nations in per capita terms, thanks to decades of export-oriented growth which saw heavy investments in physical and human capital and the creation of a world-class business environment. While Singapore was relatively hard-hit in 2020 by Covid-19 due to the economy’s open nature, economic activity should recover swiftly from 2021 onwards, with growth expected to be notably faster than most other developed economies over our forecast horizon, aided by the government’s focus on long-term policymaking. However, further deglobalization and a rapid slowdown in labor force growth pose risks to the outlook.

“The [2021] Budget will aim to build three enablers, (1) promoting innovation and collaboration on a global scale, (2) providing capital to businesses, and (3) developing workers’ skills, talents and creativity. More clarity on Singapore Green Plan 2030 is seen as well […] The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted significant global shifts on the economic and social fronts, accelerated technological advances and created new global domains for competition and cooperation. Budget 2021, titled “Emerging Stronger Together”, will serve to allow the government to be a key enabler supporting Singapore’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as to invest in economic transformation and position Singapore for success in the long-term.” – Barnabas Gan, economist at United Overseas Bank

The Richest Countries in the World (2024)

FAQs

The Richest Countries in the World? ›

Thus, the richest countries in the world are those with the highest GDP per capita. Currently, the richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita is Luxembourg, with a GDP per capita of $135,700.

What is the top 10 richest country in the world? ›

  • Apr 6, 2023. 10 Most Richest Countries in the World 2023. ...
  • Luxembourg. In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) Luxembourg scores at the top of the richest countries. ...
  • Singapore. ...
  • Ireland. ...
  • Qatar. ...
  • Bermuda. ...
  • Norway. ...
  • United Arab Emirates.
Apr 6, 2023

What is the top 50 richest country? ›

Top Richest Countries In The World By Net Worth
  • Pakistan. Total Wealth in 2021: $640 bn. Total Wealth in 2010: $286 bn. ...
  • Ukraine. Total Wealth in 2021: $679 bn. ...
  • Nigeria. Total Wealth in 2021: $752 bn. ...
  • Finland. Total Wealth in 2021: $817 bn. ...
  • Ireland. Total Wealth in 2021: $920 bn. ...
  • United Arab Emirates. Total Wealth in 2021: $994 bn.
May 16, 2023

Which country is no 1 richest in the world? ›

Thus, the richest countries in the world are those with the highest GDP per capita. Currently, the richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita is Luxembourg, with a GDP per capita of $135,700.

What are the top 6 richest countries? ›

Let's take a closer look at the top 10 richest countries in the world, and explore how you can live there in 2023.
  • #1. Luxembourg.
  • #2. Singapore.
  • #3. Ireland.
  • #4. Qatar.
  • #5. Switzerland.
  • #6. Norway.
  • #7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • #8. United States.

How rich is usa? ›

According to the IMF, the wealthiest nation in the world 2022 for GDP per capita was Luxembourg, with a sum of $127,673. For the sake of comparison, while the US has an overall GDP of $26.19 trillion, its GDP per capita is much lower at $75,180 than tax havens like Luxembourg, with a GDP per capita of $127,673.

Is the US the richest country in the world? ›

Known for valuable exports and favorable corporate tax policies, Ireland is the richest country in the world. Luxembourg, despite high-income levels and a low unemployment rate, lost the #1 spot. The resource-rich land with the world's biggest economy, the United States, ranks 8th on the list.

What country makes the most money? ›

The United States is the richest country in the world with the highest GDP, as of 2021.

What is the most powerful country in the world? ›

The United States. It consists of 50 states, and its economic and military power is unmatched. This North American country has maintained the position of a superpower nation for decades. The United States is the most powerful country in the world.

What is the poorest county in the world? ›

The Poorest Countries in the World
  • Somalia: GDP per capita of USD 303 in 2026. ...
  • South Sudan: GDP per capita of USD 441 in 2026. ...
  • Sierra Leone: GDP per capita of USD 532 in 2026. ...
  • Malawi: GDP per capita of USD 606 in 2026. ...
  • Central African Republic: GDP per capita of USD 624 in 2026.
May 25, 2023

What is the #1 country? ›

United States. The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world's most dominant economic and military power.

Which is the No 2 richest country in the world? ›

Ireland is the second-richest country in the world on a GDP per capita basis with $107,000, followed by Switzerland at nearly $94,000.

What is the richest country in the world by total wealth? ›

Wealthiest Countries in the World by Assets
  • Denmark. Total Wealth in 2021: $1.9 trillion. ...
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Total Wealth in 2021: $2 trillion. ...
  • Islamic Republic of Iran. Total Wealth in 2021: $2.2 trillion. ...
  • Kingdom of Sweden. ...
  • Federative Republic of Brazil. ...
  • Republic of Indonesia. ...
  • Kingdom of Belgium. ...
  • Hong Kong SAR.
Apr 5, 2023

What is the richest state in the United States? ›

Richest State in USA

New York is the richest state in the US, with a GDP per capita at $96,5k. This means that New York is responsible for around 9% of America's entire economic output, the highest percentage amongst the 50 states.

What are the top 10 richest countries in America? ›

Top 10 Richest Countries in North America (GNI per capita - in current US$, Atlas method, 2021)
  • United States - $64,530.
  • Canada - $43,530.
  • Bahamas -$27,780.
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis - $17,400.
  • Trinidad and Tobago - $15,410.
  • Barbados - $14,460.
  • Antigua and Barbuda - $14,250.
  • Panama - $11,880.

What is the world's largest economy? ›

Biggest economies in 2021 by gross domestic product
RankCountryGDP in billion $
1United States23,315.1
2China17,734.1
3Japan4,940.9
4Germany4,259.9
46 more rows

Is USA rich than China? ›

2- China: China is the world's most populous country. In 2021, it surpassed the United States of America to first place on the list of the world's wealthiest countries. According to the IMF, it is now the world's second-largest economy.

Why did the US get so rich? ›

The integration of far-flung settlements required new technologies — steam engines, canals and railroads — setting the country on a natural course to industrial development. In sum, slavery and conquest created the foundation upon which the U.S. economy grew.

Is Mexico the richest country? ›

The economy of Mexico is a developing mixed-market economy. It is the 14th largest in the world in nominal GDP terms and the 13th largest by purchasing power parity, according to the International Monetary Fund. Since the 1994 crisis, administrations have improved the country's macroeconomic fundamentals.

Is USA richer than Japan? ›

Here are the 10 richest countries in the world: United States - $18.62 Tn. China - $11.22 Tn. Japan - $4.94 Tn.

How is the US the richest country with so much debt? ›

It's high because the U.S. continues to spend more than it receives in revenue. Therefore, it must issue more debt to cover the difference. The national debt is an accumulation of federal budget deficits. Every spending program and tax cut adds to the debt unless paid for by new appropriations.

What countries are richer than US? ›

The Richest Countries in the World
  • Luxembourg: USD 143,203 per capita in 2025. ...
  • Ireland: USD 112,769 per capita in 2025. ...
  • Switzerland: USD 96,788 per capita in 2025. ...
  • Norway: USD 95,165 per capita. ...
  • Denmark: USD 78,068 per capita. ...
  • United States: USD 77,653 per capita. ...
  • Singapore: USD 75,250 per capita.
Mar 25, 2021

Which country is hardest to make money? ›

Venezuela

Out the world's 50 biggest economies, Venezuela ranks as the most difficult place to do business in. The South American nation is among the very bottom when it comes to ease of paying taxes, getting credit, investor protection laws, and cross-border trading, to name a few.

Which country pays highest salary per hour? ›

Top 10 Countries With Highest Paying Jobs
CountryNational Average Salary (Monthly)Hourly Minimum Wage Rate
Switzerland7,351.707.43
Liechtenstein6,070.23No Law
United States5,908.037.25
Denmark5,862.57No Law
6 more rows

Who has the strongest military? ›

1. United States Of America. US Military has the biggest defence budget in the world. They are known for their most powerful Air Force on the planet, named as United States Air Force (USAF).

Who is more powerful Russia or USA? ›

In short, Russia is ranked 2nd out of 140 in military strength while the US is ranked 1st. As per the army population, Russia has 142,320,790 soldiers while The US has 334,998,398 soldiers. The available manpower is 69,737,187 with Russia and 147,399,295 with the United States.

Who is more powerful the US or Russia? ›

The US dominates the air with far more bases, fighter jets and bombers than Russia but Russia is superior on the ground with more tanks, artillery and land vehicles. At sea, the countries are more evenly matched, but here the US has the edge with more destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers.

What is the poorest United state? ›

Mississippi is the poorest state in the United States. Roughly 19.58% of people (564,000) in the state are living below the poverty line. Like other poor states, a lack of good jobs, poor education, and other factors keep people in poverty.

What is the poor city in the US? ›

Top 50 cities. For next 50 go here.
Poverty RankingCity% of under 18 yrs. Living Below Poverty Level
1San Juan58.8
2Detroit57.3
3St. Louis53.9
4Rochester46.8
50 more rows

Where is the poorest county in the USA? ›

  • Richest county: Falls Church, Virginia.
  • Poorest county: Todd County, South Dakota.
  • County with the highest median household income: Loudoun County, Virginia.
  • County with the lowest median household income: Wolfe County, Kentucky.
Jan 31, 2023

What is best country to live in? ›

  • Sweden. #1 in Quality of Life. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Canada. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Switzerland. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Norway. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Netherlands. #8 in Quality of Life.

Is the US the most free country? ›

Highest ranking in personal freedoms were Sweden (9.45) and the Netherlands (9.28). In 2020, United States has dropped to rank 17 according to The Human Freedom Index. The Freedom Index does not measure democracy, but it does measure freedom of speech and media, press killings, political imprisonment, etc.

Is the US the best country to live in? ›

The US is still the land of opportunity and still ranks as one of the most desirable countries in the world to move to. The US offers great career opportunities, an unparalleled lifestyle and one of the highest standards of living in the world – all in a beautiful environment.

What is the richest continent in the world? ›

List by the International Monetary Fund (2023 estimate)
RankContinentGDP (billions of current Int$)
World174,471
1Asia84,842
2Europe36,557
3North America33,728
4 more rows

What is the 3 richest country? ›

The 50 richest countries in the world
RankCountryAdjusted GDP/capita
1Luxembourg131,511 $
2Singapore116,486 $
3Ireland106,570 $
4Qatar102,018 $
46 more rows

Who is the richest person in the world? ›

Billionaire, businessman and the chairman and chief executive of LVMH (LVMUY), Bernard Arnault holds the crown as the richest person in the world. According to Forbes, Arnault has a fortune of $217.9 billion.

What country has the most billionaires? ›

The U.S. again reigns as home to the most billionaire citizens, with 735–the same number as last year.

What's the richest city in America? ›

1. Atherton, CA. The richest city in the US is Atherton, California. It has a median household income of $450,690, which is almost seven times higher than the average American household income of $69,021.

Which state has most billionaires? ›

California is home to the most billionaires — not just in the US, but in the world, according to Forbes. Los Angeles, in particular, is a hot spot. Some billionaires there have names that light up Hollywood marquees, like director Steven Spielberg.

What state has the most millionaires? ›

by state U.S. 2020. In 2020, California had the highest number of millionaire households in the U.S., with 1.14 million households having one million or more in investible assets.

What is the strongest country in North America? ›

The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world's most dominant economic and military power.

What is the strongest economy in North America? ›

The United States is the largest economy in North America, comprising about 80% of the continent's gross domestic product (PPP).

Who controls the world economy? ›

The IMF monitors the international monetary system and global economic developments to identify risks and recommend policies for growth and financial stability. The Fund also undertakes a regular health check of the economic and financial policies of its 190 member countries.

Which is the fastest growing economy in world? ›

India's GDP grew 6.1 percent (compared to 4 percent in the same quarter of 2021–22), making it the fastest-growing among the world's top economies. Last year, the IMF's chief called India a bright spot in the global economy.

Is the US still the largest economy? ›

America is the world's largest national economy and leading global trader. The process of opening world markets and expanding trade, initiated in the United States in 1934 and consistently pursued since the end of the Second World War, has played an important role in the development of American prosperity.

Which country is most powerful in the world? ›

The United States remains the most powerful country in the world, followed by China and Russia. However, the balance of power may shift in the coming years as countries like India and Brazil continue to grow economically and assert themselves on the global stage.

What country has the most debt? ›

According to data published by London-based investment fintech Invezz, Japan, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and the US are the top five nations with the highest level of government debt.

What is the 20th richest country? ›

United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates has a reputation for being a country of immense wealth. So, perhaps it's no surprise that it ranks as the 20th wealthiest nation in spite of its relatively small size.

Who are the 5 superpowers in the world? ›

China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are often referred to as great powers by academics due to "their political and economic dominance of the global arena". These five nations are the only states to have permanent seats with veto power on the UN Security Council.

Who owes the US money? ›

Many people believe that much of the U.S. national debt is owed to foreign countries like China and Japan, but the truth is that most of it is owed to Social Security and pension funds right here in the U.S. This means that U.S. citizens own most of the national debt.

What country is the US most in debt to? ›

According to usafacts.org, as of January 2023, Japan owned $1.1 trillion in US Treasuries, making it the largest foreign holder of the national debt. The second-largest holder is China, which owned $859 billion of US debt.

Could the US ever get out of debt? ›

Eliminating the U.S. government's debt is a Herculean task that could take decades. In addition to obvious steps, such as hiking taxes and slashing spending, the government could take a number of other approaches, some of them unorthodox and even controversial. Below are some of these options.

Why is Ireland so rich? ›

The country is one of the largest exporters of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and software-related goods and services. Today, the Irish economy is diversified, and even in the COVID crisis, its economy was still resilient and continued growing.

Which Arab country is the richest? ›

Qatar has been ranked among the top few wealthiest countries globally. Qatar has been named the fourth richest country globally. Also, it is the first-ever Arab nation to be among the top four wealthiest nations.

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