World Wealth: Britain crowned fifth richest country in the world behind US, China, Japan and Germany - CityAM (2024)

World Wealth: Britain crowned fifth richest country in the world behind US, China, Japan and Germany - CityAM (1)

The UK has been crowned the world’s fifth richest country in the world in a new report that measures the total wealth amassed by each country’s individuals.

Britain’s population holds $9.24 trillion (£6.01 trillion) in private wealth, surpassing France, Italy, Canada and Australia.This is despite its relatively small population compared with countries such as Germany, which ranked fourth with a total wealth of $9.36 trillion.

The US topped the rankings for the world’s richest country followed by China with $48.73 trillion and $17.25 trillion in wealth respectively, according a report by wealth specialists New World Wealth (NWW).

Here's a map of the world's richest countries.

World Wealth: Britain crowned fifth richest country in the world behind US, China, Japan and Germany - CityAM (2)

The figures, which include property, cash, equities and business interests owned by individuals, reveal that the UK is also the fourth richest in terms of average wealth per person ($147,600), behind Switzerland, Australia and the US. Germany, which ranked fourth in terms of total wealth dropped to 11th place, with people on average owning assets worth $114,400.

Andrew Amoils, the author of the report said Britain's high average wealth wasmainly down to the high value of real estate:“Property makes up such a big proportion of UK wealth. In Germany, many people do not own their homes and rent instead – this negatively impacts on their total wealth,” he told City A.M.

Indonesia’s wealth is growing faster than any other country in the world, the report showed, with wealth per capita soaring by 362 per cent in the last 15 years to $6000 in 2015 compared with $1,300 in 2000.

China and Russia have also boomed, up 341 per cent and 253 per cent respectively, while Australia was the only developed country to make the top five, recording 248 per cent growth in wealth over the same period.

“The Australian dollar has strengthened, there has been strong economic growth and property prices have grown rapidly," Amoils said, adding that there was "a lot more" Australia could do if property market popped and prices fell compared with the UK thanks to its relatively high interest rates and its policy of only allowing overseas investors to buy new build homes.

World Wealth: Britain crowned fifth richest country in the world behind US, China, Japan and Germany - CityAM (3)

World Wealth: Britain crowned fifth richest country in the world behind US, China, Japan and Germany - CityAM (2024)

FAQs

World Wealth: Britain crowned fifth richest country in the world behind US, China, Japan and Germany - CityAM? ›

The UK has been crowned the world's fifth richest country in the world in a new report that measures the total wealth amassed by each country's individuals. Britain's population holds $9.24 trillion (£6.01 trillion) in private wealth, surpassing France, Italy, Canada and Australia.

Which are the top 10 richest country in the world? ›

The top 10 richest countries in the world by GDP per capita are as follows:
  • Switzerland.
  • Norway.
  • Singapore.
  • Iceland.
  • Qatar.
  • United States.
  • Denmark.
  • Macao SAR.
Apr 10, 2024

Is the US really the richest country in the world? ›

The U.S. is the third-wealthiest country on a per-capita average basis, yet Americans are only in rank 15 for median wealth.

Has Britain ever been the richest country in the world? ›

19th century Britain was the world's richest and most advanced economy, while 19th century Ireland experienced the worst famine in Europe in that century. Real GDP per person almost doubled in the 90 years between 1780 and 1870, when it reached $3263 per capita.

Which country is richer Germany or England? ›

The United Kingdom was overtaken by Germany for the coveted top spot among the richest countries in Europe in 2023. According to the World Population Review, Europe is home to some of the wealthiest nations globally, with remarkable variations in economic prosperity.

Who is the top 5 richest country in the world? ›

Which are the top-5 richest countries in the World? The top-5 richest countries in the world are: USA, China, Japan, Germany and India. Among these, USA stands on the first position with the GDP of $26,854 B.

Which country is no 1 poorest country? ›

World's Poorest Countries 2024
RankCountry/TerritoryGDP-PPP per capita ($)
1🇸🇸South Sudan476
2🇧🇮Burundi890
3🇨🇫Central African Republic1,109
4🇨🇩Democratic Republic of the Congo1,579
96 more rows
Jan 1, 2024

What is the most powerful country in the world? ›

The following are the 10 most powerful countries on this earth according to US News and World Report:
  1. United States. The United States is the country with the most dominant economic and military power in the world. ...
  2. China. ...
  3. Russia. ...
  4. Germany. ...
  5. United Kingdom. ...
  6. South Korea. ...
  7. France. ...
  8. Japan.
7 days ago

Is the US richer than China? ›

China's nominal GDP is the second-largest after the United States, but measured at PPP, China's GDP is larger than that of the United States by a considerable margin.

What is the richest state in the US? ›

New Jersey topped a U.S. News & World Report ranking of the richest states in the U.S. The ranking, published in November, used the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey estimates from 2022 to identify states with the highest median household income.

Who is richer America or Britain? ›

By now, the facts of Britain's relative poverty are like a catechism: we are the poorest country in northwestern Europe, and, at purchasing power parity, 20 per cent poorer than America. Take away London, and we're poorer than every single US state.

Who is richer China or England? ›

Answer: China is the world's most prosperous country. It just surpassed the United States as the world's most prosperous country. Answer: China, the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Sweden are the world's wealthiest countries, according to McKinsey & Co.

Who is richer France or England? ›

The French GDP is slightly higher than the UK, but French sovereign debt is 96.5% of GDP compared to 86.58% for the UK. French GDP per capita is $42,568 compared to $42,514 for the UK.

Is it cheaper to live in Germany or England? ›

Some of the biggest costs you'll incur, like rent, childcare and public transport passes, are all cheaper in Germany— not to mention the cheaper university fees. The average cost of living in Germany is 21% cheaper than the cost of living in the UK.

Which country is No 1 in world? ›

Top 10 powerful countries in the world 2024
Power Rank & CountryGDP (as of March 2024)Population*
#1 United States$27.97 trillion339.9 million
#2 China$18.56 trillion1.42 billion
#3 Russia$1.90 trillion144 million
#4 Germany$4.70 trillion83.2 million
6 more rows
Mar 28, 2024

What is the richest country in the world 2024? ›

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Here are the 10 richest countries by GDP per capita (PPP) in 2024 – IMF as of February 08. Topping the list is Luxembourg, a small European country known for its robust financial sector.

Which is the no. 1 richest country? ›

Luxembourg, whose financial sector makes up 25% of its GDP, is the world's richest country by GDP per capita. With a population of just 660,000, the country is also considered a tax haven, incentivizing foreign investment due to its favorable tax policies.

What are the top 3 richest countries? ›

If we simply consider a nation's gross domestic product—the sum of all goods and services produced by a country during one year—then we would have to conclude that the richest nations are exactly the ones with the largest GDP: United States, China, Japan, Germany.

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

Poorest Countries In The World: South Sudan On Top With $492 GDP Per Capita
  • Central African Republic (CAR) $1,140.00.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) $1,570.00.
  • Mozambique. $1,650.00.
  • Malawi. $1,710.00.
  • Niger. $1,730.00.
  • Chad. $1,860.00.
  • Liberia. $1,880.00.
  • Madagascar.
Mar 15, 2024

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