List of Top 10 Richest Countries
The list is topped by the Persian Gulf country Qatar which is the richest country in the world for this year 2013. Below is the table which shows the wealthiest nations on Earth along with average income of each citizen. NOte that this article has been written in 2013 but it presents the richest country for 2012.
#1) Qatar – Richest Country in the World and in Asia
GDP (PPP): $106,283.96
Capital City: Doha
With a population of around 1.9 million and GDP equal to $182
Billion, Qatar is the world’s richest country. It lies in the Persian
Gulf and it is a peninsula. It lies in the Middle East and is richest
Arab country in the world. Saudi Arabia lies to its south. Economy of
this richest country is entirely dependent on Petroleum as it
contributes nearly 85% in export earnings. Banking and Tourism are other
areas where Qatar generates money. It is also the richest country in
Asia.
#2) Luxembourg – Richest Country in Europe
GDP (PPP): $79,649.49
Capital City: Luxembourg
Holding the title of
wealthiest country in Europe,
Luxembourg is much famous as a tax heaven. Many billionaires from
around the globe reside in this country to save themselves from taxes in
their homeland. It is the second richest country in the world. With a
population of just around half million, it has striking contrast of
green pastures of land alongside industrialized city. It lies in Europe
and is headed by a Grand Duke. Banking, Steel Industry and
telecommunications contribute heavily to its
wealth.
#3) Singapore -
Second Richest Country in Asia
GDP (PPP): $61,046.96
Capital City: Singapore
Located in Southeast Asia and comprising of 63 islands, Singapore is a
fully island country. On this list of top 10 wealthiest nations, it
ranks third. It is one of the largest financial centers in the world and
along with Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea, it forms the Four Asian
Tigers. Its population is around 5.5 millions with majority of them
practising Buddhism.
#4) Norway – One of the Richest Nations in the World
GDP (PPP): $54,479
Capital City: Oslo
A country with roughly 5 million people, Norway ,coupled with high
GDP and comparatively low population, it is one of the richest countries
on Earth. Sharing its border with Finland, Sweden and Russia, it is a
developed country. Economy of this rich nation depends on oil and
natural gas reserves which is found around it.
#5) Hong Kong SAR
GDP (PPP): $50,716
Lying on China’s South coast, Hong Kong is the fifth richest country
based on per capita income. It has a high GDP and it is a leading
financial destination in the world as well as in Asia. It is a specially
administrated region with its own currency but defence services by
China.
#6) Brunei Darussalam
GDP (PPP): $50,440
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Located in Southeast Asia, Brunei generates its revenues from crude
oil and natural gas exports. Revenues from petroleum contribute around
90% to its GDP. With a small population of less than half-a-million,
Brunei is one of the least densely populated country in the world. Its
sultan is one of the richest person in the world.
#7) United States of America
GDP (PPP): $49,601
Capital: Washington DC
This country needs no introduction. The most powerful country in the
world and the most powerful economy in the world, United States (US)
leads the globe in science and technology and nearly in every research
field which can be though of. It is the largest exporter of weapons and
also other goods and services. This rich country in the world has a GDP
of around 15 trillion US Dollars which makes it the richest and biggest
economy in the world. It is one of the wealthiest economy on planet
Earth. In American continent, this country is second to none. Thus it
is also the richest country in American continent (North as well as
South America). This country is also the largest manufacturer in the
world and the leading financial nation.
#8) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
GDP (PPP): $48,434
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Another richest country in Middle-East, United Arab Emirates consists
of seven independent Emirates which are ruled by their individual
monarchs. It is the second richest Arab country. Its GDP is third
largest in Middle East after Saudi Arabia and Iran. It generates wealth
from its oil and natural gas exports along with dried fish and dates.
With depletion of oil reserves, UAE has started diversification of its
businesses. This world’s richest country now plans to make UAE a big
tourist destination and a leading financial market.
#9) Switzerland
GDP (PPP): $44,015
Capital: Bern
Lying in the continent of Europe is this eight most rich nation.
Switzerland has a diverse economy and it is one of the most stable
economies of world. Economy of this wealthy country depends on banking,
Tourism, Industries and Agriculture. Switzerland is also a leading
exporter of high-end watches in the world. It is one of the financial
havens for those seeking to hide their cash. On our top 10 world’s
richest country, it ranks ninth.
#10) Kuwait – Rich Arab Country
GDP (PPP): $43,773
Capital: Kuwait City
Kuwait is another prosperous country in middle-east. Like others, it
also highly depends on petroleum for revenues. Crude Oil accounts for
majority of its exports. It has a small population of 2.8 million. Per
capita income of Kuwaitis is around $43,000 and this makes it one of the
richest countries in the world.
What is GDP Per Capita?
According to popular website Investopedia, when the total output
(GDP) of a country is divided by the number of people who live in that
country, it gives the GDP per capita. It is useful in judging the health
of an economy and it serves as one of the yardstick to compare
performances of different countries in terms of money.
Important Note about this list
The data in this article was published in Institute of International
Finance in the year 2013. The data is for the year 2011-2012. For the
year 2013, various estimates and projections have been made by CIA,
International Monetary Fund and other financial institutions.
For a comprehensive list, which contains names of top 20,
top 50 or top 100 richest countries in the world, visit Wikipedia. Also, see
richest countries in the world by CIA.
