GDP, or the Gross Domestic Product, is a measure of wealth in the country coming from sources including export revenues, incomes, consumption, and the value of goods and services the country produces in a span of a year. Setting the benchmark according to these metrics and establishing the same parameters across the board is what makes GDP so popular in demonstrating and comparing wealth. The GDP per capita is the wealth divided by the number of inhabitants in the country, which is a helpful measurement that can provide insight into the quality of life in a country. If the GDP per capita is high, this can often indicate the wealth and prosperity of the inhabitants in the country.
Here is the ranking of the 13 richest countries (and two territories) in the world, using their GDP per capita in international dollar values, a unit of measurement that allows for a comparable understanding of the wealth value in countries with different currencies.
1. Macau
- Population: 652,429
- GDP per capita: Int$ 129,103
Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, and so is not an independent country in itself. It has the second-highest life expectancy in the world, at 84.30 years, and the richest economy in the world today by GDP per capita. Faring poorly in 1990s, the government decided to prioritize gambling, which began the propulsion to its infamous wealth. Macau's economy relies on its gaming industry so much, that the non-gaming economic activities bring mere 12% of the total profits. For perspective, Las Vegas' non-gambling profits accumulate to 65%. The proximity to other Asian countries with cheaper tourism to spend the winnings on, as well as the "exotic" aspect of the experience, gives Macau the upper hand.
As a densely populated state, where most citizens reside in high-rise building apartments, shop in the same stores, and are consistently intermingling, it is peculiar that the poverty reports range from 2% to 10%, according to different sources. Although poverty may be largely overlooked by the majority, the government pays its citizens on the annual basis out of Macau's massive surplus in GDP. The country also has no public debt.
2. Luxembourg
- Population: 629,191
- GDP per capita: Int$ 121,293
Known for high-income levels and a low unemployment rate, Luxemburg is the richest country in the world. With its inflation rate at only 1.1%, its wealth is also extremely stable. According to the World Economic Forum, the major factor for Luxembourg's high GDP is the large number of people working in this tiny, landlocked nation, while residing in the neighbouring western European countries. The advanced infrastructure and high values for the labor market attract investment and duplicates of the big outside firms.
Having depended on the steel and iron industry for a long time until it stopped bringing profit in the 1970s, the nation adapted superbly. Today, as one of the most educated labor forces in the world, Luxembourg prospers from a mix of industries, predominantly and an import-export economy based on financial services. Small to medium-sized companies expanded, while a highly-skilled labor force with an ability to speak multiple languages is highly demanded by multinational corporations. There is also a small but prosperous agricultural sector in the country.
3. Singapore
- Population: 5,866,407
- GDP per capita: Int$ 101,376
Having no natural resources to build its economy on has not stopped the hard-working and inventive Singaporeans from turning their country into the second-richest in the world. Being a major world hub for global financial services firms drives the economy. The jobs in manufacturing, services, transport engineering, and logistics pay its citizens well, while electronics, biotechnology and chemicals are the main exports of the country.
By erecting high-end infrastructure and significantly expanding its tourism sector, Singapore attracts millions of tourists on a yearly basis. On top of that, the government procured a very investor-friendly economic environment of free trade, open market, and attractively-low tax rates, sought after by international firms and business travellers.
4. Qatar
- Population: 2,899,617
- GDP per capita: Int$ 96,491
With only a small fishing industry and almost no schools just fifty years ago, the once-sleeping peninsula off Saudi Arabia's eastern coast has turned into a major oil-exporting world center in the last two decades. Qatar first began massive exports of natural in 1997 to Japan and Spain, expanding to other countries in the early 2000s. Fifteen years and 14 natural gas plants later, its GDP has grown exponentially from $30 billion to well over $200 billion USD. Today, Qatar has the largest natural gas reserves in the world following Russia and Iran, at nearly 900 trillion cubic feet, earning 60% of its collective GDP.
Having discovered oil in 1939 and natural gas 30 years later, it began producing 46,500 barrels per day in 1951. Although some of the revenue was used to start modernizing the country, much of it was being accumulated by the Royal Family, with shares also going to Great Britain, its ruling country. After gaining independence in 1971, Khalifa bin Hamad deposed his father and increased spending on social programs, housing, health, education and pensions, cutting the Royal Family's allowances. The country also receives major returns on investments in foreign brands, banks, and even the Paris Saint-Germain soccer team and real estate in London.
5. Ireland - Int$ 88,241
- Population: 4,953,494
- GDP per capita: Int$ 88,241
Low corporate taxes continuously attract numerous multi-billion dollar companies to relocate and grow their business in Ireland, contributing to the GDP, and the high standard of living for the people. Although citizens receive high wages, the income per capita has been growing at a much slower rate than the collective GDP. Nevertheless, the country's stability and ongoing wealth gain from tourism, agriculture and manufacturing, is coveted by others.
The country’s main exports comprise metals and food products, including brewing, computers, their parts and software, and textiles. Ireland is also largely dependent on its tertiary industry, including call centers, legal services, accounting, customer service, stockbroking, and catering.
6. The Cayman Islands
- Population: 65,722
- GDP per capita: Int$ 72,481
The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, does not have an income tax, with citizens' full earnings contributing directly to the GDP. This economic stance is based on the government's belief that the people would not work, save or invest if they were to be heavily taxed or "otherwise abused" by the government. Earning high income, 100% of which they retain, gives the Islanders an incentive to give back to their country and see it prosper.
Nevertheless, the Cayman Islands' economy was not void of problems, facing an overcompensated government bureaucracy and having to find other ways to provide public services. To stave off imposing the income tax in 2017, they found the solution in taxing everything from tourism to import duties. Furthermore, known as the "offshore financial center," the Cayman Islands also charge heftily for their financial services. All other taxes mounted on top of products and services also contribute to the country's high GDP.
7. Switzerland
- Population: 8,675,923
- GDP per capita: Int$ 70,989
Considered one of the happiest and healthiest nations on Earth, Switzerland is home to German-, French- and Italian-speaking citizens, living peacefully and thriving together for over 800 years. Even with its high cost of living, expensive products and services, as well as the Swiss Frank’s extremely high value with a high conversion rate to other currencies, people stream to engage with this country though business or tourism. A stable economy with a fixed currency value, Switzerland is regarded highly by investors in search of a safe haven for highly profitable feats. Attractive tax rates bring in investment, while international companies seek to expand their business to Switzerland.
The Swiss are an innovative bunch, craftily turning natural resources into quality goods such as their highly-demanded chocolate, cheese, jewellery, home decor and furniture. Exports contribute the most to the GDP, with gems and precious metals bringing nearly $100 billion a year, followed by pharmaceuticals and machinery. The mountains, the charm of its cities and the luxurious lifestyle call out to millions of tourists every year, while the highly developed tourism sector does not frighten off with its high prices. With no capital gains tax, a low value-added tax on its products at 7.7%, and lower than average income taxes, the Swiss also enjoy investing in their own economy, preferring to buy local, paying for garbage disposal and their inexcusably expensive bottles of water.
8. United Arab Emirates
- Population: 9,926,221
- GDP per capita: Int$ 69,901
Back when it was known as the Trucial States, the pearl industry prevailed in this country from the 1770s until the late 1930s, when pearl-diving was a hobby turned into a major source of income for the people living in the small villages. Now, having been able to establish some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, Dubai along with the rest of the country has moved on to tourism, which keeps investing in itself through ongoing growth and popularity.
The discovery of oil in the late 1950s caused a clash between the citizens of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the latter getting the upper hand over the oil boundaries and becoming richer, while the former struggled. While Abu Dhabi thrived, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, did not lose hope in his state's potential, loaning tens of billions of dollars to invest in the state's infrastructure in 1958, completing its first airport by 1960.
9. Norway
- Population: 5,435,878
- GDP per capita: Int$ 66,832
Although the seventh-richest country on this list if we omit territories, Norway is known to have the highest standard of living on Earth, as well as rank top on the human development index with its advanced education systems, distinct social security system, and universal health care. Its raw oil and gas resources exports lead the economy, while abundant reserves guarantee future prosperity, including seafood, hydro-power, lumber, minerals, natural gas, and freshwater. Petroleum is another export that has been bringing Norway riches since the 1970s.
The government invests in free education for its citizens, while parents make sure that kids learn the importance of productivity from an early age in school. Keeping busy with work is a cultural staple in Norway, without which citizens do not find joy in life. The main occupancies include telecommunications and technologies. Featuring low unemployment and poverty rates at 3 and 0.5%, respectively, it is no wonder that Norway's standard of living is strived for by other nations. Although things cost a lot in Norway, Norwegians don't mind investing back into their economy, while having high purchasing power through high wages enables them to spend extravagantly abroad.
10. United States
- Population: 331,643,466
- GDP per capita: Int$ 65,281
With resource-rich land and the biggest economy in the world, the United States has a strong purchasing power. It supplies its own energy and is able to export its own oil and gas for profit, and the size of its economy and the high rate of real GDP growth go unmatched by any other country. As a relatively deregulated market economy with a decentralized political system, there are virtually no state-owned enterprises, while the legal system protects liability of investors. Although such stats attract talented people from around the world to take a shot at earning a fortune, it remains one of the top countries where wealth is not shared equally.
America has an entrepreneurial mindset that is encouraged from an early age and supported by university programs as well as research institutions. There is also a developed financial system in place, of equity finance and decentralized banking system that supports entrepreneurial activities. Nevertheless, public debt is currently $27,000 billion, which is also $3,000 billion higher than pre-COVID-19.
11. Brunei
- Population: 438,788
- GDP per capita: Int$ 64,673
Having gained independence from Britain in 1984, the small country of Brunei situated in South Asia, quickly grew to become one of the richest countries in the world. Its Sultan regulates everything from the military to the economy, imposing unique punishing rules but also providing free education and medical care for its citizens. Brunei has an over 97% literacy rate.
Brunei is known as the second happiest nation on the continent behind Singapore, which may be surprising, seeing as the wealth of the country is not equally distributed, with much of the population living in poverty. Nevertheless, while the US's public debt in 2018 was 106% of its GDP, it was only 2.4% in Brunei.
What has made Brunei so rich is its offshore oil drilling industry, bringing the economy riches from export. It is well known that there are people in Brunei who enjoy luxurious things in life, with more car ownership than in most countries in the world. Despite the strict rules on certain things like homosexuality and alcohol consumption, prostitution often goes "unnoticed,” and even the Sultan has had numerous scandal features written about him for being a "sex-obsessed monarch."
12. Hong Kong
- Population: 7,515,902
- GDP per capita: Int$ 62,375
As the financial center of Asia and the international business center for networking, trading and for accessing the huge mainland China market, the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong is a major world hub. International travelers also choose to invest their money in Hong Kong's highly developed tourism industry, before moving on to other cheaper places on their travels to Asia.
Similar to the US, many travel to Hong Kong to start a business, with it being relatively affordable to take risks, and no residency requirement. Known as the world's freest economy for the last two decades, Hong Kong also ranks among the least corrupt places in the world, where one can retain 100% of their rightfully owned business.
13. San Marino
- Population: 33,931
- GDP per capita: Int$ 60,750
The stable and prosperous economy of San Marino is partly owed to its resourceful citizens who were able to successfully adapt and utilize their available resources. Traditionally, San Marino was a country of farmers and stone-quarrellers, producing cheeses and agricultural products, along with unique trinkets made out of stone. Today its hard-working citizens contribute to the economy by producing ceramics, tiles, building materials, furniture, clothing, fabrics, paints, quality spirits and wines, for export. The export of fruit has also been a factor in the nation's recent economic growth.
Completely enclosed by Italy, San Marino still retains a close relationship with the country it was formerly a part of, including payments made by the Italian government for monopolies on tobacco and other commodities on this South European microstate. San Marino's bank system is also closely integrated in the EU's through the Italian economy: its monetary and customs systems. While the cost of living in San Marino is comparable to Italy, the even distribution of wealth in this socialist society has led to one of the lowest poverty rates in the world. Lastly, with its low local population count and close to 3.5 million travellers a year, more than half of the country's GDP owes to tourism.
14. Iceland
- Population: 341,957
- GDP per capita: Int$ 60,061
In this capitalist country with free trade and an open market, 5% of the richest people own half of all the wealth in the country, earning 22.2% of the total income. Nevertheless, Iceland is rated as the 11th least corruptive country in the world. Poverty is virtually non-existent through extensive welfare programs, and Icelanders are considered to be one of the happiest people in the world. The country has also earned much recognition for its green start-ups, which are in high demand and bring investment from international firms.
The pillars of Iceland's economy include manufacturing and service industries, especially tourism, software production, and biotechnology. Having quickly noticed the interest from international travellers prior to the economic collapse of 2009, when the country's GDP fell by 6.8% and unemployment rose to 9.4%, Iceland decided to take a chance investment into its tourism industry.
Its former economic drivers, fishing and aluminum smelting, were put on the backburner. Iceland also began expending in the international business sector to accumulate investment from business travellers. Considered the most expensive country in the world, this does not stop a steady flow of travellers year-round. Furthermore, tourism increased by 400% from 2010 to 2017, with 4.5 times as many tourists as citizens at any given point. Its focus and drive to continuously expand tourism are evident in its being the first country to open its border after COVID-19 world-wide shutdown.
15. Denmark
- Population: 5,799,104
- GDP per capita: Int$ 59,830
Denmark is a country with developed social services that raises industrious people who love life and working hard for their country's continuous prosperity. The pillars of the economy in Denmark are tourism and other services, manufacturing, trade, and small domestic enterprises.
Efficiency and quality are highly valued in Denmark, where everything runs like a well-oiled machine. A combination of an open market with free trade takes care of the economic well-being of the country, while the developed social programs for citizens ensure that their standard of living and the level of happiness is as high as their incomes. Danes also love to invest back into their economy, while the growing tourism industry has been bringing lump income for the country’s GDP, for decades. Danes tend to enjoy the simple things in life, such as nature walks and domestic tourism, as much as they enjoy spending money spontaneously on a night out and travelling.
The Inference
It is clear that these countries succeeded by being resourceful and adaptable, with strong leadership and determined people. Uniting these nations further is their reported levels of happiness, health and standard of living, all being among the highest in the world. If ranked by GDP or GNI (Gross National Income), the rankings would be different, and will not match the projected GDP expectations for 2020 due to COVID-19.
