Top 10 richest countries. Hong Kong is the largest financial and trading center in Asia. Norway is the richest northern country in Europe

It is estimated that there are now more than 1,800 billionaires in the world, living in 67 various countries. Most of them live in the USA, China and Japan, but only one of these countries is in the list of the richest countries in the world and only in tenth position. An interesting site presents the following ranking of the 10 richest countries in the world for 2016-2017.

The measure of economic growth applied to the following ranking of GDP per capita is based on PPP, i.e. parity purchasing power. However, no matter how complicated it may sound, this way of comparing income in different countries is considered the most accurate.

1. Qatar – 129,511 USD

The ranking opens with the state of the Arabian Peninsula, where two other countries included in this ranking are located. The majority of Qatar's income comes from natural gas and oil production. Qatar is one of the three countries, besides Russia and Iran, with the largest reserves of natural gas, and at the same time the largest exporter of this raw material in liquid form. Qatar is a very important global banking center; in addition, the country has well-developed road and air transport.

Thanks to its wealth and level of development, Qatar is the only Arab country to date that will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. FIFA's decision to allow Qatar to organize this event is associated with several scandals - Qatar was accused of a multimillion-dollar bribe and condemned the use of migrants from Asian and African countries working on the construction of new stadiums.

2. Luxembourg – 100,991 USD

The GDP of this small principality, ruled by Grand Duke Henry of the Bourbon dynasty since 2000, is nine times higher than the global average GDP. The city's economy is dominated by financial sector. This state is called a tax paradise. Luxembourg is one of the main financial centers in the world, with offices of more than 150 banks. Metallurgy is very developed in Luxembourg; many tons of metal are produced there per capita. Receipts from tourists are of great importance for the country's economy - Luxembourg is an important center business meetings, enjoys ever-increasing popularity among so-called weekend tourists.

3. Singapore – 86,853 USD

Singapore is called the Lion City; it is the second most developed country in Asia after Japan. Home to more than 170 banks and 80 insurance companies, Singapore is the world's fourth most important financial center after London, New York and Tokyo. Low taxes in Singapore attract foreign entrepreneurs. Also works in the Lion City state organization to support industrial development and high technology, and the most developed electronics industry. Singapore is a duty-free trading center and the world's largest rubber exchange.

4. Brunei – 77,661 USD

It is the smallest country in the ranking of the 10 richest countries in the world. This small Asian monarchy has a population of less than half a million inhabitants. Up to 90% of Brunei's GDP comes from oil and natural gas production. The authorities of this state are successfully implementing plans to modernize the economy in areas not related to natural resources– the banking and tourism sectors are strengthening, unemployment is steadily decreasing, and investments are being made in the development of state-owned airlines. Brunei is a popular transit point for flights between Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

5. Kuwait – 70,586 USD

This is the second state of the Arabian Peninsula after Qatar on this list. Kuwait's economy is based mainly on oil production, and income from its sale accounts for up to half of the total Country's GDP, and at the same time 90% of revenues come from state-owned companies. Up to 10% of the world's oil reserves are located in Kuwait. The very good budgetary situation of the state has led to the fact that last years Kuwait is investing little in diversifying its economy. The country's currency, the Kuwaiti dinar, is the most stable currency in the world.

6. Norway – 69,031 USD

Norway is the second least populated country in Europe after Iceland and the second European country after Luxembourg with the highest GDP per person. Almost half budget revenues government revenue comes from taxes, closely followed by revenue from state-owned mining companies. Norway's most important mineral resource is oil. Ore, zinc, iron and lead are also exported on a large scale. Very important sectors of the Norwegian economy are fishing, forestry and the electrochemical industry.

7. United Arab Emirates – 67,946 USD

It is in the UAE that Dubai is located, perhaps the most fashionable city in the world, which, with its luxurious hotels and apartments full of splendor, attracts millionaires and show business stars from all over the world. Comparing the characteristics of the economies of other states of the Arabian Peninsula with the economy of the UAE, it is not difficult to guess why the UAE is one of the richest countries in the world. Oil refining is the main branch of the Emirates' economy. However, according to research, black gold deposits will run out in 10 years.


In this regard, the United United Arab Emirates more and more are investing in the development of tourism and banking, which in the future should become the main source of state income. The UAE has the largest container port in the world, which, combined with the absence of taxes and duties, has a positive effect on the dynamic development of trade. The country is experiencing an investment boom - many new highways, skyscrapers and hotels are being built, and for work, cheap labor is most often used, mainly from India and the Philippines.

8. San Marino – 64,464 USD

This small republic boasts the lowest unemployment rate in Europe. Not in San Marino government debt, and the budget of one of the smallest countries in the world annually registers a surplus. The main sectors of the local economy are the banking and electronic sectors. Natural conditions favor the cultivation of grapes and the breeding of pigs, so wine and cheese are the main export products of the Republic of San Marino.


An important source of state income is the tourism industry, which is developing thanks to the natural beneficial and healing properties of the climate and numerous ancient monuments. Every year, the historical center of San Marino, listed by UNESCO, is visited by about 2 million tourists from all over the world.

9. Switzerland – 59,150 USD

In the penultimate position of the ranking of the 10 richest countries in the world, there is a small European federation that did not want to become a member or participant of the European Union or the European Economic Zone, but despite this, it is considered one of the main financial centers of the world. For many years, the whole world has been confident in Swiss banks. Currently, more than half of deposits in local banks come from foreign clients.


There are more than 630 banks in Switzerland, of which five are the largest in the world. Moreover, numerous international Insurance companies and six exchanges valuable papers. The most developed industries in Switzerland are electromechanical, chemical and food. The traditional watchmaking and jewelry industries are of great importance for the country.

10. United States of America – 57,220 USD

The USA is the largest country by population in this review, has the largest economy in the world and the most high rate national product gross (though in terms of GDP per capita, it occupies only tenth position). There is a very large dispersion in income between individual states - GDP per capita in one state can be twice as large as in another. The US is the world's largest food producer and has rich mineral resources, including gold, oil and natural gas.


After Japan, it is the world's second largest automobile manufacturer and the largest manufacturer of military aircraft, passenger airliners and missiles. The United States is the world's tycoon in the electronics industry and computer technology, a leader in the use of new technologies in industry.

10 richest countries in the world

Rich countries have always attracted and attracted people, where they can realize themselves and live like in heaven on earth. This is where the highest standard of living, excellent environmental conditions, and medical care are at the highest level. But only a few million lucky people can boast citizenship of the richest countries in the world. Meet the ten richest countries in the world.

10. Kuwait

This Arab country has an average GDP of about $43,700 per inhabitant, making them one of the richest people in the Middle East. Like most countries included in this rating, Kuwait's main wealth is oil, the proceeds from the sale of which make up the majority of the country's exports. Only 2.8 million people live here.

9. Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the few European countries included in the list of the richest countries in the world. It has an incredibly stable economy that is growing year after year. Switzerland's main sources of income are banks, tourism, agriculture and watches. It is here, in peace and quiet, the mighty of the world This is why they prefer to keep their millions. Each citizen of this small mountainous country accounts for $44,000 in income annually.

8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Another Middle Eastern monster made it into our ranking, with GDP per capita of $48,400 annually. The country consists of seven independent emirates, headed by their own royal families. The country's main source of income is oil, gas and dried fish. The UAE government looks far into the future and invests the fabulous money received from the sale of oil in various sectors of the economy.

7. USA

As paradoxical as it sounds, seventh place on our list is occupied by the United States with $49,600 per capita. Despite the crisis and constant natural disasters, the country manages to make money from the export of weapons, technology and services.

6. Brunei

One of the richest countries in Southeast Asia has a GDP per capita of $50,400. Brunei's main source of income is the sale of oil and gas, export revenues of which account for up to 90% of all budget revenues. Home to only half a million people, Brunei is considered one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.

5. Hong Kong

The tiny country in southern China has the fifth-highest per capita income in the world, with $50,700 in income per capita. This multinational country with very low taxes has become home to many millionaires from Southeast Asia. Hong Kong makes money from cargo transit and banks.

4. Norway

Blonde sheikhs are exactly what you can call this country of 5 million people with an income of $54,400 per inhabitant. This main income northern country receives oil and gas from exports, most of which it spends on various social programs.

3. Singapore

On average, each resident of the tiny Asian country spread across 62 islands generates $61,000 in GDP. Singapore receives its main income from servicing the transit of goods from China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea to Europe, Australia and Africa and the banking sector.

2. Luxembourg

The richest European country is the tiny town of Luxembourg, with $79,650 in per capita income. A tax haven has been created here, where many European billionaires strive to get to, trying to escape the draconian taxes of their countries. Luxembourg also makes good money from telecommunications companies and the steel industry.

1. Qatar

The richest country in the world is Qatar, where each resident generates $106,300 in annual income. This small state, which is located on the peninsula of the same name in the Persian Gulf, mainly makes money from oil, the income from the sale of which accounts for up to 85% of the country's budget. Tourism and banking are also very developed here.

1 Qatar – 103.4 thousand dollars. USA

Qatar is superior to many other countries due to its small size and presence in the country, it is the richest country in the world. Due to the fact that 13% of the world's natural gas reserves are located in Qatar, financial difficulties are unlikely to threaten this country in the next hundred years. By the way, taxes in this country are quite low.

2 Luxembourg – 77.9 thousand dollars. USA

Low inflation rates, high level of innovation, developed banking sector, creating a favorable climate for investment - factors that contribute to the moderate stable growth of the economy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The industrial growth of this small country began with steel production, but later other industries such as chemicals and rubber were included. However, compared to 2008, GDP per capita as of October 2013 decreased by 3%.

3 Singapore – 62.4 thousand dollars. USA

This small Southeast Asian country ranks 14th in the world in terms of exports and 15th in terms of the quantity of imported goods. Singapore awarded AAA credit rating according to the largest and most popular rating agencies. The legalization of gambling attracts millions of tourists to the country every year, which also contributes to the flourishing of Singapore's economy.

4 Norway – 55.4 thousand dollars. USA

Norway is known for the highest standard of living. The economy develops due to the import of oil and gas, which contributes to the efficient and stable financial prosperity of the country. Norway has one of the most low level unemployment and free medical care.

The only sovereign state on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The development of vast oil and gas fields has provided this country with the economic growth. In 2011, the IMF named Brunei one of only two countries (the other being Libya) with public debt equal to 0% of national GDP.

6 USA -52.8 thousand dollars. USA

The status of a “world power” allows the United States to use various economic levers of influence on other countries. American products are widely known in various parts of the world. In 2013, it ranked first in the world in terms of GDP, which has increased by 13.6% since 2008.

7 Hong Kong – 52.7 thousand dollars. USA

Administrative region of the People's Republic of China with an area of ​​1070 square meters. km - one of the most developed financial centers in Asia and the world is one of the deepest natural cargo ports. An important part of income is tourism.

8 Switzerland - 45.9 thousand dollars. USA

Example developed economy thanks to the policy of protectionism, this is Switzerland. High income The Swiss economy benefits from state-subsidized agriculture and the banking sector.

9 Canada – 43.1 thousand dollars. USA

It has a high human development rating, which means that children born in Canada are confident in the security of their prosperous future. This suggests that the economic and political strategies of the authorities are focused on the effectiveness of the quality of life of the population.

10 Australia – 43.0 thousand dollars. USA

Australia is the 12th country in the world in the ranking of exporters. Among developed countries is the only country that did not experience problems during financial crisis 2008-2009
So, in 2013, the richest state in the world is Qatar with a GDP per capita of about 104 thousand US dollars, while, for example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this figure is less than 400 dollars and it is the most poor country peace.

As you can see, Canada is included in the list of the richest and largest countries in the world, and the USA is also included there. At the same time, Russia produces as much oil (505 million tons) as the United States (294 million tons), Canada (173.4 million tons) and Kazakhstan (70 million tons) produce combined ( 2010), but was not included in the list of the richest countries.

The concept of wealth is relative; most often this means the ability to spend money not only on satisfying minimal natural needs, but also on something “sweet.” That is, there must be some surplus of subsistence. When compiling this list, we took into account GDP per capita (in brackets next to each TOP item) and parity purchasing power- these parameters usually most objectively reflect the level of economic development of the country and the growth of its economy. But the peculiarity of the African economy is that a high level of GDP here does not necessarily mean that the level of well-being of the population is also high. Therefore, the richest countries in Africa are just numbers, and the largest part of the country's wealth is in the hands of their leaders.

10. Namibia ($11,290)

Namibia, located in the south of the continent, closes the top ten richest African countries. The basis of its GDP is the mining and sale of diamonds and uranium. Namibia is an exception to the African rule in the sense that its leading sector of the economy has not become agriculture, whose share in GDP is only 6.2%, and 16.3% of the population is employed in this area. There is not enough agricultural land in the country; only 1% of the territory is suitable for cultivation. But industry here accounts for 30% of GDP, and 22.4% of workers work at local enterprises.
Namibia is a very large supplier of diamonds to the world market; their mining is carried out by the Namdeb company, the second part of whose name indicates the control of the undisputed ruler of the diamond market - the South African De Beers. Gold, tin, zinc, uranium, cadmium and tungsten are also mined here. Therefore, metallurgy has become an important segment of industry. But even with such wealth in the country, unemployment here is at the level of 30-40%, and workers’ salaries are low. The average monthly income of $150 is distributed extremely unevenly.

9. Tunisia ($11,634)

Tunisia - a Mediterranean country from North Africa - specializes in agriculture, oil production and tourism development. After several decades of economic stagnation, reform of the country's economy finally began, starting in 1969 and accompanied by a steady, albeit moderate growth. As part of these reforms, privatization was carried out state enterprises, liberalization of financial turnover and trading system. Cooperatives that failed to prove their worth were liquidated, but private entrepreneurship and land ownership were encouraged. Now this agricultural country with a gradually developing industry, it has reached 36th position in the world.
Tunisia does not produce and export much oil, but this brings the country additional currency, as does the sale of semi-finished products from the processing of phosphate rocks, olive oil and traditional Tunisian dates. Tourism has become an important article government revenues, because many are attracted here by the famous ruins of Carthage. Tunisia is perhaps the most prosperous country in the Maghreb, and its respectability is very close to that of Europe.

8. Egypt ($12,554)

The most important source of income for Egypt remains not agriculture or tourism, as many might assume, but the collection of duties from foreign ships passing through the Suez Canal. They alone add over a billion dollars to the state treasury every year. Only then come oil production and tourism. And agriculture ceased to be the main source of income after the 1952 revolution. Land suitable for cultivation is almost without exception found in the Nile Delta, where it is divided into small peasant plots. Therefore, the share of agriculture decreased to 15.4% in the country's exports.
As part of the World Food Program under the auspices of the UN, it has been established that 31% of local children aged six months to 5 years are simply malnourished, and this figure in Egypt is one of the worst in the world. The government of the country prefers to develop cities rather than countryside, the problems of which are little studied, costs are being reduced. The country is rife with ridiculous subsidies, private sector monopoly, black markets and corruption. In Egypt, the unemployment rate is high at 19%.

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7. South African Republic ($13,225)

South Africa remains the only country in Africa that is considered developed. And it owes this to the whites, who ruled it longer than in other African countries. They were able to develop here the extraction of oil, diamonds, platinum, gold, as well as the production of equipment, cars, and chemical products. Until now, the Boers - descendants of settlers from Holland - have a powerful influence on the country's economy. Agriculture, for example, winemaking, is also well developed in South Africa. Despite the fairly high standard of living in South Africa, there is still a significant gap between the poor and the rich, as is the case almost everywhere in the world.

6. Algeria ($15,026)

Algeria is the fifth country in the world in terms of natural gas reserves, and in terms of its exports it is second only to Russia. The country's largest oil and gas company, Sonatrak, provides up to 30% of the country's GDP, and is owned by the state. After Algeria gained independence from France in 1964, its economy began to actively develop and occupy an increasingly prominent place in the development of the rest of Africa. It is the continent's largest producer of liquefied natural gas, selling 8% of the fuel globally, and ranks 14th in the world in terms of oil reserves.
At the end of the last century, approximately a quarter of the Algerian population was employed in the agricultural sector, which contributed almost 12% to the country's budget. But even now there is quite strong unemployment in Algeria, since the country’s working-age population basically does not have vocational education. Therefore, against the backdrop of unemployment, many enterprises are in need of professional personnel. In search of work, men migrate not only to cities, but also to Europe, which is nearby.

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5. Botswana ($17,042)

This country is located in southern Africa and cannot boast of a climate - the Kalahari Desert, which occupies 70% of Botswana's territory, dictates its harsh rules here. The economy is supported by a variety of minerals: gold, platinum, diamonds, sulfur, asbestos, coal, bromine, talc, chromium, uranium and silver. The main wealth is diamonds.
Industry accounts for almost 33% of GDP. Naturally, the leading industry is the mining industry, which brings in 45% of foreign currency earnings. In terms of the value of mined diamonds, Botswana holds first place in the world. Agriculture brings in only 1.8% of GDP, although it employs 16% of the population working age. On the other hand, the country ranks second in the world in terms of HIV prevalence, which is a direct threat economic development Botswana.

4. Gabon ($19,056)

This Central African country is located in the equatorial rain forest zone on the Atlantic coast. Over 80% of its residents are city dwellers. The country produces gas, oil, uranium and manganese. Gabon was formerly a French colony that achieved independence in 1960. In memory of the colonial past, the country received official language- French.
The combination of huge reserves of excellent timber and minerals, on the one hand, and a small population, on the other hand, has placed Gabon among the most prosperous African countries. But even here wealth is unevenly distributed - life in a large modern city, such as the capital Libreville, is not at all the same as in small villages lost in the jungle, where it is the same as it was centuries ago.

3. Mauritius ($20,422)

The island of Mauritius is located east of Madagascar. Its economy is quite diverse: in addition to tourism, sugar production is developed here - almost 90% of arable land is devoted to sugar cane, and there is also a textile industry.
In recent years, Mauritius has become an offshore region and began to develop banking, fishing and fish processing. There are already over 32 thousand offshore companies operating here. 9% of the population works in agriculture, 30% in industry, but most of all in the service sector - 61%. The sale of sugar brings a quarter of all funds into the state treasury, although a severe drought in 1999 virtually deprived the country of this crop.
The Mauritian government's policy is aimed at attracting foreign investment, and its amount has already reached one billion dollars. Approximately 9,000 are already accredited here foreign companies, of which many have commercial activities in South Africa and India. The country's economy is gradually growing, and so is employment. There are only 2% of unemployed people and 10.6% of residents below the poverty line.

2. Republic of Seychelles ($27,602)

This archipelago state is located northeast of Madagascar and 1,600 kilometers from the coast of Africa. The country lives off tourism, which is facilitated by a stable warm climate, magnificent nature, beautiful developed infrastructure, safety, high human development index. Similar positive effect the program helped the country achieve economic reforms, which the government launched after the 2008 financial crisis, as well as investment in tourism and economic diversification.
In addition, exploration of oil and gas fields is actively continuing in the waters of the islands, and if successful, internal revenue Seychelles may increase even more significantly.

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1. Equatorial Guinea ($38,639)

This country is located near the equator on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea of ​​the Atlantic Ocean. The country's budget is supported by the export of oil, which has been explored here. large reserves. Export is promoted and profitable geographical position a country with access to the ocean, from where tankers transport oil to Europe and America. Therefore, Equatorial Guinea has a very high specific GDP indicator, the IMF ranked this country 24th in the world. According to this indicator, this country has surpassed not only Russia, Spain, Israel, but even Great Britain, France and Italy.
Here average salary grew to a thousand dollars, which led to a crowd of “guest workers” from other African states pouring into Equatorial Guinea. The oil miracle of this country began in the 90s of the last century.
A high GDP is, of course, wonderful, however, life for the country’s residents is not so sweet, because income from oil production is distributed extremely unevenly. Therefore, there are a handful of rich people swimming in luxury and almost half of the country’s population remaining below the poverty line.