20 Richest Countries in the World in 2025

How is wealth measured in countries?

There isn’t a single definition of the richest country in the world. Different economic indicators highlight different aspects of wealth, and international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank rely on several key measures when comparing national economies.

According to the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Intelligence Unit, national wealth, GDP, and the Human Development Index (HDI) are three critical factors that determine the strength and attractiveness of a country’s citizenship and residence options. These elements also help strengthen a passport’s power, linking economic prosperity to mobility and opportunity.

Nominal GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders. When calculated at current market prices, it is referred to as nominal GDP. This figure is the most widely cited metric for comparing the size of national economies.

For example, the United States consistently leads the world in nominal GDP, making it the richest country in terms of total output. However, large population size can dilute this measure when considering wealth per individual.

GDP per capita

To get a sense of the average prosperity of citizens, economists divide total GDP by the country’s population, producing GDP per capita. This metric reveals how much economic output is generated per person and is often used as a proxy for living standards.

Smaller countries such as Luxembourg, Ireland, and Singapore frequently rank at the top here, reflecting high productivity and wealth despite their limited population size.

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) adjusts GDP to account for differences in the cost of living between countries. By comparing what a “basket of goods” costs across country borders, PPP provides a clearer picture of relative economic strength and living standards.

On this measure, China often surpasses the U.S., since its goods and services are cheaper relative to income levels. PPP is particularly useful when comparing developing economies with advanced ones.

National net wealth

Another way to evaluate prosperity is by looking at national net wealth. This is the total value of a country’s assets (such as real estate, stocks, and natural resources) minus its liabilities (like debt). This measure captures long-term economic strength, investment potential, and financial resilience.

For example, the U.S. and China dominate global wealth in absolute terms, while countries like Qatar and Norway benefit from sovereign wealth funds built from natural resource revenues.

The Top 20 Richest Countries in the World in 2025

When ranking the richest countries in the world, results vary depending on whether we use GDP (total output), GDP per capita, PPP, or national wealth.

To give a complete overview, the table below combines the most recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Economic Outlook 2025 and World Bank data, highlighting the top 20 economies across key indicators.

Richest Countries by GDP (Total Output)

When measured by nominal GDP, the United States remains the richest country in the world, generating over $27 trillion in economic output in 2025.

Its strength lies in a highly diversified economy, spanning finance, technology, manufacturing, and services. Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and a robust consumer market continue to drive growth and innovation.

China ranks second with a nominal GDP of around $18.6 trillion, fueled by its vast manufacturing sector, export strength, and expanding services industry.

Despite slower growth compared to previous decades, China’s scale keeps it central to the global economy.

Japan and Germany follow, both with GDPs near $4.6 to $4.7 trillion. Japan remains a leader in electronics, automobiles, and advanced manufacturing, while Germany anchors Europe with its skilled workforce, industrial exports, and political stability.

India rounds out the top five, with its booming services sector, IT exports, and growing consumer base pushing GDP past $4 trillion.

These rankings emphasize the influence of large populations, advanced infrastructure, and strong industries in determining overall economic size.

Richest Countries by GDP per Capita

Measuring wealth per person gives a very different perspective. In 2025, Luxembourg tops the list with GDP per capita exceeding $130,000, thanks to its thriving banking sector, foreign investment, and small population.

Ireland follows closely, driven by its role as a European hub for multinational corporations in technology and pharmaceuticals. Singapore also ranks near the top, reflecting its position as a global financial and trade center with advanced infrastructure.

Resource-rich nations such as Qatar and United Arab Emirates continue to perform strongly, supported by oil and gas exports and investments into sovereign wealth funds. Meanwhile, Switzerland and Norway consistently rank high, combining natural resources with stability, innovation, and high living standards.

This measure highlights that some small nations outperform global giants, showing that standard of living and wealth distribution are just as important as total GDP.

Richest Countries by GDP (PPP)

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) adjusts GDP to account for the relative cost of living, and here China ranks first, with a PPP-adjusted GDP of more than $35 trillion in 2025. This reflects China’s vast domestic market and lower price levels compared to advanced economies.

The United States comes second, followed by India, whose rapid growth pushes its PPP GDP past $17 trillion. Japan and Russia round out the top five, with significant industrial and energy sectors underpinning their positions.

Measuring GDP in PPP terms provides a clearer picture of economic strength in emerging markets, where lower living costs give countries greater purchasing power relative to their nominal GDP.

Richest Countries by Total National Wealth

Beyond GDP, national wealth evaluates the value of assets, including real estate, financial markets, natural resources, and sovereign wealth funds, minus liabilities.

The United States leads by a wide margin, with unparalleled assets in housing, corporate equity, and technological innovation. China follows closely, reflecting both its vast domestic market and state-owned assets. Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom round out the top five.

Resource-rich states like Norway and Qatar also stand out due to their sovereign wealth funds, which reinvest profits from natural resources into long-term assets. According to the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Intelligence Unit, national wealth, GDP, and human development indicators are not only signs of prosperity but also influence a country’s citizenship and residence appeal, as well as the global strength of its passport.

This measure underscores how long-term assets and stability contribute to being recognized among the richest nations in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Richest Countries in the World

What are the richest countries in the world in 2025?

The United States is the richest country by total GDP, while Luxembourg leads in GDP per capita.

China ranks first by purchasing power parity (PPP), reflecting its lower cost of living and vast output.

Which country is the richest in the world by GDP?

In 2025, the United States is the wealthiest by nominal GDP, producing the highest overall economic output according to statistics from IMF and World Bank.

Which is the richest country in the world by GDP per capita?

Luxembourg tops GDP per capita rankings thanks to its financial services, strong investment inflows, and small population.

What country has the highest GDP in the world?

With a nominal GDP exceeding $27 trillion in 2025, the United States has the largest economy, followed by China, Japan, and Germany.

Which countries are the richest in the world by purchasing power parity (PPP)?

When adjusted for PPP, China, the United States, India, Japan, and Russia are the world’s top economies.

What are the richest countries in the world by total national wealth?

The United States, China, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom hold the highest total national wealth, reflecting assets such as real estate, stocks, and sovereign wealth funds.

Why is Luxembourg often ranked as the richest country per capita?

Luxembourg combines a small population with a powerful banking sector, high levels of foreign investment, and a strong services economy, leading to exceptional GDP per capita.

Is China richer than the USA?

China has surpassed the U.S. in GDP measured by PPP, but the U.S. still leads in nominal GDP and total national wealth, making it wealthier overall.

Which countries have the fastest-growing wealth in 2025?

Ireland, Singapore, and the UAE are among the fastest-growing, driven by technology, finance, and economic diversification strategies.

Are oil-rich nations among the richest countries in the world?

Yes, countries with lots of oil resources like Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait rank among the richest by GDP per capita, supported by energy exports and sovereign wealth funds.

How is the richest country in the world measured?

It depends on the metric used:

• Nominal GDP for economic size
• GDP per capita for average prosperity
• PPP for purchasing power
• National wealth for total assets.

Do high-income countries always rank as the richest countries?

Not necessarily. Nations like India have high GDP totals but rank lower in GDP per capita due to large populations, showing that economic output doesn’t always translate to individual wealth.