Richest Countries in the World: Quick Facts
| Quick Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Largest economy by total GDP | United States |
| Richest country by GDP per capita | Liechtenstein |
| Richest country by GDP (PPP) per capita | Liechtenstein |
| Country with the most millionaires | United States |
| Richest by national net wealth | Switzerland |
How is wealth measured in countries?
There is no single way to measure how “rich” a country is. Some rankings measure the size of a country’s economy, while others focus on how wealthy people are on average. That is why countries can rank very differently depending on the metric used.
Below are the main economic criteria used to measure the world’s richest countries.
Total GDP
GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product. Total GDP measures the overall size of a country’s economy. It reflects the total value of goods and services produced within a country in a year.
Large economies such as the United States and China rank highly in total GDP because of their large populations and production capacity.
GDP per Capita
GDP per capita measures a country’s economic output divided by its population. It is one of the most commonly used ways to compare wealth between countries.
Countries with high GDP per capita generally have strong economies and high average income levels.
However, GDP per capita is limited because it is an average that does not show how income or wealth is distributed across the population.
It also does not account for differences in living costs and income inequality, so a high figure does not necessarily mean that most people enjoy a high standard of living.
GDP (PPP) per Capita
GDP per capita based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) adjusts for differences in living costs and local prices between countries.
This metric helps compare what people can actually afford with their income in different parts of the world.
Average Wealth per Adult
Average wealth per adult measures a country’s total net wealth divided by its adult population. It includes financial assets, property, and other assets, while excluding outstanding debts.
This metric estimates the average wealth held by each adult and helps compare accumulated personal wealth across countries.
20 Richest Countries in the World by GDP per Capita in 2026
01/ Liechtenstein
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $230,420
Approximate population: 40,000, according to the 2026 IMF Liechtenstein datamapper
With a GDP per capita of $230,420, Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world in 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) October 2026 World Economic Outlook. The figure marks an increase from $217,928 in 2025.
Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is one of the world’s smallest countries, with a population of around 40,000 people and a total area of just 160 square kilometers, roughly the size of Washington, D.C.
Despite its size, Liechtenstein has built one of the world’s highest-income economies through a combination of financial services, advanced manufacturing, and low taxation.
The country is known for its competitive tax system, with a flat corporate tax rate of 12.5 percent and low personal income taxes.
Manufacturing also plays a major role in the economy. Liechtenstein invests heavily in research and development, with spending equivalent to 6.2 percent of GDP, supporting industries such as precision instruments, machine engineering, plant construction, and dental technology, according to the IMF.
The country also has strong public finances, with near-zero public debt and large fiscal reserves.
02/ Luxembourg
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $155,730
Approximate population: 700,000, according to the 2026 IMF Luxembourg datamapper
Luxembourg has a GDP per capita of $155,730 in 2026, making it one of the richest countries in the world according to International Monetary Fund data.
Despite covering just 2,586 square kilometers and having a population of around 700,000 people, Luxembourg has built one of Europe’s strongest economies through financial services, investment funds, and international business. The country is the world’s second-largest investment fund center after the United States, managing trillions of dollars in assets.
Located between Belgium, Germany, and France, Luxembourg also benefits from its position at the center of Europe and from a highly educated multilingual workforce.
Luxembourg continues to attract banks, international companies, and foreign investors through its stable economy, strong financial sector, and business-friendly tax policies. In recent years, the country has also introduced measures to support fintech companies and lower corporate taxes to stay competitive.
Residents of Luxembourg also benefit from one of the highest purchasing power levels in Europe. According to 2025 European Union data, Luxembourg’s GDP per capita sits 139% above the EU average.
03/ Ireland
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $127,840
Approximate population: 5.55 million, according to the 2026 IMF Ireland datamapper
Ireland is one of the richest countries in the world in 2026. According to 2026 data from the IMF, the country has a GDP per capita of $127,840.
However, the Irish economy is fueled by multinationals like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Pfizer that book intellectual property, profits, and other economic activities in the country. As a result, GDP figures in Ireland can be higher than those of countries with similar population sizes.
In 2025, Ireland’s goods exports reached a record €260.3 billion, based on the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Ireland also stands out as one of the best countries for Americans to move to. It has a strong labor market, especially for AI, healthcare, and engineering professionals, and an English-speaking environment that makes integration easier.
Ireland also ranked second in the 2025 Global Peace Index and tenth in the Global Intelligence Unit’s Quality of Life Index, performing very highly in indicators such as sustainable development and overall happiness.
However, living costs remain high, especially in Dublin, where rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can reach €2,500 per month.
04/ Switzerland
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $124,480
Approximate population: 9.12 million, according to the 2026 IMF Switzerland datamapper
Switzerland has a GDP per capita of $124,480, ranking among the wealthiest countries in the world in 2026.
The country’s wealth comes mostly from high-value industries such as banking, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, and wealth management, as well as a highly skilled workforce and strong political stability.
Switzerland is also one of the world’s most important financial centers, managing more cross-border private wealth than any other country.
According to the Global Atlas of Risk and Readiness Report 2026 by our Global Intelligence Unit (GIU), Switzerland ranks as the world’s most prepared economy for long-term stability thanks to its strong institutions, advanced financial sector, innovation capacity, and low exposure to geopolitical and fiscal risk.
Switzerland is particularly appealing to investors and high-net-worth individuals. One of the country’s best-known residency options is the Swiss Residence Permit by Lump Sum Taxation, which allows foreigners to pay taxes based on annual living expenses rather than worldwide income while obtaining a Swiss residence permit.
05/ Norway
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $115,190
Approximate population: 5.66 million, according to the 2026 IMF Norway datamapper
Norway is a modern and highly developed country, with a GDP per capita of $115,190 in 2026. Much of the country’s wealth comes from offshore oil and gas production, which transformed Norway’s economy after major discoveries in the 1960s.
In 2026, Norway also has a diversified economy spanning renewable energy, seafood, shipping, finance, technology, forestry, and biotechnology. The country is home to the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, created from oil revenues and now worth trillions of dollars.
Norway is also known for its high standard of living, strong healthcare and education systems, and extensive social welfare programs. The country consistently ranks among the world’s top nations in the United Nations Human Development Index. However, Norway also faces challenges including high living costs, elevated taxes, labor shortages, and rising household debt.
06/ Singapore
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $109,120
Approximate population: 6.12 million, according to the 2026 IMF Singapore datamapper
Singapore is one of the richest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of $109,120 in 2026.
Located in Southeast Asia, this island city-state is a major global center for finance, technology, trade, and logistics, helped by low taxes, political stability, and regulations that attract international companies.
Singapore also ranks third in our Global Atlas of Risk and Readiness Report 2026, reflecting its strong institutional stability, technological capability, and low-risk business environment.
The country also placed seventh in our Global Intelligence Unit’s “World’s Most Livable Cities for Expats” ranking, with high scores for safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and expat integration.
Today, Singapore continues to attract multinational companies, investors, and high-net-worth individuals. The country has a Golden Visa called the Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP), which grants permanent residency to eligible foreigners investing in businesses, approved funds, or single-family offices.
07/ Iceland
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $107,460
Approximate population: 400,000, according to the 2026 IMF Iceland datamapper
Iceland has a GDP per capita of $107,460 in 2026, based on the IMF data, up 8.5% from $99,071 in 2025.
Despite its small population of around 400,000 people, Iceland has one of the world’s highest-income economies through tourism, fishing, renewable energy, and aluminum production.
The International Trade Administration notes that tourism has become one of Iceland’s main economic sectors over the last decade, creating investment opportunities in luxury hotels, resorts, and hospitality projects. The country has also expanded into industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, green energy, and creative industries.
Iceland combines a high standard of living with low unemployment, which stood at 3.9 percent in 2025. The Icelandic government also actively promotes foreign investment through Business Iceland, focusing on sectors such as tourism, innovation, fisheries, food production, and sustainable energy solutions.
08/ United States
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $95,210
Approximate population: 342.84 million, according to the 2026 IMF United States datamapper
The United States has the world’s largest economy and one of the highest GDP per capita figures globally at $95,210. According to FocusEconomics, the U.S. GDP growth post-pandemic has stayed above 2%, and the country’s GDP per capita has outpaced the G7 average for years.
The country generates roughly a quarter of global economic output and has led the world in total GDP since the late 19th century.
Its economy is driven by strong consumer spending, technological innovation, capital investment, abundant natural resources, and a highly productive workforce. The U.S. economy has also benefited from strong population growth, leading universities, venture capital markets, and a large domestic consumer market.
States such as New York, Massachusetts, California, and Washington rank among the country’s wealthiest due to their concentration of finance, tech, research, and high-value industries.
To attract foreign capital, the U.S. has programs such as the EB-5 Visa, which grants a pathway to permanent residency for foreigners investing between $800,000 and $1.05 million in qualifying businesses that create American jobs. Another option is the E-2 Visa, which allows citizens of treaty countries to live and operate a business in the United States through investment.
09/ Denmark
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $82,710
Approximate population: 6.04 million, according to the 2026 IMF Denmark datamapper
Denmark is one of the richest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of $82,710 in 2026. Its economy is known for combining a strong private sector with an extensive welfare system, high employment levels, and one of the world’s best-educated workforces.
The country is home to major global companies such as Novo Nordisk, Maersk, and Vestas, with primary industries including pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, shipping, and technology. Denmark also ranks among the least corrupt countries globally and frequently performs strongly in international happiness and quality-of-life rankings.
Despite having some of the world’s highest taxes, Denmark has free healthcare, subsidized childcare, and strong social protections, making it one of the best countries to live in. High public spending has also been maintained alongside comparatively low government debt and low unemployment.
10/ Netherlands
GDP per Capita Ranking 2026: $78,540
Approximate population: 18.13 million, according to the 2026 IMF Netherlands datamapper
The Netherlands has one of Europe’s highest GDP per capita figures, a strong trade economy, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and an international business environment.
Located on the North Sea, the country is a major gateway into Europe through Rotterdam — the continent’s largest seaport — and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest transport hubs.
Helped by its strategic location and access to more than 170 million consumers within a 300-mile radius, the Netherlands is also one of the world’s largest recipients of foreign direct investment.
Some of the country’s main industries include technology, logistics, chemicals, food processing, manufacturing, and finance.
The Netherlands also attracts international professionals through its high living standards, strong infrastructure, and English-speaking environment. Amsterdam ranked second in the Global Intelligence Unit’s ‘World’s Most Livable Cities for Expats’ index published in June 2026, with high scores for healthcare, safety, air quality, and ease of daily life.
Here is the full list of the 20 richest countries in the world by GDP per capita. The ranking is based on the IMF data from October 2026.
| Rank | Country | GDP per Capita ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liechtenstein | 230,420 |
| 2 | Luxembourg | 155,730 |
| 3 | Ireland | 127,840 |
| 4 | Switzerland | 124,480 |
| 5 | Norway | 115,190 |
| 6 | Singapore | 109,120 |
| 7 | Iceland | 107,460 |
| 8 | United States | 95,210 |
| 9 | Denmark | 82,710 |
| 10 | Netherlands | 78,540 |
| 11 | Macao SAR | 77,050 |
| 12 | Australia | 75,170 |
| 13 | Israel | 72,440 |
| 14 | San Marino | 70,660 |
| 15 | Sweden | 69,240 |
| 16 | Austria | 67,020 |
| 17 | Germany | 65,700 |
| 18 | Belgium | 64,770 |
| 19 | Qatar | 63,630 |
| 20 | United Kingdom | 61,110 |
Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF) October 2026 World Economic Outlook
Gain access to strong economies and powerful passports through Citizenship by Investment programs.
20 Largest Economies in the World by Total GDP in 2026
The following are the 20 richest countries in the world by GDP according to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook (October 2026).
| Rank | Country | Nominal GDP ($ trillion) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 32.64 |
| 2 | China | 21.55 |
| 3 | Germany | 5.47 |
| 4 | Japan | 4.34 |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 4.27 |
| 6 | India | 4.06 |
| 7 | France | 3.55 |
| 8 | Russia | 2.86 |
| 9 | Italy | 2.70 |
| 10 | Brazil | 2.65 |
| 11 | Canada | 2.49 |
| 12 | South Korea | 2.25 |
| 13 | Mexico | 2.18 |
| 14 | Australia | 2.11 |
| 15 | Spain | 2.09 |
| 16 | Turkey | 1.82 |
| 17 | Indonesia | 1.48 |
| 18 | Netherlands | 1.42 |
| 19 | Saudi Arabia | 1.34 |
| 20 | Switzerland | 1.14 |
Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF) October 2026 World Economic Outlook
Richest Countries in the World by GDP (PPP) per Capita in 2026
| Rank | Country | PPP per Capita ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liechtenstein | 198,990 |
| 2 | Singapore | 176,930 |
| 3 | Luxembourg | 156,640 |
| 4 | Ireland | 149,640 |
| 5 | Macao SAR | 141,440 |
| 6 | Norway | 116,170 |
| 7 | Switzerland | 106,940 |
| 8 | Qatar | 103,800 |
| 9 | Taiwan Province of China | 103,740 |
| 10 | Guyana | 98,910 |
| 11 | Brunei Darussalam | 98,030 |
| 12 | United States | 95,210 |
| 13 | Denmark | 92,880 |
| 14 | Netherlands | 88,200 |
| 15 | San Marino | 87,520 |
| 16 | Hong Kong SAR | 85,840 |
| 17 | United Arab Emirates | 83,700 |
| 18 | Iceland | 83,000 |
| 19 | Malta | 80,020 |
| 20 | Belgium | 78,910 |
Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF) October 2026 World Economic Outlook
20 Richest Countries in the World by National Net Wealth
| Rank | Country | Average Wealth per Adult ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | 910,382 |
| 2 | United States | 696,277 |
| 3 | Luxembourg | 654,732 |
| 4 | Hong Kong SAR | 648,267 |
| 5 | Australia | 616,306 |
| 6 | Singapore | 527,217 |
| 7 | Denmark | 523,344 |
| 8 | New Zealand | 449,852 |
| 9 | Norway | 425,391 |
| 10 | Netherlands | 415,287 |
| 11 | Belgium | 407,920 |
| 12 | Sweden | 407,406 |
| 13 | Canada | 399,886 |
| 14 | Germany | 346,613 |
| 15 | France | 341,359 |
| 16 | Taiwan Province of China | 332,533 |
| 17 | Ireland | 314,167 |
| 18 | Israel | 312,108 |
| 19 | South Korea | 311,260 |
| 20 | Spain | 306,412 |
Source: UBS Global Wealth Report 2026
Countries With the Most Millionaires in the World in 2026
While GDP and average wealth per adult measure the strength of a country’s economy, millionaire populations are a way to assess wealth concentration. The table below shows the countries with the highest number of USD millionaires in 2026, based on data from the UBS Global Wealth Report 2026.
The United States is home to the largest number of millionaires in the world, with nearly 24 million individuals holding wealth of at least $1 million.
Mainland China ranks second with more than 5.3 million millionaires, followed by Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. Together, the United States and China account for more than half of global personal wealth.
| Ranking Metric | Source | Edition |
|---|---|---|
| GDP per capita | International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook | UBS Global Wealth Report |
| Total GDP | International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook | UBS Global Wealth Report |
| GDP (PPP) per Capita | International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook | UBS Global Wealth Report |
| Average Wealth per Adult | UBS Global Wealth Report | 2026 |
| Number of Millionaires | UBS Global Wealth Report | 2026 |
Source: UBS Global Wealth Report 2026
Why Small Countries Dominate the GDP per Capita Ranking
Most of the countries ranked in the top ten for GDP per capita are small. Liechtenstein has around 40,000 people, Luxembourg has around 700,000, and Iceland about 400,000. None of them is among the world’s largest economies by total GDP.
This happens because GDP per capita divides economic output by population. In a small country, a few high-value industries can sharply lift the average, while a large country’s output is spread across hundreds of millions of people.
How We Ranked the Richest Countries
No single measure defines how rich a country is, so this guide uses five separate rankings. Each answers a different question, which means the same country can rank high in one measure factor and much lower in another.
| Ranking Metric | Source | Edition |
|---|---|---|
| GDP per capita | International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook | UBS Global Wealth Report |
| Total GDP | International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook | UBS Global Wealth Report |
| GDP (PPP) per Capita | International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook | UBS Global Wealth Report |
| Average Wealth per Adult | UBS Global Wealth Report | 2026 |
| Number of Millionaires | UBS Global Wealth Report | 2026 |
Moving to the Richest Countries: Residence Options
Liechtenstein: With about 40,000 residents, Liechtenstein admits few newcomers, so plan on a long lead time. Foreign nationals need to apply for a Residence Permit (B) through the Immigration and Passport Office. The government decides for non-EEA citizens, which can be based on work or other valid criteria.
Luxembourg: The Luxembourg Investor Visa includes several options to obtain a residence permit: Invest €500,000 in an existing Luxembourg company, €500,000 in a new business that creates five jobs, €3 million in management structures, or deposit €20 million in a Luxembourg financial institution.
Ireland. The Immigrant Investor Program closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. What is left is the Start-up Entrepreneur Program (STEP), which requires €50,000 in funding for the lead applicant, along with the Critical Skills and General Employment Permits. The Critical Skills permit leads to Stamp 4, which is a path to long-term residency.
Switzerland. Switzerland does not offer a Golden Visa, but offers residency through lump-sum taxation and investment as an entrepreneur to wealthy non-EU nationals. Switzerland immigration for residency through lump-sum taxation requires you to pay a negotiated tax.
Norway. The skilled worker permit through UDI is the main route to residency in Norway, and permanent residence can follow after three years on it. Founders need skilled worker qualifications and must run a business themselves in Norway.
Global Card Information
Singapore. The Global Investor Program grants permanent residency to eligible wealthy foreigners who invest in businesses, approved funds, or single-family offices. There are three options: SGD $10 million (~$7.83 million) into a new or existing business, SGD $25 million (~$19.59 million) into an approved GIP fund, or a Singapore single-family office with at least SGD $200 million (~$156.69 million) under management, of which SGD $50 million (~$39.17 million) must be in set investment categories.
Iceland. Iceland has no standalone investor residence option. The paths that need no job offer are the self-employed residence permit for people running a genuine business in Iceland, and the long-term remote work visa. Permanent residence is possible after four years.
United States. The EB-5 Visa gives a pathway to permanent residency for investing $1.05 million ($800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area) in qualifying businesses that create American jobs. The E-2 Visa lets citizens of treaty countries live in the US and run a business through investment.
Denmark. Investors who want to run a business can use Start-up Denmark. A panel at the Danish Business Authority must approve the business idea first, and then you apply to SIRI for a residence and work permit. You must be an active owner, not just a shareholder, and holding companies don’t qualify.
Netherlands. The investor residence procedure was abolished on 17 April 2024, though existing permit holders can still extend. Entrepreneurs now use the Residence permit for self-employed persons or the start-up permit, and treaty-based routes are available for US and Japanese nationals.
