What truly makes a country wealthy? While vast economies like the United States and China boast colossal Gross Domestic Products (GDP), a more accurate measure of a nation’s wealth on an individual level is GDP per capita. This metric divides a country’s total economic output by its population, giving us a clearer picture of how prosperous the average citizen might be. As we look towards 2025, a fascinating list of nations emerges, each with a unique story of how it achieved its economic success. Using projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 2025, we explore the top 20 contenders for the title of the wealthiest country in the world.
This ranking uses nominal GDP per capita in U.S. dollars. It reflects the economic power and financial muscle of a country on the global stage. From tiny nations with massive financial sectors to resource-rich powerhouses, join us as we count down the countries that have earned the right to be called the wealthiest country in the world.
20 Wealthiest Countries In the World
20. Hong Kong SAR
Kicking off our list is Hong Kong, a global financial nexus. For 2025, its GDP per capita is projected to be approximately $54,590, supported by a total GDP of around $408 billion and a population of about 7.5 million. Hong Kong’s wealth is built on a foundation of low taxation, a free trade port, and its status as a premier international financial market. Its strategic location and business-friendly policies continue to attract global investment, cementing its position among the elite and making it a constant presence in discussions about the wealthiest country in the world.
19. San Marino
The tiny European microstate of San Marino proves that size isn’t a prerequisite for wealth. With a projected 2025 GDP per capita of $55,500 and a population of only about 34,000, its total GDP is a modest $1.88 billion. San Marino’s prosperity is driven by a stable economy focused on tourism, banking, and manufacturing. Its low corporate tax rates also make it an attractive haven for businesses. The ancient republic’s ability to generate such high per-person income makes it a remarkable example and a surprising candidate for the wealthiest country in the world.
18. Israel
Israel’s economic miracle continues into 2025 with a projected GDP per capita of $56,120. Its total GDP is expected to reach $549 billion, serving a population of around 9.8 million. The engine of Israel’s wealth is its world-renowned high-tech sector, often dubbed “Silicon Wadi.” A culture of innovation, a highly educated workforce, and a focus on research and development have made it a global leader in technology and venture capital, earning its place among the world’s economic elite and proving that intellectual capital is key to becoming the wealthiest country in the world.
17. Canada
The second-largest country by land area, Canada, secures its spot with a projected GDP per capita of $56,880. Its vast economy is set to have a total GDP of $2.31 trillion for a population of over 40.6 million people. Canada’s wealth is underpinned by its staggering abundance of natural resources, including oil, natural gas, minerals, and timber. A stable political climate and a well-regulated banking system complement its resource wealth, making it a consistent contender for the wealthiest country in the world.
16. Belgium
Situated at the heart of Europe, Belgium’s economy benefits immensely from its strategic location. It’s projected to have a GDP per capita of $58,400 in 2025, with a total GDP of $679 billion and a population of 11.6 million. Belgium’s highly diversified economy features a strong mix of manufacturing, services, and international trade, facilitated by its world-class ports like Antwerp. As the de facto capital of the European Union, its political importance also bolsters its economic standing, helping it maintain its status as a wealthiest country in the world.
15. Germany
As Europe’s largest economy, Germany is an industrial and export powerhouse. Its projected 2025 GDP per capita is $59,050, a remarkable figure for a nation with a population of over 83 million and a total GDP of nearly $4.92 trillion. Germany’s wealth is built on its legendary automotive industry, precision engineering, and a strong manufacturing base. A commitment to quality and innovation (“Made in Germany”) ensures its products are in high demand globally, solidifying its reputation as a wealthiest country in the world.
14. Finland
Known for its innovation and high quality of life, Finland has a projected 2025 GDP per capita of $60,450. The nation of 5.6 million people has a total GDP of around $337 billion. While its economy was once heavily reliant on forestry, Finland has successfully transitioned into a technology-driven market, with a strong focus on telecommunications and software development. A robust social safety net and a world-class education system provide a stable foundation for prosperity, ensuring it remains in the conversation about the wealthiest country in the world.
13. Austria
Austria, a landlocked nation in the heart of Europe, boasts a projected GDP per capita of $63,610 for 2025. Its 9.1 million citizens contribute to a total GDP of $578 billion. Austria’s well-developed market economy is characterized by a strong industrial sector, particularly in high-quality manufacturing, alongside a thriving tourism industry that draws millions to its historic cities and Alpine landscapes. This balanced economic model is key to its position as a wealthiest country in the world.
12. Sweden
Sweden’s progressive social policies are backed by a formidable economy, with a projected GDP per capita of $65,200. The country’s population of 10.6 million is expected to generate a total GDP of $692 billion. Sweden is a hotbed of innovation, home to global tech giants like Spotify and Klarna, and excels in engineering and green technology. Its export-oriented economy and skilled labor force are fundamental to its status as a consistently wealthiest country in the world.
11. Netherlands
The Netherlands punches well above its weight in the global economy, with a projected 2025 GDP per capita of $69,170. Its population of 17.8 million will support a total GDP of $1.23 trillion. The nation’s wealth is historically rooted in trade, with the Port of Rotterdam being the largest in Europe. Today, its economy is highly diversified, with strengths in finance, agrifood technology, and creative industries, which all contribute to its claim as a wealthiest country in the world.
10. Australia
Entering the top 10, Australia has a projected GDP per capita of $69,380. The continent-nation’s population of nearly 27 million fuels a total GDP of $1.86 trillion. Australia’s immense wealth is largely derived from its vast reserves of natural resources, including iron ore, coal, and natural gas. A strong and stable service sector, particularly in finance and healthcare, adds resilience and diversity to its economy, making it a powerful contender for the wealthiest country in the world.
9. Denmark
Denmark is a model of prosperity and innovation, with a projected GDP per capita of $74,900. With a population of just under 6 million, its total GDP stands at $444 billion. The country’s wealth is driven by high-value sectors such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy (especially wind turbines), and advanced manufacturing. A flexible labor market and a strong focus on design and technology have made Denmark a leader in multiple industries and a clear example of a wealthiest country in the world.
8. United States
The United States holds its position as a global economic titan with a projected 2025 GDP per capita of $86,360. Its massive population of 338 million people drives the world’s largest economy, with a total GDP of over $29 trillion. The U.S. economy is incredibly diverse and innovative, leading the world in technology, finance, entertainment, and higher education. The sheer scale of its internal market and its role as a global innovator are why it is frequently referred to as the wealthiest country in the world.
7. Iceland
The North Atlantic island nation of Iceland continues its impressive economic run with a projected GDP per capita of $87,060. Its small population of just 390,000 generates a total GDP of $34 billion. Iceland’s wealth is a unique blend of natural wonders and clever resource management. A booming tourism industry, a sustainable fishing sector, and the pioneering use of renewable geothermal energy have transformed its economy and placed it high on the list of the wealthiest country in the world.
6. Qatar
Qatar’s immense wealth is directly tied to its vast natural resources. For 2025, it is projected to have a staggering GDP per capita of $89,480. This high figure is distributed among a population of 2.8 million, with a total GDP of $254 billion. The nation sits on the world’s third-largest natural gas and oil reserves, which has fueled rapid development and massive investment in infrastructure and technology. This natural endowment is the primary reason Qatar is often cited as the wealthiest country in the world.
5. Singapore
The city-state of Singapore is an economic marvel, projected to have a GDP per capita of $92,740 in 2025. Its population of around 6 million will generate a total GDP of $561 billion. Lacking natural resources, Singapore built its wealth on human capital and strategic planning. It has become a global hub for finance, trade, and technology, attracting multinational corporations with its business-friendly environment, low corruption, and highly skilled workforce. This strategic brilliance is what makes it a perennial wealthiest country in the world.
4. Norway
Norway’s high standard of living is backed by a projected 2025 GDP per capita of $94,660. The nation of 5.6 million people is expected to have a total GDP of $527 billion. Like Qatar, Norway’s prosperity is built on vast oil and gas reserves. However, what sets Norway apart is its prudent management of this wealth through the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, which invests the proceeds for future generations. This foresight in managing its resources is a key factor in its ranking as a wealthiest country in the world.
3. Switzerland
A beacon of stability and prosperity, Switzerland is projected to have a GDP per capita of $94,840. With a population of 9 million, its total GDP will reach approximately $849 billion. The Swiss economy is a powerhouse in sectors that demand precision and trust: banking, finance, pharmaceuticals, and high-end manufacturing of goods like watches and scientific instruments. Its political neutrality and economic stability continue to attract talent and capital from around the globe, securing its place near the top of any list of the wealthiest country in the world.
2. Ireland
Ireland’s economic transformation is nothing short of extraordinary, earning it the second spot with a projected 2025 GDP per capita of $133,900. Its population of 5.2 million will drive a total GDP of $689 billion. The “Celtic Tiger” built its phenomenal wealth by establishing one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the world. This has attracted a huge number of multinational corporations, especially in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors, who base their European operations in Ireland. This strategy has made it a strong contender for the title of the wealthiest country in the world.
1. The Wealthiest Country In The World: Luxembourg
Topping the list for 2025 is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is projected to have an incredible GDP per capita of $143,740. This small European nation, with a population of only 660,000, commands a total GDP of around $94 billion. Luxembourg’s immense wealth comes from its massive financial sector, where it has become a global leader in investment funds and private banking. Its political and social stability, combined with a favorable tax environment and a central European location, has made it a magnet for international finance. For the foreseeable future, Luxembourg’s economic model makes it the undisputed wealthiest country in the world on a per-capita basis.