The richest countries in the world. The richest countries in the world The richest countries in Asia - Singapore

The dream of all countries in the world can rightfully be called the desire to be among the richest countries. This status satisfies national pride on the international stage and the needs of its citizens. A country's wealth is measured by two standard methods. The first is to determine the size of GDP (gross domestic product). It is an indicator of the level economic sphere states. The second method is determined by clarifying the size of gross domestic product per capita.

1 Country Qatar – 103.4 thousand US dollars

2 Country Luxembourg – 77.9 thousand US dollars

3 Country Singapore – 62.4 thousand US dollars

4 Country Norway – 55.4 thousand US dollars

5 Country Brunei Darussalam – 54.8 thousand US dollars

6 United States of America – 52.8 thousand US dollars

7 Seventh place in the TOP 10 richest countries in the world is occupied by the Country of Hong Kong - 52.7 thousand US dollars

8 Country Switzerland – 45.9 thousand US dollars

9 Country Canada – 43.1 thousand US dollars

10 Country Australia – 43.0 thousand US dollars

Global economic crisis 2008 really knocked me down world economy and seriously slowed its economic growth. However, some countries were not hit too hard or were able to quickly regain what they had lost. Their GDP (domestic gross product) practically did not decrease and after a short period of time began to grow again. Here is a list of included richest countries in the world, whose wealth has been increasing over recent years. So, the countries of the world where people live the richest.

Austria GDP: $39,711

This small and cozy country is located in the Alps, has a population of only 8.5 million people and a GDP per person of 39,711 US dollars. This is about four times higher than the similar average income per person on the planet. Austria has a very developed service sector, and its proximity to wealthy Germany provides steady demand for Austrian steel and agricultural products. The Austrian capital, Vienna ranks fifth in the list of the richest cities in Europe, after Hamburg, London, Luxembourg and Brussels.

Ireland GDP: $39,999

This Emerald Island is famous not only for its fiery dances and interesting folklore. Ireland has a highly developed economy, with a per capita income of US$39,999. The country's population is 4.8 million people. The most developed and successful sectors of the economy are the textile and mining industries, as well as food production. Among the member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Ireland occupies a fairly honorable fourth place.

Holland GDP: $42,447

With a population of 16.8 million and a gross domestic product per citizen of 42,447 American dollars, Holland takes a respectable eighth place in our list of the richest countries in the world. This success is based on three pillars: the mining industry, Agriculture and production. Few people have heard that the Land of Tulips is a kingdom consisting of four territories: Aruba, Curacao, Sint Martin and the Netherlands itself, but of all the territories, Holland's contribution to the kingdom's national GDP is 98%.

Switzerland GDP: $46,424

In the country of banks and delicious chocolate, the gross product per citizen is $46,424. Swiss banks and the financial sector are keeping the country's economy afloat. It should be noted that richest people and the world's companies keep their savings in Swiss banks, and this allows Switzerland to use excess capital for investment. Zurich and Geneva, two of the most famous Swiss cities, are almost always on the list of the world's most attractive cities to live.

USA GDP: $47,084

Most of the countries on our list have relatively small populations, but the United States is clearly an outlier. The country has the largest national economy in the world and its population exceeds 310 million people. Each of them accounts for $47,084 of the national product. The reasons for the success of the United States are liberal legislation that provides high freedom entrepreneurial activity, the judicial system, which is based on British law, is excellent human potential and rich natural resources. If we talk about the most developed areas of the US economy, we should note mechanical engineering, high technology, mining and many others.

Singapore GDP: $56,797

It's a tiny city-state in Southeast Asia, but that hasn't stopped Singapore from having one of the world's highest gross domestic product per capita. Each Singaporean generates $56,797 in national product, which is five times more than the global average. The basis of Singapore's wealth is the banking sector, oil refining and chemical industries. Singapore's economy has a strong export orientation. The country's leadership strives to make the conditions for doing business the most favorable, and at the moment this country has one of the most liberal laws in the world. Singapore has the world's second largest trading port, with goods passing through it in 2011 total amount at 414 billion dollars.

Norway GDP: $56,920

This northern country has a population of 4.97 million people and its small but powerful economy allows Norway to earn $56,920 for each of its citizens. The main drivers of the country's economy are fishing, manufacturing and mining, mainly oil and natural gas. Norway is the eighth largest exporter of crude oil, the ninth largest exporter of refined petroleum products and the third largest exporter of natural gas on the planet.

United United Arab Emirates GDP: $57,744

This small country (32,278 sq. miles), located in the Middle East, can easily fit into the territory of the state of New York (54,556 sq. miles), while occupying a little more than half the state's area. The United Arab Emirates has a population of 9.2 million, equal to the population of a small state in the United States, but the UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East. Gross income per person living in the country is $57,744. The source of such fabulous wealth is common in the Middle East region - oil. It is the production and export of oil and gas that provides the lion's share of income national economy. In addition to the oil industry, the services and telecommunications industries are also developed. The UAE is the second largest economy in its region, second only to Saudi Arabia.

Luxembourg GDP: $89,862

The silver medalist of our very honorable list is another European country, or rather, a European city - Luxembourg. With neither oil nor natural gas, Luxembourg can nevertheless generate a gross domestic income per person of $89,862. Luxembourg was able to reach this level and become a real symbol of prosperity even for prosperous Europe, thanks to well-thought-out tax and financial policy. The country has an excellently developed financial and banking sector, and the manufacturing and metallurgical industries are at their best. Banks located in Luxembourg have assets worth an astronomical sum of 1.24 trillion US dollars.

Qatar GDP: $91,379

The first place in our ranking is occupied by the tiny Middle Eastern state of Qatar, which was able to achieve this position thanks to its enormous natural resources and their skillful use. The gross domestic product per citizen in this country is 91,379 US dollars (up to a hundred is quite a bit). The main sectors of Qatar's economy are oil and natural gas production. The oil and gas sector accounts for 70% of the country's industry, 60% of its income and 85% of the foreign exchange earnings that come into the country and make it the richest in the world. There is a very thoughtful social politics. Thanks to its economic success, Qatar received the right to host the next World Cup.

The most rich country Europe: Germany
Asia's richest country: Singapore
Richest country in Africa: Equatorial Guinea
Richest country in South America: Bahamas

Rich countries have always attracted and attracted people, where they can realize themselves and live like in heaven on earth. It is here that the highest standard of living, excellent environmental conditions, and medical service 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, that the powers that be 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 northern country receives its main income from oil and gas 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.

What is required to develop the state’s economy and provide the population with the highest standard of living? Let's find out what the richest countries in the world did for this and what is the secret of their prosperity!

TOP 10 richest countries in the worldby income per capita

There are 246 states in the world. The topic of this article includes ten of them - with the highest standard of living. Interesting feature This category of countries is the correct management of available natural resources or the use of an advantageous geographical location for the benefit of the economy.

One way or another, with an economically sound approach, even a lifeless desert can be turned into a fragrant oasis. To do this, it is desirable that oil fountains come out of the sand. However, the mere availability of valuable resources is not at all the main factor for rapid economic growth! We will be convinced of this by looking at the richest countries and learning the secrets of their prosperity.

As for living conditions in different regions our vast homeland, due to their predominantly economic and also geographical position, they are strikingly different from each other and have their own characteristics. Read about the advantages of living in a particular city in Russia in the additional material at the link:

The richest countriesby income level: 1st place – Qatar

According to the majority rating agencies behind last years, the top 10 richest countries in the world are headed by the Arab state of Qatar with an impressive lead over its competitors. It is not only the richest, but also the smallest country in the Arabian Peninsula, where it is located. The territory of Qatar occupies only a peninsula on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. By land, Qatar borders Saudi Arabia, and by sea the closest neighbors are the UAE and Bahrain.

The Qatar Peninsula is largely desert, with poor wildlife and rare oases in the northern part. The area is 11,586 square kilometers (for comparison, the area of ​​the Moscow region occupies almost 46,000 km!), and the population is slightly more than two million, 90% of which live in the capital Doha and its environs.

Given extremely unfavorable living conditions, the current level of prosperity for the state was ensured by rich oil and gas fields located in the northern part of the peninsula. Qatar has the third largest reserves of natural gas in the world! In terms of oil reserves – 21st! Today, half of the GDP and 70% of the state budget income are provided precisely by the extraction of energy resources and their export, mostly to Southeast Asia.

In addition to the extraction and processing of petroleum products, the country has developed chemical and metallurgical industries. A large steel smelting plant is busy melting imported raw materials, and chemical plants produce fertilizers and petroleum by-products. Qatar's agriculture is poorly developed and can satisfy only a tenth of the population's food needs, so up to 90% of the share of food products is imported. Also, a fair share of imports comes from various equipment and vehicles.

The government is concerned about attracting foreign investment into non-resource sectors and areas of the economy, trying to reduce the level of dependence on the still available oil and gas resources. The goal is to reorient the economy as much as possible from mining to commodity production.

Like other richest countries in the world, Qatar can boast of a developed financial sector, numbering one and a half dozen large credit institutions. These include local commercial banks and foreign branches, as well as offshore banks, tax-free. In addition, the country also has a national airline, Qatar Airways, which serves over 140 international routes on all inhabited continents of the planet. Qatar Airlines is among the seven best in the world in terms of quality and level of service.

The welfare of the peninsular Islamic state is based on the extraction, processing and supply of valuable natural raw materials. On a per capita basis for a relatively small population, GDP indicator Qatar is $145,000 per year per person! The rest of the richest countries only reach half of this figure!

List of richest countries: in second place - Luxembourg

Luxembourg is the smallest European state in terms of territory. Included in the top 10 richest countries in the world. Located between Belgium, France and Germany on an area of ​​just over 2,500 square kilometers. The population is 576,000 people.

Another source of income, forming a tenth of GDP, is the mining of iron ore and the production of cast iron and iron for export. Raw materials are extracted from a large deposit, part of which is located on the territory of the southern borders of the state. The service sector also contributes to the development of the economy, especially in the financial field. Also in Luxembourg there are several golf clubs, hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars, etc. best level service.

Foreign companies open their production factories here, since in addition to the lack of taxation, the advantage is that local workers speak several languages. The official languages ​​are Luxembourgish, French and German. It produces audio-video and telecommunications equipment, chemical products, glass and textiles. The country imports energy in full for industrial enterprises and electricity, as well as transport and equipment.

The main influx of money into the country is formed through the provision of services to international financial institutions. This is over 60% of GDP. However, this fact makes the economy extremely sensitive to financial crises and and general economic situation in the rest of the world. Plus there is an impressive external debt.

However, all the negative factors do not prevent Luxembourg from taking second place in the ranking of the top 10 richest countries. The highest standard of living for citizens is ensured thanks to the average annual per capita income, which is about $128,000 per year!

The richest countries in Asia– Singapore

The first place in the TOP of the richest countries in Asia and third place in the world is held by Singapore, which occupies an area of ​​only 719 square kilometers and is located on 63 islands. Population: 5 million people, of which more than 70% are Chinese. Due to the lack of space, artificial reclamation of land has been carried out throughout the entire period since the founding of the state in 1965. Singapore was previously part of Malaysia.

Secession from Malaysia left Singapore with virtually no natural resources, not even its drinking water. However, competent economic policy Governments have turned a poor country into a prosperous one in just 20-30 years. The basis for success was the decision to create a financial and economic center for all of Southeast Asia on the basis of Singapore. This was achieved by attracting foreign investment and creating a favorable financial and economic climate.

Currently, high-tech electronics from the world's largest manufacturers are produced in Singapore, shipbuilding is developed, the financial services, pharmaceuticals, and developments are also underway in the field of biotechnology. It has its own airline, Singapoure Airlines, serving over 40 million passengers a year.

A powerful economic and technological leap raised the average annual income of the population several dozen times before the onset of the 21st century and remained in history as the “Singaporean economic miracle" The gross national product according to 2015 data was $85,000 per year per person. Singapore is an excellent example of an efficient economic organization based on the use of foreign investment, without having its own natural resources at all.

Switzerland – 4th place in the TOP 10 richest countries

Switzerland is a state in Western Europe, lost among the beautiful Alpine mountains, which occupy more than half of its entire territory. total area– 41,300 square kilometers, of which 25% is occupied by forests. The country is rich in lakes formed as a result of the melting of glaciers, of which there are currently about 140 with a total area of ​​2000 km2, and large rivers flowing through its territory. Fresh water reserves here account for 6% of all European ones.

The variety of ski resorts and other interesting attractions attract an endless stream of tourists here. The excellent level of service has firmly established Switzerland as one of the best resorts in the world, and the tourist destination, together with the entire service sector, accounts for the lion's share of budget revenues - 70%.

Switzerland is also famous for its reliable banks, where protecting the confidentiality of customer data is written almost into the constitution. Such a serious approach bank secrecy attracts many investors from all over the world who want to save their money, which they also acquired through not entirely honest means. Information can only be provided by official request government agencies and in case of suspicion of the client of committing illegal actions or hiding taxes.

There are offices of more than 4,000 financial and credit institutions, including foreign ones, in Switzerland. The country is also actively involved in investing own funds in various projects around the world, 30% of annual GDP is spent on this. Essentially, Switzerland makes money by passing a lot of money through its banks.

Switzerland has a well-developed energy sector - the country covers 90% of its electricity needs, half from hydroelectric power plants, 40% of energy comes from nuclear power plants, and the remaining 10% is generated from imported energy resources. Hydroelectric power stations are located in the Alps, where several dozen reservoirs have been created for these purposes. Nuclear power plants are under close surveillance by environmentalists due to their potential danger, but are still operating. But there are no plans to build new nuclear power plants.

The population of Switzerland is 8 million people. Developed economy, stable exchange rate national currency and a competent foreign policy makes it possible to maintain calm within the state and provide the Swiss with the highest standard of living. The average annual GDP per capita is $81,000.

Norway is the richest northern country in Europe

One of the northern European countries, Norway, is included in the list of the richest countries. Its predominantly mountainous territory occupies the entire western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, many small adjacent islands and the vast Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. The total area is 385,000 square kilometers. It borders Sweden, Finland and Russia. The number of inhabitants of Norway is 5,245,000 people. The high standard of living and prosperity of Norwegians is confirmed by the size of the GDP: $75,000 per person per year.

Norway is also involved in oil and gas production, which contributes about a third of state budget revenues. The country is Europe's leading supplier of hydrocarbons and second in the world after the UAE. Oil is produced on the sea shelves. Norway specializes in the production of ocean drilling platforms and technologies for safe resource extraction.

Thanks to the presence of forests, which occupy 30% of the area, and a developed wood processing industry, Norway occupies a leading place in the world in the production and export of pulp. Also on the territory of the state there are rich mineral deposits. The country supplies iron, magnesium, aluminum, titanium and other metals.

Another significant part of the income is the extraction and processing of fish. In terms of its importance, the fish processing industry is on a par with oil and gas production. The main buyer of finished fish products is Russia. In addition, many Russian fishing vessels sell fish to Norwegian enterprises for processing.

Despite the availability of natural energy resources - oil and gas, 95% of electricity in Norway is generated by hydroelectric power plants. The rest is provided by wind power plants. The country provides itself with electricity, which allows almost full export of produced hydrocarbons.

Where can I get money to start my own business? This is exactly the problem that 95% of new entrepreneurs face! In the article we revealed the most current methods obtaining start-up capital for an entrepreneur. We also recommend that you carefully study the results of our experiment in exchange earnings:

A widely developed tourist destination. The entire coast of Norway is literally indented by numerous fjords along which cruise ships and yachts ply. Picturesque cliffs and clear seas, combined with a favorable environmental situation and the safety of the country, attract millions of tourists here every year.

Kuwait - another oil tycoon

Kuwait is located on the northeastern coast of the Persian Gulf, bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Together with its islands in the bay, the state occupies an area of ​​slightly less than 18,000 km - this is 152nd in the world. Most of the area is desert. The population of Kuwait is 2,600,000 people, over 95% live in cities.

Kuwait was one of the poorest countries back in the early to mid-last century. Thanks to the discovery of large oil fields on its territory in the 1930s, through production and export, in just half a century it was possible to raise the economy and standard of living of the population to one of the highest in the world.

In the early 1990s, Kuwaitis experienced an Iraqi occupation that almost completely destroyed and looted the country. Over the next few years, the state restored oil production and supplies and regained its former prosperity.

Today Kuwait is one of the richest countries in oil, its reserves account for approximately 9% of the world's total. Kuwait's main trading partners for the export of petroleum products are India, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

Export volumes of “black gold” form up to 95% of income state budget and 65% of GDP. In per capita terms, that’s $70,000 a year!

UAE: the basis of the economy is oil production and tourism

The United Arab Emirates is located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The area is 83,600 square kilometers, about 8,000,000 people live here, more than 60% of whom are migrant workers from South and Southeast Asia.

The UAE has huge oil reserves, the share of exports of which brings 45% of GDP to the budget. This figure was achieved thanks to the policy of economic diversification adopted in the 1980s. Before the measures were taken, oil provided more than 75% of revenue to the state treasury. Per capita current level The GDP is $66,000 per year per person.

The United Arab Emirates, thanks to oil exports, has achieved significant wealth in a relatively short time- since 1971, the moment of their separation from Oman. The rapid growth of the economy was facilitated by high oil prices at that time. In parallel, areas developed banking services and tourism destinations, which now generate most of the revenue.

Profitable geographical position made it possible to turn the UAE into a large international trade and economic center connecting the West and the East. The major seaports of the emirates of Dubai and Fujairah handle millions of containers annually. Six international airports serve more than 60 million passengers per year.

Most of the UAE's territory is occupied by desert, and the arid climate is not at all conducive to the development of agriculture. However, thanks to investments in this industry, it was possible to make it prosperous even in such conditions. Some of the products are even exported to Europe, for example, strawberries. Dubai is also home to the world's largest flower park.

Particular attention is paid to creating favorable conditions for tourism in the desert. For example, artificial islands in Dubai, which have become one of the wonders of the world, luxury hotels, largest shopping centers and high quality service - everything is done to attract tourists from all over the world.

Saudi Arabia is the richest country in oil

Saudi Arabia is the largest state in the Arabian Peninsula. Its area is 2,200,000 square kilometers; it is not possible to accurately determine due to the difficulty of demarcating borders in desert conditions. However, it is reliably known that the territory occupied is the 13th largest in the world in terms of area. Population: 31.5 million people.

Saudi Arabia is in first place in terms of production of “black gold”. Only Russia and the USA can compete with it! The share of total oil production in the world is 13%! For reference, the richest country in terms of oil reserves is Venezuela (46 billion tons), and Saudi Arabia is in second place (36 billion tons).

It is not surprising that most of its economy is built on the processing and export of hydrocarbons. In pricing, Saudi Arabia plays one of the key roles. The dynamics of black gold prices literally depends on it, and hence the colossal influence of the Arab oil power on the other richest oil countries and the world economy as a whole. The share of income from oil exports is 75% of GDP. In per capita terms for the year, the figure is $51,000.

In addition to oil income, the kingdom has five airlines and six international airports. The economy receives large incomes from the annual pilgrimages to Mecca, where about two million people come.

Saudi Arabia, among other things, stands out for its mediocre attitude towards human rights. In the kingdom, cutting off hands for theft and the death penalty for actions that in other states are not classified as illegal at all are still in use! This is a tribute to compliance with Sharia law, on the principles of which criminal law is based. For this reason, the oil-rich country is constantly criticized by international human rights organizations.

Brunei - drowning in luxury

In the ranking of the richest countries, Brunei ranks ninth among countries in the world and second in Asia. Located on the northwestern coast of the island of Kalimantan in the South China Sea, the country occupies an area of ​​only 6,000 square kilometers and shares a land border only with Malaysia. The population of Brunei does not exceed 500,000 people. Almost half of the working population are migrants from the regions of South and Southeast Asia.

Brunei is included in the list of the richest countries thanks to its gross national income, which, calculated per capita, is $50,000 per year. The economy of one of the richest countries in Asia is built 90% on the production and import of oil and gas. Large deposits are located on the shelves of the South China Sea. The main buyers are Japan and Indonesia. Along with the oil and gas industry, the chemical and pulp and paper industries are well developed, and mineral fertilizers are also produced for export.

Despite the favorable equatorial climate, which allows harvesting several times a year and the abundance of humid tropical forests occupying almost 80% of the territory, agriculture is rather poorly developed. More than 70% of food, as well as other everyday goods, is imported from Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and China.

Since 1975, the national airline Royal Brunei Airlines, wholly owned by the government and serving about twenty destinations, has been operating international flights under the flag of the state. The country is actively making attempts to diversify the economy by stimulating the development of tourism. The country is extremely colorful, rich in attractions with a long history and literally saturated with luxury. The policy is also aimed at stimulating the financial sector of the economy and attracting foreign investment.

Hong Kong is the largest financial and trading center in Asia

Hong Kong is a separate administrative-territorial unit of the People's Republic of China and leads as the world's largest financial and trading center. The country is located on the southern coast of China, occupies a peninsula and 260 nearby islands in the South China Sea.

The territory area is 1100 square kilometers. It is noteworthy that urbanization has affected only 30 percent of the total area of ​​the state. Most of it is covered with forests untouched by civilization and has the status of national parks, reserves and environmental protection zones. An important role in terms of preserving the virgin territory was played by the hilly terrain with steep mountains, which prevent its development.

The population of Hong Kong is 7,200,000 people. Density per square kilometer – 6400 people! This is one of the highest rates in the world! More - only in Monaco (18,600 people per km2) and in Singapore (7,600 people per km2)! The remaining richest countries have a population density of no more than 2,000 people per square kilometer of area. Due to such a high population, the ecology in cities, especially in the capital, leaves much to be desired. This is despite the abundance of green spaces there, the presence of large rivers and the government's concern for the environment.

The progress of economic development is determined by government policies: low taxation, free port status and complete non-interference of government bodies in regulation market relations. Import excise taxes are imposed on only a small list of goods: alcohol, tobacco, methyl alcohol and mineral oils. All other trade turnover occurs absolutely without charging any duties or fees.

Hong Kong is the world's third largest financial and trading center. Income from services in financial and banking areas form up to 90% of government revenues. Industry and agriculture are very poorly developed, and Hong Kong imports the bulk of its necessary goods.

By speed economic development Hong Kong is ahead of the rest of the richest countries and is second only to Singapore. In terms of GDP per capita, Hong Kong is ahead not only of the cities of mainland China, but also of many other rich countries - $38,000 per year. Despite this, 20% of Hong Kong residents live below the poverty line and in squalor. Social benefits and benefits provided by the government have not fundamentally improved the situation until today.

Another problem is the lack of living space and exorbitant prices per square meter of housing. Approximately half a million residents huddle in social “apartments” with an area of ​​only 2-4 square meters! Living in cardboard boxes on the street is also one of the shocking realities of seemingly prosperous Hong Kong.

Conclusion

The industrialized and richest countries of the Arabian Peninsula are firmly on the oil and gas needle. As long as natural resources have not been depleted and internal policies have not changed, the well-being of their citizens will be ensured. However, this will not last forever - according to various estimates, the level of production will begin to fall in a matter of decades. Therefore, governments have long been thinking about expanding areas of income generation and diversifying the economy.

The most backward in this regard is Brunei, where oil export revenues are largely frozen while creating a luxurious environment within the country itself. The UAE, for example, has long mastered the tourism niche and created favorable conditions for recreation, essentially in desert conditions.

Asia's richest countries have fared the most in terms of greenfield development. Having created an economy literally from scratch, without resources, but wisely using the geographical location and attracting foreign capital in every way.

Europe's richest countries for the most part do not have enough natural resources to provide a high standard of living for their citizens. However, they managed to find their niche and firmly established themselves in the global economic system. As for the state richest in resources - Russia - it is in only 50th place in the list of the richest countries.

According to most authoritative experts, today there are about 196 independent countries on the planet. It is difficult to name the exact number, since some states are not officially recognized international level. It is quite a misconception that the richest country in the world is determined by the overall level of GDP, i.e. market value final goods and services produced per year in all sectors of the economy.

Yes, the strength of the economy and the stability of the state as a whole largely depend on the volume of GDP, but this does not guarantee a high standard of living for every citizen. For example, more than 1.4 billion people live in China and even despite serious macroeconomic indicators of mass well-being local residents It's too early to say. Therefore, when answering the question which is the richest country in the world, it is customary to take into account GDP per capita.

As a rule, the leading positions here are occupied by small countries with huge reserves of natural resources or with very developed technological economies. Living standards in such states are very high. Taking into account the level of GDP per capita (purchasing power parity - PPP) according to official data from the International Monetary Fund, we will highlight the ranking of the TOP 10 richest countries in the world in 2019.

LIST OF THE RICHEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

10 RICHEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

QATAR

The richest country in the world in 2019 is Qatar. The state is located in the Middle East next to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. The population of Qatar is about 2.7 million people. The economic growth and the well-being of local residents is ensured primarily by the export of oil and natural gas. Largely thanks to the rich natural resources, which made it possible to create an ideal infrastructure, Qatar will become the first country in the region to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

LUXEMBOURG

Second place in the ranking of the richest countries in the world is occupied by the small Western European state of Luxembourg, which is home to only about 593.6 thousand people. Favorable geographical location between such powerful countries as Germany, France and Belgium helps to attract foreign investment, establishing trade relations and growing the Luxembourg economy. The state has equally developed industry and financial sectors.

SINGAPORE

Stable political situation and a favorable investment climate have allowed Singapore to become one of the richest countries on the planet. The state is located in Southeast Asia near Malaysia. Singapore's population does not exceed 5.8 million people. The local economy is characterized by maximum openness and freedom, which attracts businessmen from different parts of the globe. There is virtually no unemployment and no corruption in Singapore. High technologies and innovations, medicine, tourism and the banking sector are actively developing.

BRUNEI

Brunei is another miniature country in Southeast Asia with a population of about 437 thousand people. The economy is based on oil and natural gas production. The state of Brunei Darussalam (official name) is washed by the South China Sea and has a comfortable climate. Very beautiful place, very attractive a large number of tourists. Local citizens are highly educated and the majority speak English. The authorities provide residents with free healthcare and do not levy taxes on personal income.

IRELAND

The Republic of Ireland shares with the even smaller Northern Ireland a small island in northern Europe next to Great Britain. The Irish people's wealth is driven by a developed economy dominated by mining, food production and banking. High technologies and innovative products are being introduced into every area of ​​activity. The population of Ireland is about 4.9 million people. The foundation of a country's wealth is trade.

NORWAY

Unlike rich Arab countries, Norway guarantees a high standard of living for local citizens not only through the sale of oil and gas, although it has huge energy reserves. For example, the state is one of the largest exporters of seafood. The economy is actively using new technologies and developing industry. Norway has a population of about 5.4 million people. The country is not part of the European Union, but maintains close trade ties with others developed countries Europe.

KUWAIT

The TOP 7 richest countries in the world is closed by the state that owns one of the largest oil reserves on the planet (considering its small territory) - Kuwait. More than 90% of the budget revenue is provided by the export of petroleum products. The state is located between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Kuwait's population is about 4.2 million. The high economic level of the country is evidenced by the value and reliability of the local currency - the Kuwaiti dinar, which today is the most expensive in the world.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The United Arab Emirates has one of the most major economies in the Middle East. The state is located in the southwestern part of Asia next to Saudi Arabia and Oman. A beautiful and very rich country with large reserves oil, revenues from the sale of which form about 30% of GDP. A significant share of budget revenues is provided by the tourism and financial sectors. The population of the UAE is about 9.6 million people. There are virtually no taxes in the country and optimal conditions have been created for attracting foreign investment.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is a beautiful European country with a very high standard of living and a thriving economy. The world-famous neutrality of the state in relation to political and military associations contributes to successful trade and the development of mutually beneficial relations with different countries planets. Switzerland has a population of 8.6 million people. Almost every Swiss citizen has deep respect for the culture and traditions of his native country. The basis of the economy is the banking sector and high-tech quality products.

SAN MARINO

The ranking of the TOP 10 richest countries in the world in 2019 is completed by a dwarf state literally built into the territory of Italy - the Republic of San Marino. The economy is based on tourism, banking sector and some industries. For example, ceramics are produced here, clothes are sewn, furniture and certain food products are made. The population of San Marino in 2019 is only 33.6 thousand people. The main trading partner of the state, which accounts for up to 90% of exports, is obviously Italy.

Unfortunately, the countries of the post-Soviet space are far beyond the top ten richest countries in the world. For example, in terms of GDP (PPP) per capita, Russia is in 48th position ($27,890), the Republic of Belarus is in 70th ($18,616), and Ukraine is in 114th ($8,656).