Top 10 richest countries in the world in 2025: When people talk about the richest countries in the world, the conversation usually revolves around gross domestic product (GDP). While GDP shows how big an economy is, it doesn’t really explain how comfortable life is for the average citizen. A country can be extremely wealthy overall and still struggle with low individual living standards.
That’s why GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) matters more. It breaks the wealth down per person and also factors in the cost of living, prices, and population size. This gives a much clearer picture of real prosperity.
Smaller nations such as Luxembourg and Singapore often come out on top because they have strong financial systems, business-friendly tax rules, and attract large amounts of foreign investment. Meanwhile, economic giants like the United States and China fall lower on the list since their massive populations dilute per-person wealth.
Topping the ranking is Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine country that has quietly become an economic powerhouse. Once largely rural, it has transformed into a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation. Precision tools, specialised machinery, dental products, and financial services form the backbone of its economy.
Liechtenstein’s close partnership with Switzerland adds stability, including the use of the Swiss franc. Access to European markets through the European Economic Area and European Free Trade Association agreements further strengthens its position. Liechtenstein enjoys a AAA credit rating, very low unemployment, and consistently invests in research and development despite its small size.
Singapore’s rise is one of the most remarkable economic success stories in modern history. Since becoming independent in 1965, the country has focused on clean governance, global trade, and education. This strategy paid off. Today, its economy is powered by manufacturing, finance, trade, and digital services. Singapore also ranks at the top of the World Bank’s Human Capital Index and is pushing sustainability through initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Luxembourg’s dominant financial services sector is the cornerstone of the economy, managing over €5 trillion in assets, making it the world’s second-largest investment fund centre, after the US. Ireland ranks fourth on the list and is one of the richest countries in the world in 2025 due to a highly globalised economy driven by foreign direct investment, though its high GDP per capita is partially inflated by the accounting practices of multinational corporations.
Along with the countries mentioned above, Qatar, Norway, and Switzerland also feature among the world’s richest. Qatar benefits from vast energy resources, Norway from oil wealth combined with strong social policies, and Switzerland from a stable economy, banking, and high-value industries.
When ranked purely by GDP per capita (PPP), these 10 nations emerge as the wealthiest in the world as of September 2025.
As of September 2025, India’s GDP per capita stands at $2,880 in nominal terms and $12,130 when adjusted for PPP. This places India at around 124th position globally out of nearly 200 countries in per-capita rankings. However, India’s overall economic size tells a different story. In total GDP terms, the country ranks fourth in the world, behind only the US, China, and Germany.
According to the 2025 GDP per capita rankings, South Sudan sits at the bottom. Its GDP per capita (PPP) is just $716.25, making it the poorest country in the world by this measure.