O GDP per capita is the sum of all wealth produced by a country (in a period of one year) divided by its number of inhabitants. This is an important indicator for measuring the degree of economic development of a nation. But beware: this does not mean that all inhabitants of these countries live well. Among the richest are some very unequal countries, such as Qatar, Singapore and the United States.
Check out which are the 15 countries with the highest GDP per capita today. Data are from the independent organization World Population Review, released in 2023.
1 Luxembourg
GDP per capita: $118.001
Europe continent
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe and the world. However, its economy is very strong. The country is known for its banks and for being a tax haven. Luxembourg is also one of the favorite places for the Portuguese to emigrate.
2. Singapore
GDP per capita: $97.057
continent: asia
Singapore is the country with the highest percentage of millionaires in the world! Despite this, the wage gap between the richest and poorest is very large. The economy of this city-state is based on international trade, tourism and oil refineries.
3. Ireland
GDP per capita: $94.392
Europe continent
Known as the emerald island, Ireland continues to attract many investors, despite the 2007 crisis. Much of the wealth comes from the services that the country offers and from foreign investment. No wonder the Irish are said to be lucky!
4 Qatar
GDP per capita: $93.508
continent: asia
Qatar's wealth comes from oil and natural gas, which has made some people very rich. But the vast majority of people living in the country are very poorly paid immigrants who live in appalling conditions.
5. Switzerland
GDP per capita: $72.874
Europe continent
Sheltered by the Alps, Switzerland lies in the heart of Europe. The country is famous for being a tax haven, with very discreet banking services. But the economy doesn't just depend on that. Switzerland produces many high-value items such as watches and musical instruments.
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6 Norway
GDP per capita: $65.800
Europe continent
In addition to having a high average income per person, Norway also has low levels of inequality between the richest and poorest. The country has a small population, many natural resources, and a diversified, government-supported economy. For those who like very cold temperatures in winter and don't miss the sun, Norway is a great country to live.
7 U.S
GDP per capita: $63.416
Continent: North America
The US economy is the largest in the world. And that economy continues to grow, bringing more wealth to the country. The United States dominates the international market, dictating the direction of the world economy, and attracts most of the biggest investors.
8. Brunei
GDP per capita: $62,371
continent: asia
The State of Brunei Darussalam, also known as Brunei, has oil as its main source of wealth. It is located in Southeast Asia, more specifically in the north of the island of Borneo. This small country with about 500.000 inhabitants is part of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), which has economic treaties with several countries in Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
9. Hong Kong
GDP per capita: $59,520
continent: asia
Hong Kong is one of two administrative regions in China that enjoys a high degree of autonomy in several spheres, with the exception of foreign affairs and military defense. This small territory that has about 6 million inhabitants has become one of the largest financial centers in the world and is currently among the countries with the highest GDP per capita.
10. Dinamarca
GDP per capita: $58.932
Europe continent
1/3 of Denmark's GDP comes from trade with other countries, mainly Germany (its biggest trading partner). Although more than half of the Danish territory is dedicated to agriculture, the export of manufactured products is more relevant in financial terms, in addition to employing many more people. The sector that generates the most jobs is services.
11. United Arab Emirates
GDP per capita: $58,753
continent: asia
Located on the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates is made up of monarchies of which seven emirates are part. The Emirates have one of the highest per capita GDPs today; and in recent decades, it has undergone an enormous transformation that has made the region one of the most modern and with one of the highest standards of living in the world.
12.San Marino
GDP per capita: $58.427
Europe continent
Also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, this small European country has a population of around 30.000 inhabitants. San Marino is also considered the oldest state in the world, having been founded in the year 301 AD Its economy is based mainly on tourism, banks, ceramics, electronic products and the cultivation of wines and cereals.
13 Holland
GDP per capita: $57.534
Europe continent
Shell, Philips and Heineken are just a few of the many multinationals to be found in the Netherlands. One of the main economic centers in Europe, the Netherlands also has one of the highest GDP per capita today and has a diversified industrial activity that includes oil refining.
14. Macao
GDP per capita: $56.078
continent: asia
Also known as the Macao Special Administrative Region, this small economy is open and liberal and, along with Hong Kong, is one of the administrative regions of the People's Republic of China. The tertiary sector is one of the most important for the region, with emphasis on tourism and gaming. Macao also has a strong textile and electronics development industry.
15. Taiwan
GDP per capita: $55.724
continent: asia
Taiwan is an island state in Asia that has important international relations with other countries, although China has not renounced its claim as sole government. With regard to foreign trade, the country is one of the largest exporters in the world. In addition, it highlights the production of vehicles, metallurgy, the textile industry and tourism.
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