When economists compare how rich countries are, they often consider the GDP per capita in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) instead of total GDP. PPP adjusts incomes for price levels and cost of li ving, so it depicts how much purchasing power an average person really has in their country.
According to World Atlas, which has compiled its ranking by using IMF 2025 GDP-per capita (PPP) estimates, many of the world’s richest economies are not big in land or population. Instead, the top of the list is ruled by small, specialised states with strong finance, energy wealth, or industry, along with a few large, highly diversified economies.
Here is a brief look at the top 10 richest countries in 2025
1. Liechtenstein-$201,112
A tiny Alpine state with high-value manufacturing and value manufacturing. It also has a well-developed financial sector; Liechtenstein leads the world in terms of income per person.
2. Singapore-$156,969
Singapore is a major financial and trade hub. This country has a services and technology-led economy based on heavy investment, public services, and skills.
3. Luxembourg-$152,394
Luxembourg’s prosperity is steered by investment funds, cross-border banking, and corporate services, backed by political stability and a multilingual workforce.
4. Ireland-$147,878
Ireland is considered a base for multinational firms, especially in technology and pharmaceuticals, which boosts productivity and export-driven growth.
5. Qatar-$122,283
Qatar’s high-income levels are closely based on large natural gas and petroleum reserves, even though it works to develop as a non-oil sectors under its national vision plans.
6. Norway-$106,694
Norway couples oil and gas production with a large sovereign wealth fund. It is saving much of its resource income and backing welfare and public services.
7. Switzerland-$97,659
Switzerland’s wealth relies on pharmaceuticals, finance, research-intensive industries, and precision engineering, supported by low inflation and stable institutions.
8. Brunei Darussalam-$94,472
Brunei remains heavily reliant on LNG exports and hydrocarbons. It is also gradually expanding into downstream energy and other activities to diversify its economy.
9. Guyana-$94,189
Offshore oil discoveries have swiftly lifted Guyana into the high-income group. Strong growth is supported by rising production and efforts to save and invest part of the extra income.
10. United States- $89598
The US, the world’s largest economy, combines advanced services, finance, manufacturing, and technology, keeping it among the richest countries on a per-person basis.
