When the whole world seems to be going through an economic crisis, it can be difficult to work out if there’s actually any money left on this planet! However, believe us when we say that some countries aren’t really feeling the issues at all. These are the richest countries in the world, for 2015.
Qatar
Proving that size really doesn’t matter, Qatar consistently tops the list as the richest country in the world. With profits and funds improving year on year, it doesn’t look like anyone is going to steal their title anytime soon. Their GDP based on purchasing power parity (PPP) is a whopping $143,532. This Arab country makes most of its money from large gas and oil reserves.
Luxembourg
With a GDP per capita of $93,174, yet another small country has made it onto the list. As a founding member of NATO, the European Union and the United Nations, it seems as though this country has got its head screwed on right.
Unemployment and inflation are always at an all-time low, and the global crisis has barely impacted this little European country.
Singapore
Again, it seems like the smaller the country the better their economy. Up by 34.4% since 2008, there’s no denying that Singapore’s economy is moving at a rapid rate.
Their GDP is $85,198, which is mightily impressive for an Asian country that’s practically cut off from the rest of the world. Being the second freest economy in the world has clearly done wonders for Singapore and its booming businesses.
Brunei Darussalam
You may be scratching your head a little if you’ve never heard of this place before. Don’t worry, neither had we! Situated on the North Coast of Borneo, it’s another tiny country to add to the list. With a GDP of $72,370 it’s managed to surpass some of the other big players around the world.
It also has no public debt, which definitely helps.
Kuwait
We definitely expected to see this one make it onto the list. Although some of you may be surprised to learn it’s this far down! Of course, the majority of its bustling economy comes from their oil reserves and has managed to keep almost stable even since being invaded by Iraq.
Its GDP is slowly growing again and is currently at $70,914 per capita.
Norway
Another European country to make it onto the list. Norway seems to have practically avoided the economic crisis impacting the rest of the continent. In fact, its GDP has grown 7.9% since 2008, to an impressive $67,445 per capita.
It has oil and gas reserves to help boost those profits, and one of the highest standards of living in the world.
United Arab Emirates
Another Arab country we’re surprised isn’t further up the list. Like the ones before it, United Arab Emirates relies heavily on its oil reserves. However, it is also a business hub that has been growing year upon year.
Their GDP is now $65,149 which is a healthy growth of 10.3% since 2008. We’ve always had a feeling that this will be the country to keep your eyes on.
San Marino
This tiny microstate situated in Italy has a population of just 32,000. Yet has managed to make it into the top 10 richest countries in the world list! We know, it’s crazy isn’t it? Tourism plays a big part in their impressive GDP, as does the selling of their highly collectible stamps.
Their GBP has fallen 28.8% since 2008, bringing it to $61,836 per capita. Still, not bad!
Switzerland
Considering it seems as though most of the rich store their money in Switzerland, we’re not exactly surprised to see it on the list. It has seen the title of wealthiest country in the world on several occasions, but is currently sitting in ninth place with a GDP of $58,731.
Low tax rates and a bustling manufacturing industry keep this country riding high.
Hong Kong
It’s renowned for its business sense and technological advancements, and we knew it just had to be on this list. Hong Kong has seen an economy that’s grown rapidly over the years, seeing a 26.1% rise since 2008.
As a financial center and worldwide trade hub, their GDP of $56,428 makes perfect sense to us. We don’t think it will be long before they’re topping the list completely.
