Richest country in the world 2025

1. Luxembourg

Luxembourg's strong banking sector and favourable tax environment attract multinational corporations. Despite its small size, there is a high concentration of investment funds and strong financial regulation.

The nation's GDP per capita is among the highest globally, supported by political stability, a skilled workforce, and cross-border employment. While salaries are high, the gap between GDP and GNI per capita suggests that much of Luxembourg's wealth goes to foreign firms. 

GDP per capita: $140,941 (£106,165/€122,168) 

GNI per capita: $91,470 (£68,901/€79,286) 

Median wealth per adult: $395,340 (£297,795/€342,681) 

Avg. annual salary (gross): $84,072 (£63,324/€72,864) 

Inflation: 2.19%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 15% 

2. Switzerland

Switzerland's finances reflect a highly developed, stable economy with reliable institutions and low unemployment. High GDP and GNI per capita indicate strong productivity, while the average salary is among the highest globally. 

Inflation is at its lowest in almost four years, and public debt is relatively low. However, median wealth is comparatively modest. Finance, pharmaceuticals, and high-value exports bolster the economy, supported by political neutrality and a strong currency. 

GDP per capita: $104,896 (£79,014/€90,924)

GNI per capita: $95,900 (£72,238/€83,126)

Median wealth per adult: $182,248 (£137,280/€157,973)

Avg. annual salary: $122,568 (£92,328/€106,248)

Inflation: 0.2%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 37.6%

3. Norway

A strong welfare system and abundant oil and gas reserves support Norway's economy. The country's high GNI per capita reflects significant overseas investments, primarily driven by its sovereign wealth fund. 

Public debt exceeds half of GDP. However, vast state-held assets offset this, including complete control of critical infrastructure and energy producers. Inflation is moderate, and substantial salaries reflect a robust labour market and a high cost of living. 

GDP per capita: $89,694 (£67,563/€77,747)

GNI per capita: $98,280 (£74,030/€85,189)

Median wealth per adult: $142,501 (£107,340/€123,520)

Avg. annual salary: $74,760 (£56,316/€64,812)

Inflation: 3%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 55.1%

4. Denmark

Denmark combines high personal wealth with strong public finances. Its GNI per capita notably exceeds GDP, indicating significant income from abroad. The country's median wealth per adult is high, pointing to a fair distribution of salaries. 

Inflation remains modest, and public debt is well below the EU average of 88.8%. Denmark's economy includes strong pharmaceutical and renewable industries, supported by an efficient welfare state and high trust in public institutions. 

GDP per capita: $74,969 (£56,471/€64,983)

GNI per capita: $98,280 (£74,030/€85,189)

Median wealth per adult: $216,098 (£162,778/€187,314)

Avg. annual salary: $84,545 (£63,684/€73,284)

Inflation: 1.9%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 31.1%

5. Australia

Australia's economy benefits from high personal wealth, a strong property market, and compulsory retirement savings. GDP and GNI per capita are relatively strong, inflation is moderate, and public debt remains manageable. 

The economy relies heavily on services, with important roles played by mining, education, and farming sectors. Strong trade links with Asia and a history of steady government finances further boost the country's financial outlook. 

GDP per capita: $64,547 (£48,620/€55,949

GNI per capita:: $62,550 (£47,116/€54,218)

Median wealth per adult: $268,424 (£202,194/€232,670)

Avg. annual salary: $65,454 (£49,304/€56,736)

Inflation: 2.1%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 43.8%

6. The United States

The US's large economy includes strong GDP and GNI per capita, though broad income inequality tempers its nationwide impact. Median wealth per adult is relatively low compared to the country's overall output, suggesting a concentration among fewer people. 

Public debt is very high, driven by government overspending. The US benefits from reserve currency status, and its economy is based on global influence in tech and defence.

GDP per capita: $89,105 (£67,119/€77,236)

GNI per capita: $83,660 (£63,018/€72,516)

Median wealth per adult: $89,105 (£67,119/€77,236)

Avg. annual salary: $70,632 (£53,204/€61,224)

Inflation: 2.7%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 124.3%

7. Ireland

Ireland ranks among the highest globally in terms of GDP per capita. However, the presence of multinational corporations such as Apple, Alphabet (Google), Meta, and Pfizer heavily influence figures. The significantly lower GNI per capita reflects residents' wealth more accurately. Unemployment is low, inflation is stable, and public debt is modest. The economy is export-driven, with key roles for technology and pharmaceuticals. 

GDP per capita: $108,919 (£82,044/€94,411)

GNI per capita: $77,920 (£58,694/€67,541)

Median wealth per adult: $108,919 (£82,044/€94,411)

Avg. annual salary: $55,403 (£41,733/€48,024)

Inflation: 1.8%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 40.9%

8. Singapore

Thanks to its booming shipping port and international business centre, Singapore is highly developed and export-oriented. However, the gap between GDP and GNI per capita reflects the influence of foreign multinationals. Unemployment is very low, and inflation is well contained. On paper, public debt is exceptionally high, but the government primarily uses it for investment, backed by substantial national assets.

GDP per capita: $92,932 (£70,002/€80,553)

GNI per capita: $74,750 (£56,306/€64,793)

Median wealth per adult: $113,976 (£85,854/€98,794)

Avg. annual salary: $80,136 (£60,363/€69,462)

Inflation: 0.8%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 173.1%

9. Netherlands

Thanks to its central role in global trade and strong infrastructure, the Netherlands boasts a stable, diversified economy. GDP per capita is high, though its lower GNI reflects significant profits to foreign investors. Median wealth is solid, and unemployment remains low. Inflation is slightly elevated, but manageable. The Dutch economy benefits from a highly educated workforce and strong institutions.

GDP per capita: $70,480 (£53090/€61092.26)

GNI per capita: $62,840 (£47,335/€54,469)

Median wealth per adult: $131,896 (£99,352/€114,327)

Avg. annual salary: $58,020 (£43,704/€50,292)

Inflation: 2.9%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 43.7%

10. Belgium

Belgium has a strong, services-based economy closely linked to EU trade and decision-making. GDP and GNI per capita are respectable, with a modest gap between them. Median wealth per adult is high, partly due to a home ownership rate of 70.2% and strong pension assets. However, unemployment is rising, and public debt exceeds 100% of GDP. 

GDP per capita: $57,772 (£43,517/€50,076)

GNI per capita: $54,840 (£41,309/€47,535)

Median wealth per adult: $253,539 (£190,981/€219,768)

Avg. annual salary: $70,188 (£52,870/€60,840)

Inflation: 1.9%

Public debt as a % of GDP: 104.7%