The top economies in the world are usually ranked according to their size rather than their rate of growth. This is because an economy can post strong growth data and still be behind in terms of size, and the businesses it supports.
Sometimes, however, an economy can post both consistently strong growth records, and yet outrank others in terms of size- China has shown that.
The biggest economies are often the most attractive for business- their sheer size is a testament to the purchasing power of the people, and evidence of good chances of making profit.
Top 50 Economies In The World
1. United States
Country GDP (Nominal): $23,315.1 billion
GDP Per Capita: $70,249
The United States is the country with the largest and most dominant economy. This country of over 300 million people gets its economic strength from manufacturing. Other important sectors include retail commerce, services, and military hardware.
The US dollar is the currency of international trade and commerce, and it is also the world’s foremost reserve currency.
The United States is at the forefront in terms of technology development; some key areas include artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and medical science. A growing list of American brands have conquered the world; some of them are Coca Cola, Pepsi, Amazon, General Motors, McDonalds, and Walmart.
2. China
Country GDP (Nominal): 17,734.1 billion
GDP Per Capita: $12,556
China is the world’s most populous country; it has a population of 1.4 billion people, and it has a land area that makes it the third largest in the world. China is also a military superpower; it has the largest army in the world; and that army has some of the most lethal weapons in the world.
That large size is a lot of potential; which is why it is no surprise that china has such a great economy; manufacturing, commerce, and services are the main pillars holding up the Chinese economy; it is also one of the fastest growing world economies.
3. Japan
Country GDP (Nominal): 4,940.9 billion
GDP Per Capita: $39,313
Japan was once the regional power; it towered over all others in Asia. That is a testament to the mentality of the Japanese; they are a hardworking, innovative and daring people with a never-say-die attitude.
Japan’s economy is built around manufacturing and technology; some of its biggest companies are Sony, Toyota, and Honda. The country does not lag behind in terms of technology, especially as it concerns pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and electronic devices.
4. Germany
Country GDP (Nominal): 4,259.9 billion
GDP Per Capita: $51,204
Germany is one of the most important countries in Europe; it may not be a cultural or military superpower, but it is certainly an economic superpower. Germany embraced manufacturing far ahead of its contemporaries, and has been known as the German machine for several decades.
Manufacturing; including auto manufacture; electronics, and machines are some of the most important sectors in the German economy. Pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, chemicals, and so on.
5. India
Country GDP (Nominal): 3,176.3 billion
GDP Per Capita: $2,257
India is a country in Asia; like china it has a huge population; in fact it is the world’s most populous country with 1.42 billion people. India is an ancient country with a very proud history. Today’s India is the seventh largest country by land area.
This country has a free market economy; and some of its key sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, and services. India’s strength has come from careful structural planning. The country is the largest producer of milk; and the milk is mostly sourced from small farms with a herd size of 1 or 2.
The country exports everything from cars to machinery; and it is also on the map in terms of the development of information technology.
6. United Kingdom
Country GDP (Nominal): 3,131.4 billion
GDP Per Capita: $46,510
The United Kingdom; also called Britain; is a cultural, economic and military superpower. The country is located in Western Europe, and it has many territories and former colonies scattered all over the world.
The United Kingdom has a developed economy; manufacturing, banking, food processing, fashion, and retail commerce, as well as services are all important sectors to this country’s economy.
7. France
Country GDP (Nominal): 2,957.9 billion
GDP Per Capita: $43,659
France is a country in Western Europe; it is a cultural and economic superpower. France continues to maintain very close ties with its former colonies, especially those in Africa. France has a population of 68 million, and a land area of 643,804 km2.
France’s economy is boosted by manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, energy, and banking. France is one of the world’s capitals for fashion, fine dining, and tourism. Wine is one of its most famous products.
8. Italy
Country GDP (Nominal): 2,107.7 billion
GDP Per Capita: $35,657
Italy is another western European country; it has one of the largest economies in the world. Italy has been inhabited since ancient times; its capital city Rome was the seat of one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen.
Although Italy’s companies are usually smaller than those of other top European countries, manufacturing is one of its key sectors. Other sectors include agriculture, processed food, and fashion. Cars, wine, cheese, and clothes are some of its most important products.
9. Canada
Country GDP (Nominal): 1,988.3 billion
GDP Per Capita: $51,988
Canada is a country in North America; it has closer ties with the United Kingdom than with its fellow North Americans Mexico and the United States. This is the world’s largest country by land area; and with access to the sea on three sides it has the world’s longest coastline.
Even though Canada is a developed country; forestry and petroleum are still important sectors, but then technology, mining, manufacturing, and medical science are also important.
10. South Korea
Country GDP (Nominal): 1,811.0 billion
GDP Per Capita: $34,998
South Korea is a country in Asia; it is not particularly big or populous, but it is an important country when it comes to the economy. South Korea has a population of 56 million.
South Korea has a very good manufacturing sector; cars and mobile phones lead in this regard. The country also has market leading brands in consumer electronics, while retail commerce, gaming, and services are also very important sectors.
The following is a more extensive list of the largest economies in the world.
| Rank | Country | Nominal GDP ($ Billion) | GDP Per Capita ($) |
| 1 | United States | 23,315.1 | 70,249 |
| 2 | China | 17,734.1 | 12,556 |
| 3 | Japan | 4,940.9 | 39,313 |
| 4 | Germany | 4,259.9 | 51,204 |
| 5 | India | 3,176.3 | 2,257 |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 3,131.4 | 46,510 |
| 7 | France | 2,957.9 | 43,659 |
| 8 | Italy | 2,107.7 | 35,657 |
| 9 | Canada | 1,988.3 | 51,988 |
| 10 | South Korea | 1,811.0 | 34,998 |
| 11 | Russia | 1,778.8 | 12,400 |
| 12 | Brazil | 1,609.0 | 7,507 |
| 13 | Australia | 1,552.7 | 60,443 |
| 14 | Spain | 1,427.4 | 30,104 |
| 15 | Mexico | 1,272.8 | 10,046 |
| 16 | Indonesia | 1,186.1 | 4,333 |
| 17 | Netherlands | 1,012.8 | 57,768 |
| 18 | Saudi Arabia | 833.5 | 23,186 |
| 19 | Turkey | 819.0 | 9,661 |
| 20 | Switzerland | 800.6 | 91,992 |
| 21 | Poland | 679.4 | 18,000 |
| 22 | Sweden | 635.7 | 61,029 |
| 23 | Belgium | 594.1 | 51,247 |
| 24 | Thailand | 505.9 | 7,066 |
| 25 | Ireland | 504.2 | 100,172 |
| 26 | Israel | 488.5 | 52,171 |
| 27 | Argentina | 487.2 | 10,636 |
| 28 | Venezuela | 482.4 | 16,056 |
| 29 | Norway | 482.2 | 89,154 |
| 30 | Austria | 480.4 | 53,638 |
| 31 | Nigeria | 440.8 | 2,066 |
| 32 | South Africa | 419.0 | 7,055 |
| 33 | Bangladesh | 416.3 | 2,458 |
| 34 | United Arab Emirates | 415.0 | 44,316 |
| 35 | Egypt | 404.1 | 3,699 |
| 36 | Denmark | 398.3 | 68,008 |
| 37 | Singapore | 397.0 | 72,794 |
| 38 | Philippines | 394.1 | 3,461 |
| 39 | Malaysia | 373.0 | 11,109 |
| 40 | Hong Kong | 369.2 | 49,801 |
| 41 | Vietnam | 366.1 | 3,756 |
| 42 | Iran | 359.7 | 4,091 |
| 43 | Pakistan | 348.3 | 1,505 |
| 44 | Chile | 317.1 | 16,265 |
| 45 | Colombia | 314.5 | 6,104 |
| 46 | Finland | 297.3 | 53,655 |
| 47 | Romania | 284.1 | 14,858 |
| 48 | Czech Republic | 281.8 | 26,821 |
| 49 | Portugal | 253.7 | 24,568 |
| 50 | New Zealand | 249.9 | 48,781 |
Related:
- Top 50 Most Beautiful Countries In The World
- Top 50 Most Difficult Languages In The World
- Top 50 Philanthropists In The World
Closing
The top 50 economies in the world are not necessarily the richest countries in the world. This is not a good reflection of the level of development, or how well a country’s citizens live. This list says nothing about income inequality, and the majority of the figures are buoyed by government spending which has nothing to do with the people.