The 10 Richest Countries in the World
10. San Marino
La Guaita, one of the three towers guarding over the walled enclosure of historic San Marino | Marcel Mochet/AFP/Getty Images
San Marino is a tiny country that is completely surrounded by the Italian countryside. It’s perched on a mountaintop, to be exact. Given its small size, population, and relative wealth, its per capita GDP is extremely high. San Marino’s population is a little more than 30,000, and the entire country comes close to 24 square miles. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for business, but the country’s GDP does amount to roughly $4 billion.
9. United Arab Emirates
A aerial view of the buildings in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates | Warren Little/Getty Images
As for number nine on the list, if there’s a city that represents “new wealth” in the 21st century, it’s Dubai. Dubai’s home country, the United Arab Emirates (or UAE, as it’s commonly called), has exploded with wealth over the past decade or two.
8. Norway
A row of highrises in Oslo, Norway | Cornelius Poppe/AFP/Getty Images
Norway’s not nearly as small as San Marino, but it also benefits (in terms of GDP per capita) from a relatively small population and a good amount of wealth. The city of Oslo has emerged as a hub for international business and startup activity.
7. Ireland
Ruins of an Irish castle | iStock.com
Number seven on our list, Ireland, has also become something of a hub for businesses. Famously, many companies incorporate their businesses there for tax reasons, and with Brexit in full swing, Ireland may be in a position to benefit.
6. Kuwait
Kuwait’s banking complex | Yasser Al-Zayyat/AFP/Getty Images
Most people only recognize Kuwait from its role in the Desert Storm conflict in the early 1990s. But it’s a rich Western Asia country that, like many of its neighbors, is enjoying a renaissance due to its natural resources.
5. Brunei
The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei | Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Brunei, number five on the list, is a country most of us are probably completely unfamiliar with. It’s another tiny nation that is surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea.
4. Singapore
Visitors look at a view of the city skyline from the rooftop pool of the Marina Bay Sands resort hotel in Singapore | Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images
Speaking of Southeast Asia, Singapore is number four on the list of the world’s richest countries. Singapore is hugely important to international business and finance, and has become one of the world’s smallest — but most robust — nations.
3. Macau
The Macau Tower is seen from a vantage point at Penha Chapel | Callaghan Walsh/Getty Images
Macau is in a similar position as Singapore. Located near Hong Kong, it’s famous for its huge malls and casinos, which attract swaths of tourists. At only 11 square miles, and with a population of more than 650,000, it’s considered to be one of the densest areas in the world.
2. Luxembourg
A view of downtown Luxembourg City from the Place d’Armes Hotel | Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images
The European country of Luxembourg comes in second. Luxembourg is located between Germany, France, and Belgium, and is yet another geographically small country with a dense and wealthy population.
1. Qatar
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