The GDP per capita is one of the leading indicators in ranking the best countries in the world. You can have a good estimate of just how much people earn and what public facilities can be put in place for them by this number.
Standards of living, literacy levels, access to parks, and green spaces also play an important role in finding the best countries in the world.
Norway has a GDP per capita of more than $73.000. But the quality of life here is also very high. Situated in remote Northern Europe, Norway only has a small population compared to the vastness of the country.
People here are thought to appreciate nature and pollution levels are some of the lowest in the world. The discovery of oil and gas in its maritime vicinity makes Norway a country with vast resources and high standards of living.
9. Netherlands
With a GDP per capita of over $53.000, The Netherlands is another rich country with high standards of living. Its proximity to Norway and the Viking history make the 2 countries tied from a historical perspective.
However, if Norway’s maritime heritage was limited to Iceland and Greenland, the Netherlands made an impact all around the world during the colonial period.
While part of the country’s wealth is based on a colonial rule like with much of the developed world, the Netherlands now leads the way in environmental concerns with multiple public policies on alternative fuel and alternative methods of transportation.
8. Sweden
Sweden’s GDP sits in-between Norway and Denmark at $53.000. The country had a rich history in war and territorial disputes but it now leads the way in diversity changes and environmental concerns.
The birth rate is low here as in all Nordic countries but Swedes are generous. It’s estimated that almost 1% of the country’s GDP is donated towards humanitarian causes around the world.
Tax rates remain high here but much of the taxes go towards public spending on infrastructure and quality of life improvements.
7. United States
With a GDP per capita of over $60.000, the USA remains the country with the most political, military, and economic influence in the world.
While it’s manufacturing industry is declining, research and innovation are still strong here. The IT industry and the financial industry help it maintain its world domination.
The country still exports military equipment, chemicals, and food. Its political influence saw the United States as one of the founding members of NATO and the United Nations.
The US has some of the best higher education institutions in the world and an impressive development given it only granted the United Kingdom independence in 1783.
Some of these achievements are contrasted by the world’s highest death rate to firearms and as a result, it’s not in the top 5 best countries you could live in yet.
6. United Kingdom
With a GDP of $45.000 per capita, the United Kingdom maintains its economic influence in Europe and in the world. Its universities are leaders in medical research and London is a top player in the finance world.
Cultural aspects abound in the United Kingdom books are sold here in high numbers compared to other countries. Changes in the near future are expected as the country is leaving the European Union as a result of a popular vote.
The UK automotive industry is among the first expect to see a slight decline in sales in the immediate future.
5. Australia
Remote Australia has a GDP of $52.000. The country still has a strong British and American influence in its culture and politics. But high levels of migration from Asia are changing its population and demographics fast.
The country still has one of the highest living standards in the world. Even life expectancy is high here, partly due to the popularity of outdoor sports.
4. Germany
Germany has a GDP of $52.000 and its Europe’s strongest economy. Manufacturing and transportation is a large influence on their economy.
Audi, BMW, Opel, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz are just a few automotive brands and car industry leaders in the world that come from Germany.
Most of them now make serious efforts in the electric vehicles market. The country also invented the printing press which it later sold all across the world.
But Germany is also one of the countries which import a high amount of goods as it’s not only about its exports.
3. Japan
With a GDP of $44.000, Japan is one of the leaders in the economy and standards of living. It’s also one of the most expensive countries to live in.
The motor industry, the electronics industry, and steel manufacturing are some of the greatest economic indicators of this high GDP.
The country also has one of the richest cultures with tea, sculptures, and some of the best garden arrangements in the world.
2. Canada
Canada is a country with multiple natural resources that bring its GDP up to $49.000. It’s also one of the most diverse countries in the world, especially in large cities.
Oil, food, and minerals are among the country’s top exports. Most of them head to the US. Canada also imports most of its goods from the US.
While the Queen of England is the official head of state, Canada has its own prime minister that appoints local governors. Linguistic autonomy is granted across Canada based on its high levels of diversity.
1. Switzerland
With a GDP per capita of $65.000, Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world.
Its secretive banking services remain a mystery to many but the country’s neutrality in the first and in the Second World War allowed it to maintain its leading status.
The country exports high-end goods and it also has more Nobel prize winners per capita than any other country in the world. Its innovation is seen in industries such as sports as well as in watch-making.
The low corporate tax rates allow big businesses to stay in the country and add to the state’s wealth and GDP.
