Countries With the Highest GDP Per Capita

GDP per capita is the most common measure of a country's standard of living. But the rankings contain surprises.

Top 10 by GDP Per Capita

Luxembourg, Ireland, Singapore, Qatar, Macao SAR, Switzerland, UAE, San Marino, United States, and Norway consistently top the rankings. Most are small economies with specialized industries or financial sectors.

Why Small Countries Dominate

Small countries with concentrated high-value industries naturally have high GDP per capita. Luxembourg's financial sector, Ireland's multinational corporate headquarters, and Singapore's trade hub status all inflate their per-capita figures. This does not necessarily mean better living standards across the board.

Purchasing Power Parity

When adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), the rankings shift significantly. China and India climb much higher because their lower cost of living means each dollar buys more. Check our GDP per capita rankings for the latest data.