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10 Richest Countries In Asia By GDP Per Capita 2024

Here is an exhaustive listing of the top 10 richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita for the year 2024.

It is widely recognized that Asia is the most populous and geographically extensive continent on the whole planet.

The landmass of the continent is split between three adjacent continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia. On the other three sides, the continent is surrounded by water in the form of oceans.

Many prosperous countries may be found on this continent, notably in the Middle East region, which is rich in oil and natural gas reserves.

Singapore overtakes Qatar, a major oil-producing country in the Middle East, and Macau to become the top on the list of the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita in 2024. Qatar and Macau take the second and third places, respectively.

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Why Asia is the World’s Largest Regional Economy

The region of Asia is steadily moving closer and closer to the center of the world’s economic system.

It is projected that by the year 2040, the region would generate more than fifty percent of the world’s GDP and more than forty percent of the world’s consumption. 

Seven out of eight indicators point to a discernible shift occurring in Asia, which is the direction that the present pattern in global cross-border flows is heading in.

This shift is accompanied by a development that is more all-encompassing and sustainable throughout the region, as the region’s separate economies engage in a gradually increasing level of integration with one another.

The region under study has a great degree of variety, with its various components holding characteristics that are unique from one another yet that mutually reinforce one another.

In addition, it is significant that substantial networks have been developing inside the Asian setting.

The present tendencies in globalization are going through a period of transition, and Asia is going through these adjustments at a more rapid speed compared to other areas.

This suggests that Asia has the capacity to have a considerable impact on the course that globalization will take in the future.

There is little question that upcoming challenges such as potential financial vulnerabilities, growing inequities, and shortcomings in institutional frameworks relating to legal systems and corruption are on the horizon.

Despite this, it seems like Asia’s rise will continue along the same path it has been on. In spite of the fact that there are now concerns over trade frictions and a slowdown in China’s pace of economic expansion, the medium- and long-term future prospects for Asia indicate that the region will be resilient.

In major macroeconomic measurements such as GDP and consumption patterns, Asia’s rise to a position of global prominence may be seen.

When evaluated in terms of purchasing power parity, the contribution that the continent of Asia made to the world’s GDP in the year 2000 was around 32 percent.

In the year 2017, the proportion of this share had increased to 42 percent, and it is projected that by the year 2040, it will have reached around 52 percent.

In contrast, the percentage of Europe’s share declined from 26 percent to 22 percent between the years 2000 and 2017, while the proportion of North America’s share decreased from 25 percent to 18 percent over the same time period.

In 2017, Asia accounted for 34 percent of the world’s total real GDP, but that number is expected to more than double by the year 2040, reaching 46 percent.

In terms of consumption, Asia’s portion of the global total climbed from 23 percent in the year 2000 to 28 percent in the year 2017, a total gain of 7 percentage points.

It is projected that by the year 2040, the continent of Asia will likely account for something in the neighborhood of 39 percent of the total consumption around the globe.

Natural resources, environmental variables, cultural influences, transportation, information, people, money, services, and global flows of commodities are gradually leaning towards Asia in seven out of the eight categories.

In the context of issues relating to the environment, the management of garbage is the one area that has become less of a worry.

Richest Countries in Asia by GDP Per Capita

Singapore: $133,890

Singapore, known officially as the Republic of Singapore, is a country that may be found in the maritime area of Southeast Asia.

Richest Countries in Asia by GDP per Capita
Businessmen in Singapore.

The nation made tremendous progress to achieve a prominent place among the Four Asian Tigers, despite the fact that it had to contend with early challenges and had only a small amount of natural resources.

The remarkable development that has taken place in Singapore is primarily attributable to the crucial role that has been played by the globalization of the economy and international business.

By adopting free trade, pursuing policies that reduced or removed trade impediments, favoring export-driven industrialization, and attracting considerable foreign direct investment, the country created powerful ties with the world economy.

In addition, the country has amassed substantial reserves of foreign currency, as well as assets that are managed by sovereign wealth funds, and it has acquired notoriety as a jurisdiction that is renowned for its tax policies that are more advantageous to taxpayers.

It is important to highlight the fact that Singapore is the only country in Asia to have a sovereign credit rating of AAA from all of the major rating agencies.

This nation’s GDP per capita in 2023 was estimated to be $133,890, placing it among the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita.

A substantial part of the function that Singapore plays as a prominent hub for Asian businesses is comparable to that of Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE: TSM), and Sea Limited (NYSE: SE).

Qatar: $124,830

Doha, the capital and largest city of Qatar, is home to more than 80 percent of the country’s population and is the defining feature of the State of Qatar, which is located in Western Asia. 

The flat and low-lying desert environment predominates as the defining characteristic of Qatar’s landscape.

In modern times, Qatar has emerged as a prominent actor in the Arab region, attaining the position of a middle power as a result of its abundant resources, the growth of its worldwide media conglomerate, Al Jazeera Media Network, and its alleged financial backing of many insurgent factions during the Arab Spring.

All of these factors contributed to Qatar’s ascent to the position of a middle power. The total GDP per capita of Qatar in the year 2023 amounted to $124,830, ranking it among the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita. 

Macao: $89,560

Macau is often considered to be the Chinese version of the city of Las Vegas, and it stands out as one of the wealthiest locations in the world.

About 65 kilometers (40 miles) to the south of Hong Kong is where you’ll find Macau, which is a special administrative region in China.

Both of these cities are often referred to as special administrative areas, which is a term that bestows upon them certain rules and economic freedoms that distinguish them from the rest of China. Both of these cities are frequently referred to as special administrative areas.

Macau has become a popular destination for high-rolling gamblers from China throughout the course of time, and the city’s annual gaming revenue now tops that of Las Vegas by a factor of five.

The increase in visitors from the mainland China contributed significantly to both the expansion of Macau’s casino industry and the general development of the economy.

The beginning of a large upsurge in China may be ascribed to the loosening of travel restrictions in 2003 as well as the rising income among Chinese folks. This upsurge started in the year 2003.

The city has a population of around 650,000, which is on the lower end of the spectrum when compared to the size and scope of its economy.

As a consequence, the city’s GDP per capita is already among the highest in the world. The GDP per capita of Macau reached an approximate value of $89,560 in 2023, making it one of the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita.

The aforementioned sum has a value that is more than the projected value of UAE, which is $88,220, and the estimated value of Saudi Arabia, which is $64,840.

In comparison to Las Vegas during the last ten years, the casino industry in Macau has produced much higher revenues.

In fact, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which has its headquarters in Las Vegas, as well as Wynn Resorts, both draw the majority of their income from Macau.

In the year 2017, the Chinese gambling center was responsible for a significant chunk of the adjusted earnings of both Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts.

For Las Vegas Sands, this percentage was 53 percent, while for Wynn Resorts, it was 71 percent.

Macau’s annual gross gaming revenue has been falling for many years in a row, and this trend has been attributed to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s decision, shortly after taking office, to enact a series of anti-corruption measures.

However, in 2016, there was a rise in those values that had previously been declining.

Macau is now trying to increase its sources of revenue outside of the casino business by modeling itself after Las Vegas and developing its entertainment industry.

In comparison to Las Vegas, where non-gaming industries provide 65% of total revenue, the non-gaming industry in Macau only contributes 12% of the total money earned in the territory.

United Arab Emirates: $88,220

With a GDP per capita of $88,220, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is recognized as one of the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita.

The UAE is in Western Asia, more specifically in the Middle Eastern area of the world. Arabic is recognized as the nation’s official language, while Islam is acknowledged as the nation’s official religion.

The UAE is one of the top worldwide producers of oil and natural gas since it has big reserves of both of these commodities and boasts huge reserves of both.

It is important to take note of the fact that the government does not impose an income tax on the people who live there.

The UAE is generally regarded as a middle power in reference to its influence all over the globe. 

The nation in issue is an active member of a large number of international organizations, including the United Nations, Arab League, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Gulf Cooperation Council, and Non-Aligned Movement.

In terms of a nation’s total wealth, the United Arab Emirates is often regarded as being among the most prosperous in all of Asia. 

Long-standing Asian businesses such as Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE: TSM), and Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) are expected to face a competitive challenge from companies originating from countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the near future.

Brunei Darussalam: $75,580

Brunei Darussalam is recognized as one of the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita. The extraction of oil and gas resources, as well as their subsequent usage, are the key engines behind the expansion of the country’s economy.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that the cash generated by hydrocarbon exports accounts for over 70 percent of the total revenue.

On the other hand, agriculture’s contribution to the country’s overall GDP is less than 1%.

Richest Countries in Asia by GDP per Capita
A family portrait of a rich Muslim family in Brunei.

The Sultan of Brunei serves in numerous capacities, including those of prime minister, minister of the military, minister of finance, and religious leader, under the country’s authoritarian form of government, which is known as an autocracy.

There are around 200,000 people that call Bandar Seri Begawan, the nation’s capital and largest city, their home. This figure accounts for over half of the entire population of the country.

Citizens of Brunei are not required to pay income tax, are eligible for interest-free bank loans, and enjoy unrestricted access to healthcare services without cost.

The provision of free education for citizens of the sultanate goes beyond the borders of Brunei due to the fact that the state is responsible for covering the educational costs of its citizens who are enrolled in programs offered by institutions located outside of the country.

The expansion of Brunei’s tourist industry is recognized as one of the country’s top priorities. The Sultan made a financial commitment in the amount of $2.7 billion toward the creation of The Empire Brunei Hotel in the year 2003.

In addition, the Sultan allotted a rainforest area that was around 180 hectares in size. Despite the injection of money, the contribution of tourism income to the nation’s GDP continues to be less than 0.5 percent.

Individuals from other nations are discouraged from entering the country as a result of the installation of harsh rules, such as the ban on alcohol.

People need to have a job offer in hand before they may apply for a work visa in order to reside in Brunei permanently.

Applicants for citizenship in Brunei may do so if they meet certain criteria, including working for a Brunei-based company, marrying a citizen of Brunei, or entering into a domestic partnership with a citizen of Brunei.

Individuals from other countries may apply for a passport from Brunei so long as they meet one of two requirements: either they have invested money in the economy of the Sultanate of Brunei or they have deposited a total of $300,000 in one of the country’s banks.

A person must get a passing score on a test that gauges both their level of fluency in the language and their level of acquaintance with the culture before they can be granted citizenship in the country.

Hong Kong: $74,600

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, more often known simply as Hong Kong, is widely acknowledged on a worldwide scale as a prominent global financial center

Hong Kong is also regarded as one of the areas in the world that has one of the most advanced technology infrastructures.

The city is well known for having the greatest concentration of skyscrapers in the whole world, and the average life expectancy of the people who live there is far higher than average.

The economic system of Hong Kong is defined by a market-oriented strategy that emphasizes the service sector, along with qualities such as a low tax regime and a staunch adherence to unrestrained trade.

In addition, Hong Kong’s government maintains a low tax regime. This nation is among the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita with a total GDP per capita of $75,580.

Taiwan: $73,340

Taiwan is one of the nations with a notably high population density on a global scale, despite its location in the East Asia area, where it is physically situated.

Taiwan is considered to be a developed country, and its economy is mostly concentrated on manufacturing industries that are geared for exportation, such as steel, machinery, electronics, and chemical production.

It achieves notable rankings in a variety of fields, including civil rights, healthcare, and human development.

The total GDP per capita of Taiwan is estimated to be $73,340 in the year 2023. This points to the fact that Taiwan is very prosperous, making it one of the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita.

Saudi Arabia: $64,840

Saudi Arabia, also known more officially as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is located in the Western Asian section of the continent of Asia.

Riyadh is the nation’s administrative center in addition to being the most populated city in Saudi Arabia.

When it comes to the extraction and distribution of petroleum on a worldwide scale, Saudi Arabia has firmly established itself as a leading actor.

It is notable for being both a regional and an intermediate power, a characteristic that it holds simultaneously.

The country has a significant Human Development Index because it does not impose a personal income tax, it has a comprehensive universal healthcare system, and it provides free higher education to its citizens without charging tuition.

The total GDP per capita of Saudi Arabia as of the year 2023 amounted to $64,840, making it among the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita. 

Bahrain: $60,600

With a GDP per capita of $60,600 in the year 2023, Bahrain is recognized to be ninth on the list of the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita.

The economy of the country is characterized by a heavy concentration on commercial banking, retail trade, and vacationing as well as a substantial degree of economic diversity overall.

The Bahrain International Circuit is recognized for playing host to a number of important worldwide events, including the famed Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. In addition, Bahrain is home to a number of other important international meetings.

Bahrain, which is a country that is located in the Arab region, has the distinction of being the fifth most prosperous country within the scope of this geographical environment.

On the other hand, when compared to other countries across the globe, Bahrain comes in at number 23 in terms of prosperity.

The health of this nation’s economy may be due to a number of factors, including its prosperous exports of aluminum, its alluring tourist sites, and its enormous deposits of natural gas and oil resources.

This country’s GDP has recently surpassed the levels of output seen in Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Furthermore, it is important to point out that the Bahraini Dinar, which is the country’s official currency, has the distinction of being the world’s second most-valued currency after the United States Dollar.

This remarkable quality has played a substantial role in contributing to the item’s placement on the list that was provided before.

South Korea: $56,710

South Korea, which is officially known as the Republic of Korea and is located in East Asia, is a developed country in addition to being regarded as a powerhouse in the area.

Richest Countries in Asia by GDP per Capita
South Korean businessmen strolling the streets of Seoul.

The term “Korean Wave” refers to a variety of artistic expressions that originated in South Korea.

These include music (known as “K-pop”), television dramas (known as “K-dramas”), and films. South Korea has been praised all over the world for the potency of its popular culture.

The country is highly involved in a variety of international organizations, including the Paris Club, the International Public Economics Forum (IPEF), the Group of Twenty (G20), and the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD.

In the year 2023, the total GDP per capita of South Korea had accumulated to a total of $56,710, making it one of the richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita. 

Final Thoughts

The quick growth of the Asian economy may be attributed to the enhanced infrastructure and robust technological systems that have been implemented in recent years, in contrast to previous periods within the region.

This article places significant emphasis on GDP per capita as a pivotal factor in assessing the top 10 richest countries in Asia by GDP per capita.

This metric calculates the per capita economic output of a nation by dividing its GDP the entire population.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to possess knowledge of the comparative affluence and economic well-being of each country included in our compilation.

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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 748.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.

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