Global power is a complex concept that includes military might, economic resources, and political influence. A nation’s power reflects its ability in a variety of domains, such as strong international alliances, significant military might, and political and economic clout. US News uses the following technique to determine the world’s top 10 powerful countries in 2024.
Techniques for determining the world’s most powerful nations in 2024
The US News power sub-ranking is derived from a “equally weighted average of scores” from five specific qualities that indicate a country’s power, and they are as follows:
- A leader,
- economic influence,
- Political influence,
- Strong international alliances, and
- A strong military.
Furthermore, together with US News & World Report, academics headed by Professor David Reibstein from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and BAV Group, a division of the multinational marketing communications company WPP, developed the ranking system.
Top 10 powerful countries in the world 2024
| Power Rank & Country | GDP (as of January 2024) | Population* |
|---|---|---|
| 1. United States | $26.95 trillion | 339.9 million |
| 2. China | $17.70 trillion | 1.42 billion |
| 3. Russia | $1.86 trillion | 144 million |
| 4. Germany | $4.43 trillion | 83.2 million |
| 5. United Kingdom | $3.33 trillion | 67.7 million |
| 6. South Korea | $1.71 trillion | 51.7 million |
| 7. France | $3.05 trillion | 64.7 million |
| 8. Japan | $4.23 trillion | 123.2 million |
| 9. Saudi Arabia | $1.07 trillion | 36.9 million |
| 10. UAE | $509.18 billion | 9.51 million |
Now, for a closer look at the world’s top ten most powerful countries as of December 2023:
United States:
- CAPITAL: Washington, DC
- GDP PER CAPITA, PPP: $80,030
- AREA: 9,833,517 SQ.KM
As a global powerhouse, the United States remains at the forefront of a number of industries, including technology, banking, and entertainment. The US has a strong position in the global economy since it is home to several top tech businesses, and the Biden administration is concentrating on climate change and infrastructure development efforts.
China
- CAPITAL: Beijing
- GDP ($13,720) per capita, PPP
- SQ.KM. : 9,596,960
In 2024, China is ranked second in the world’s top 10 powerful nations. China’s Belt and Road Initiative is expanding as more countries join the project, giving it a larger scope. By building land and sea networks to connect Asia with Africa and Europe, this effort seeks to promote economic growth and trade. China is establishing itself as a global digital leader by making major technological advancements as well, notably in 5G and artificial intelligence.
Russia:
- CAPITAL: Moscow
- GDP ($14,400) per capita, PPP
- SQ.KM.: 17,098,242
Russia uses its enormous natural riches and military might to play a major role in world affairs. The nation is also dedicated to its space programme, and in the upcoming years, it intends to launch multiple missions, including the Venera-D Venus lander. By investigating the moon and other celestial bodies, these missions hope to advance our understanding of the universe.
Germany:
- CAPITAL: Berlin
- GDP ($51,380) per capita, PPP
- AREA: 357,022 SQ.KM
In terms of EU green energy efforts, Germany is in the lead. The nation is concentrating on cutting carbon emissions and switching to renewable energy sources. In an effort to increase efficiency and productivity, Germany is also concentrating on digital transformation across a number of sectors, such as manufacturing and healthcare.
United Kingdom:
- CAPITAL: London
- GDP PPP (per capita): $49,675.
- AREA: 243,610 SQ.KM
In an effort to forge new economic ties, the UK will focus on trade deals and discussions following Brexit. The nation is also progressing in the tech sector, with London serving as a major startup hub. These startups help to the economic growth of the UK by working on creative solutions in a variety of industries.
South Korea:
- CAPITAL: Seoul
- GDP ($46,370) per capita, PPP
- AREA: 99,720 SQ.KM
In terms of innovation and technology, South Korea remains at the forefront of the world. Numerous renowned tech companies are based in the country, which strengthens its place in the global economy. To support green energy projects, South Korea is not just lowering carbon emissions but also adopting renewable energy sources.
France:
- CAPITAL: Paris
- GDP PPP (per capita): $44,410
- AREA: 643,801 SQ.KM
France is focusing on its green energy and digital transformation initiatives. The nation is attempting to switch to renewable energy sources and modernise its industry. The European Union’s rules and laws are heavily influenced by France, which furthers the political and economic stability of the union.
Japan:
- CAPITAL: Tokyo
- GDP PPP (per capita): $42,940.
- AREA: 377,915 SQ.KM
With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 194 countries, Japan tied for first place in the most recent Henley Passport Index, showing the power of its passport. With a GDP of $4.23 trillion, it is the fourth largest economy in the world and is well-known for producing cars and electronics. In order to lead the next technology wave, the nation is currently placing a strong emphasis on the growth of chip production, AI, and electric cars.
Saudi Arabia
- CAPITAL: Riyadh
- GDP ($32,590 per capita).
- SQ.KM.: 2,149,690
Saudi Arabia continues to derive most of its power and riches from its oil exports, which bring in over $300 billion a year. It possesses over 267,192 million barrels, or 17% of the proven crude oil reserves in the globe. Saudi Arabia, the Arab nation that is closest to the United States as an ally, has considerable sway over the OPEC members in the area. To draw in tourists and investors, Saudi Arabia is making large investments in tourism and massive projects like NEOM city. Moreover, it will play home to the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
United Arab Emirates:
- CAPITAL: Abu Dhabi
- GDP PPP per capita: $66,766.
- AREA: 83,600 SQ.KM
With goals to launch a mission to the moon, the UAE is concentrating on its space programme. The purpose of this mission is to investigate the lunar surface and advance our understanding of the moon. The UAE’s significant role in the world economy is partly attributed to its involvement with the oil business.