10 BIGGEST WORLD ECONOMIES IN 2017.

In 2017, China will overtake America in growth rates, but the American economy will still remain the largest in the world. China will supplant the United States only by 2050.

The US economy is the largest in the world. If we combine the economies of countries from 3rd to 10th place on our list, it will still be larger. However, in the future, the United States will lose ground; this list will include developing countries, but France, Italy and Canada will not be on it.

Top 10 countries by GDP in 2017

According to the latest World Bank data, the American economy accounts for 24.3% of the global economy, $18 trillion. China is in second place, its share is 14.8% or $11 trillion of the global economy. Japan is in third place with 6% of the world economy - that's $4.4 trillion.

largest economies in the world

If we take it by continent, Asia has the largest share - 33.84% of world GDP. North America produces 27.95% of world GDP, and Europe 21.37%. These three continents together generate 83.16% of global GDP.

all by country

China's economy is the fastest growing

In the future, the United States will leave the first place in terms of growth rates. In 2016, the Chinese economy grew by 6.7%, while the American economy grew by only 1.6%. China has also overtaken India, which grew the fastest in 2015 (its growth was 6.6% in 2016).

Brazil is the only one of the ten countries whose economy fell by 3.5% compared to 2015.

The most powerful economies by 2050

According to PWC forecasts, thanks to technological breakthroughs, the global economy will double by 2050. China will be the largest, with India in second place. The USA will fall to 3rd place. France will leave the TOP 10, and Britain will take 10th place. Italy won't even be in the top 20. Mexico's economy could become larger than that of Britain or Germany, and six of the world's seven largest economies could become developing countries that would grow faster than developed countries.

The world's largest economies in 2050

Economic cycles and changes affect individual countries differently, but leaders tend to maintain their positions in all conditions. The world's strongest economies have not changed dramatically since 1980. Only 3 new states appeared in the top twenty.

Moreover, key players hold the majority of the world's wealth. The top ten economies account for 67% of the world's nominal GDP, while the top twenty account for 81%. The remaining 172 countries produce less than 1/5 of global economic output.

1. USA

Nominal GDP: $19.39 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $19.39 trillion

Source: ru.wikipedia.org

The United States has maintained its status as the world's leading economy since 1871. In 2017, in nominal terms, its volume amounted to $19.39 trillion. For 2018, $20.41 trillion is predicted. This country is often called an economic superpower because it makes up almost ¼ of the world economy and is distinguished by the development of infrastructure, technology, and an abundance of natural resources. And this despite the fact that 80% of the country's gross domestic product comes from the service sector.

When assessed on the basis of purchasing power parity, the United States loses first place to the People's Republic of China. This gap is expected to narrow by 2023, when the US will reach $24.53 trillion and China will reach $21.57 trillion.

2. China

Nominal GDP: $12.01 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $23.15 trillion

The strongest economies in the world cannot do without the Celestial Empire. Over the past few decades, China has achieved exponential growth by overcoming the barriers of centralized closed trade. It is now a manufacturing and export center, sometimes called the "factory of the world."

In 1980, China was in the TOP 20 in seventh place with $305.35 billion in GDP. The US then had $2.86 trillion. Thanks to reforms begun in 1978, China actually began to increase its GDP by 10% every year. Recently, these rates have slowed, although they remain very high.

The World Bank, speaking about the surge in China's economic growth in 2017, refers to the cyclical recovery in global trade. In 2018, the organization forecasts growth of 6.6%. But gradually by 2023, according to experts, it will decrease to 5.5%.

Due to its large population, China is not among the leaders in terms of GDP per capita - $8,464 (72nd place in the world).

3. Japan

Nominal GDP: $4.87 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $5.42 trillion

Japan's economy is expected to surpass the $5 trillion nominal GDP mark in 2018. The 2008 financial crisis rocked the Land of the Rising Sun as it was accompanied by weak domestic demand and huge public debt. In addition, after the peak came out, a strong earthquake occurred, which hit the economy and social sphere.

The Japanese economy will receive an additional stimulus for the 2020 Olympics, which always attracts investment to the host country. The strengthening is also facilitated by the Bank of Japan's tight monetary policy. In 2017, GDP per capita was $38,439, the twenty-fifth highest in the world.

4. Germany

Nominal GDP: $3.68 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $4.17 trillion

Germany has not only the largest economy, but also the strongest in Europe. It is fourth in the world when assessed by nominal GDP. GDP at purchasing power parity is $4.17 trillion, and per capita is $44,549 (17th place). In 1980, Germany's economic output was $850 billion, which was enough for third place in the ranking.

Germany was heavily dependent on the export of capital goods, and this amplified the impact of the 2008 crisis. In 2016 and 2017, the economy grew by 1.9% and 2.5% respectively, but the IMF forecasts growth of 2.2% and 2.1% for 2019 and 2020, due to the threats of protectionism and Brexit.

Germany's economic strength is boosted by the launch of Industry 4.0. This is a strategic initiative to create a leading market and provider of advanced manufacturing solutions to the world.

5. UK

Nominal GDP: $2.62 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $2.91 trillion

The United Kingdom ranks fifth in terms of nominal GDP and ninth in terms of PPP GDP. The per capita income is $39,734, which puts the country 23rd in the world. Nominal GDP is expected to reach 2.96 trillion in 2018, and $3.47 by 2023.

From 1992 to 2008, the British economy experienced upward trends in every quarter. However, since April 2008, a decline in production volumes has been recorded for five quarters. The economy shrank 6% during that time and took five years to return to pre-recession levels.

Three quarters of the UK economy's GDP comes from the services sector. The second most important segment is agriculture. Despite employing only 2% of workers, 60% of the UK's food needs are produced domestically.

6. India

Nominal GDP: $2.61 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $9.45 trillion

India is the country with the fastest growing economy in the world. According to the IMF forecast, in 2019 it will take fifth place in the ranking from Great Britain. However, the GDP per capita of this country is far from the leading position - $1,982. In 1980, the volume of the Indian economy was only $189 billion (13th place). Growth rates of 7.3% and 7.5% are expected for 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Post-colonial India was at first a purely agrarian state, but has seriously increased its production and services in recent decades. Today, services make up 60% of the economy and provide 28% of the workforce. Industry is the second most important segment and is actively stimulated through government initiatives. The agricultural sector accounts for about 17%, but this is still high compared to Western countries. India's economic advantages now include low dependence on exports, favorable demographics and a growing middle class. That is why India is rightfully one of the strongest economies in the world.

7. France

Nominal GDP: $2.58 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $2.83 trillion

France is the most visited country in the world and has the second largest economy in Europe. It provides a high standard of living with a per capita GDP of $44,549. Economic growth has slowed in recent years and, under pressure from rising unemployment, the government has had to develop a plan to reboot. In 2014-2016, the World Bank recorded the unemployment rate at 10%, and in 2017 this figure dropped to 9.681%.

In addition to tourism, which forms an important part of the economic system, France is one of the leading agricultural producers. It accounts for about a third of EU agricultural land. The country ranks sixth in the world in terms of agricultural production and is second only to the United States in its exports. The manufacturing industry is dominated by the chemical industry, automobile manufacturing and weapons. All this helps France join the most powerful economies in the world.

8. Brazil

Nominal GDP: $2.05 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $3.24 trillion

Brazil is the largest country in South America by area and population. Domestic political uncertainty, corruption problems and the end of the so-called commodity supercycle have weakened the country's investment and business environment, but the situation appears to be improving.

In 2006-2010, Brazil gained an average of 4.5%, in 2011-2013 – 2.8%. In 2014, the growth was 0.1%. After a pullback of 3.5% in 2016, a growing trend has emerged again.

9. Italy

Nominal GDP: $1.93 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $2.31 trillion

Despite its status as a significant member of the European Union, Italy is experiencing problems: unemployment is still above 10%, and political and economic chaos is obvious in the republic. In addition, there is a government debt in the region of 132% of GDP. But there is a resource for recovery, given stable exports and business investments. In 2016 and 2017, growth of 0.9% and 1.5% was recorded, and 1.2% and 1.0% are predicted for 2018 and 2019, respectively.

10. Canada

Nominal GDP: $1.65 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $1.76 trillion

Despite the great importance of the service segment, 68% of exports are industrial products. Canada places a strong emphasis on industry as a key driver of future economic growth. In 2017, the kingdom recorded a growth of 3%, and for 2018 and 2019 it expects an increase of 2%.

11. South Korea

Nominal GDP: $1.53 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $2.02 trillion

South Korea is known for such conglomerates as Hyundai and Samsung, but it is not only through their efforts that the republic has penetrated into the strongest economies in the world and has moved closer to the top 10. Over the past decades, the country has made incredible progress, becoming one of the global leaders in the field of high technology.

In the 1960s, South Korea was one of the poorest countries based on GDP per capita, and now ranks 9th in the world according to this indicator ($29,981). Industrialization and international trade already in 2004 brought it into the “trillionaire club.” Now it is one of the world's leading exporters. Also, the country has created excellent conditions for investing from abroad and doing business.

12. Russia

Nominal GDP: $1.52 trillion
GDP based on PPP: $4.01 trillion

Russia also falls into the strongest economies in the world. Our country is the largest state, but only the twelfth in terms of nominal GDP. When considering GDP on a PPP basis, it is sixth.

The 1990s became a difficult period for the country's economy, which inherited devastated industry and agriculture. In the 2000s, an increase of 7% was recorded, but this was due to the commodity boom. Energy dependence had a bad impact on Russia during the crisis times of 2008-2009 and 2014. 2016 ended with a contraction of the economy by 0.2%. In 2017, the country achieved growth of 1.5%.

Overall, the United States economy is significantly ahead of other countries in terms of absolute GDP. Compared to last year, the increase in US gross domestic product amounted to $726 billion. The gap from China reached 7 trillion. dollars.

Russia took another step up in 2017 (to 13th place), overtaking Australia. According to the IMF, the Russian Federation's GDP increased by $135 billion.

Let us remind you that Gross Domestic Product - GDP (GDP) - macroeconomic indicator, reflecting the market value of all final goods and services (that is, intended for direct consumption) produced during the year in all sectors of the economy on the territory of the state for consumption, export and accumulation, regardless of the nationality of the factors of production used. This concept was first proposed in 1934 by Simon Kuznets.

The calculation of the GDP indicator does not include financial transactions, securities transactions, sales on the secondary market (used cars, apartments, houses, clothing, etc.). Financial transactions do not create real value, and the sale of previously used items was already taken into account earlier in the calculation of previous GDP figures.

Gross domestic product is used to characterize the results of production, the level of economic development and the rate of economic growth.

The formula for calculating GDP looks like this:

GDP = W + Q + R + P + T

Where: W - wages paid by business entities, regardless of the presence (absence) of citizenship Q - social insurance contributions and other mandatory payments R - gross profit of business entities P - gross mixed income T - taxes on production and imports (from government subsidies, if any, are deducted from this amount).

World GDP 2017, trillion $

1. USA - 19,284
2. China - 12,263
3. Japan - 4,513
4. Germany - 3,591
5. UK - 2,885
6. France - 2,537
7. India - 2,487
8. Italy - 1,901
9. Brazil - 1,556
10. Canada - 1,530
11. South Korea - 1,379
12. Spain - 1,291
13. Russia - 1,267
14. Australia - 1,262
15. Mexico - 1,166
16. Indonesia - 1,024
17. Netherlands - 0.794
18. Türkiye - 0.791
19. Switzerland - 0.665
20. Saudi Arabia - 0.659
21. Nigeria - 620.95
22. Sweden - 530.29
23. Taiwan - 524.84
24. Poland - 495.39
25. Belgium - 479.68
26. Argentina - 447.83
27. Thailand - 428.76
28. Iran - 409.3
29. Austria - 399.62
30. Norway - 384.47
31. United Arab Emirates - 357.27
32. Philippines - 345.31
33. Malaysia - 344.85
34. Hong Kong - 337.1
35. Israel - 316.77
36. Denmark - 314.27
37. Singapore - 304.1
38. Colombia - 278.59
39. South Africa - 273.73
40. Ireland - 269.74
41. Bangladesh - 246.73
42. Chile - 243.92
43. Finland - 242.27
44. Vietnam - 217.84
45. Portugal - 212.15
46. ​​Greece - 203.22
47. Romania - 194.3
48. Czech Republic - 191.61
49. Peru - 189.71
50. Qatar - 181.26
51. New Zealand - 178.02
52. Algeria - 173.86
53. Iraq - 164.42
54. Venezuela - 149.51
55. Kazakhstan - 135.13
56. Hungary - 120.12
57. Kuwait - 119.9
58. Morocco - 114.34
59. Puerto Rico - 99.47
60. Sudan - 98.55
61. Slovakia - 94.49
62. Ukraine - 93.55
63. Sri Lanka - 91.91
64. Ecuador - 91.16
65. Angola - 86.29
66. Myanmar - 81.97
67. Dominican Republic - 75.37
68. Ethiopia - 74.08
69. Guatemala - 72.09
70. Kenya - 69.07
71. Luxembourg - 63.79
72. Uzbekistan - 61.53
73. Costa Rica - 60.8
74. Panama - 60.51
75. Oman - 56.34
76. Uruguay - 54.94
77. Lebanon - 54.06
78. Croatia - 51.95
79. Bulgaria - 51.44
80. Tanzania - 49.53
81. Belarus - 49.25
82. Libya - 47.79
83. Yemen - 47.18
84. Slovenia - 45.61
85. Lithuania - 45.4
86. Macau - 44.84
87. Tunisia - 44.36
88. Democratic Republic of the Congo - 43.65
89. Jordan - 42.3
90. Ghana - 40.93
91. Serbia - 38.88
92. Ivory Coast - 38.48
93. Turkmenistan - 37.77
94. Bolivia - 37.3
95. Azerbaijan - 36.2
96. Cameroon - 32.63
97. Bahrain - 31.96
98. Latvia - 29.86
99. El Salvador - 28.54
100. Paraguay - 27.91

Gross domestic product or GDP refers to the totality of all goods produced and services provided during the year by residents in the territory of a particular state. GDP is expressed in so-called final consumer prices.

Structure of gross domestic product

• Results and results of enterprises' activities.
• The results of the work of economic, financial organizations and structures that provide economic services.
• Organizations operating in territories that are within the zone of economic influence of a particular country.
• Enterprises that are controlled by the capital of other countries and investors.
• The result of the activities of foreign companies.

There are two types of GDP:

1. Nominal, which is usually understood as the total volume of products and services produced in the country. Nominal GDP is measured in prices that are current today.
2. Real, which refers to the volume of products and services produced and provided during a specific period of time. Measured in constant prices.

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Characteristics and features of GDP

Gross domestic product allows you to assess the pace, level and features of development of the state’s economy for a year or another period of time. GDP is also used to analyze one or another aspect of economic development, fluctuations in the financial system and the conditions of the economic system.

GDP helps assess the quality and standard of living of the population, its well-being and income for a selected period of time. To quantitatively calculate gross domestic product, the following methods are used:

• The addition of all income in a particular state - people's salaries, interest on capital, profit, rent.
• Summing up expenses - consumer services, investments, government purchases of goods and services, net exports, i.e. export without import.

Both one and the other Both methods should give the same results, or approximately the same.

Basic information about the GDP of all states and territories of the world is a database that is updated every year by World Bank staff. All global development indicators are based on information received from international organizations and national statistical institutes.

The compilation of statistics ends every year on June 30, and the World Bank publishes a new report on global GDP indicators in November or December.

World GDP ranking in 2017

Quantitative indicators of economic development of countries around the world are reflected in US dollars. In 2017, the total GDP for all countries, according to the World Bank, was $76,671,787 million in the United States.

The TOP 10 countries in the world by GDP include:

• USA - 18,153,487 US dollars.
• China - 11,393,571.
• Japan - 4,825,207.
• Germany - 3,609,439.
• UK - 2,782,338.
• France - 2,605,813.
• India - 2,220,043.
• Italy - 1,914,131.
• Brazil - 1,835,993.
• Canada - 1,584,301.

Thus, the leading economies of the world are American, Chinese, Japanese, German and English. And this trend has been observed for several years.

1. Luxembourg.
2. Switzerland.
3. Qatar.
4. Norway.
5. Singapore.
6. Australia.
7. Denmark.
8. Iceland.

To determine the efficiency of the economy, it is customary to use not only the characteristics of GDP per capita, but also to determine how purchasing power per capita corresponds to the set of consumer services and goods. TOP 5 countries by this parameter during 2014-2017. formed by such countries as:

1. Qatar.
2. Luxembourg.
3. Singapore.
4. Brunei.
5. Kuwait.

Of the European countries, this list includes Norway - sixth place, San Marino - eighth, Switzerland - ninth. Other positions are represented by the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and the USA.

Russia's GDP

Russian economy in 2016-2017 demonstrated GDP growth rates, but they lag behind forecasts.

Nominal GDP in 2017 in Russia was 1.469 billion US dollars, and real GDP was 4000 billion US dollars.

In 2018-2019, Russia's GDP will be as follows:

• Revenues will reach 15.25 trillion rubles, which is equal to almost 16% of the country's GDP. The same figure in 2019 will increase to 15.55 trillion rubles.
• Expenditures are planned at 16.5 trillion rubles, which is about 17% of GDP; in 2019, expenses will reach 16.4 trillion rubles.
• The budget deficit in 2018 will be about 1.3 trillion rubles.

According to the World Bank, the Russian GDP in 2018 will increase from 1.3% in 2017 to 1.7%.

The strongest and weakest economies in the world

• The United States, whose leadership is constantly being challenged by China. The GDP is 18 trillion trillion US dollars. The American national currency is recognized as one of the most stable in the world, which ensures successful economic development and high GDP every year. Annual GDP growth is 2.2%, and income per person is 55 thousand US dollars.,
• China - GDP is 11.21 trillion US dollars. The annual increase in gross external product is 10%.
• Japan - GDP is equal to 4.21 trillion US dollars, the gross external product is increasing by 1.5% per year.
• Germany - GDP is equal to 3.413 trillion per year, the figure grows every year by 0.4%.
• Britain - 2.8534 trillion per year.

The EU countries, whose economies are successfully coping with the consequences of the global financial crisis and are actively developing, constitute significant competition for the United States and China. The leaders in terms of GDP for 2017 in the EU were:

1. Liechtenstein.
2. Netherlands.
3. Ireland.
4. Austria.
5. Sweden.
6. Germany.
7. Finland.
8. Italy.
9. Britannia.
10. Spain.

The world's weakest economies include:

• Venezuela, whose GDP may decline by 3.5% this year.
• Brazil - GDP will fall by 3%.
• Greece - 1.8%.
• Russia - by 0.5%.
• Ecuador - by 0.5%.
• Argentina - GDP will not change, but the economy is not attractive for investment.

Countries such as Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Guinea, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Chad are considered the worst for doing business and implementing investment projects.

It is recommended to invest in countries such as China, Rwanda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Bhutan, India, New Guinea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Burma, Congo, Ethiopia. The economies of these countries are fast growing and developing as they export important products to the world market.

Thus, Uzbekistan has long become the largest supplier of cotton and natural gas, and is now developing the gold market. Ethiopia leads Africa in exports of agricultural products, textiles, and energy resources.

Destroyed in the 1990s. Rwanda is now actively exporting coffee, tea, and minerals, which stimulates economic growth. Tanzania exports gold, Mozambique - natural gas, New Guinea - gold, oil, minerals.

Thus, the countries of Asia and Africa are successfully joining the world economy, competing with European countries.

GDP growth during the crisis, the state of the economy, and an increase in average wages are factors that have allowed some countries to maintain leadership positions in the quality of life of the population. Based on the results of 2016, which states became more convenient for living, which ones left the TOP 10 and which ones still remain dream countries? About this in our article!

A good country is a healthy country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN and the World Bank, the TOP 10 countries with the healthiest populations look like this:

1. Iceland. Its primacy is due to the maximum number of health workers (more than 3.6 per 1 thousand people), the minimum number of people diagnosed with tuberculosis (only 2 per 1 thousand people) and the highest life expectancy in the world (more than 72 years for men and 74 for women).
2. Singapore. The minimum number of people suffering from obesity (1.8%) and high life expectancy (on average 82 years) allowed this city-state to take a high place in the ranking.
3. Sweden. The small number of tuberculosis patients (only 3 per 1 thousand people), coupled with minimal infant mortality, allowed it to take an honorable 2nd place.
4. Germany. More than 11% of the state’s GDP goes to healthcare (Germany spends more than 3,500 euros annually on the treatment of citizens).
5. Switzerland. The high ranking is due to the large number of doctors (3.6 per 1 thousand people)
6. Andorra. Healthcare spending in Andorra accounts for more than 8% of GDP, and the average life expectancy of the population exceeds 82 years.
7. United Kingdom. This country is the only Western state that owns 95% of the medical institutions operating on its territory. More than 9.8% of GDP is spent on healthcare.
8. Finland. In this country, about 300 people fall ill with tuberculosis per year, while every year 30 thousand people are diagnosed with cancer (over 75% of patients are completely cured).
9. Netherlands. The country has a low incidence of tuberculosis (5.4 people per 1 thousand inhabitants) and a sufficient life expectancy - more than 81 years.
10. Canada. The Medicare healthcare system is the pride of this North American state, because it guarantees virtually free medical care to every resident. Expenditures on health care account for over 10% of GDP, and the life expectancy of citizens exceeds 80 years.

The worst countries in terms of the health of their citizens are African states: Swaziland, Somalia, South Sudan, Chad, Central African Republic, Mali, etc. The ranking is based on data from researchers at Seattle University and the Bloomberg news agency.

WHO uses a special indicator to determine the quality of healthcare - life expectancy at birth. According to the World Health Organization ranking, Russia ranks 110th in terms of medical care. And although the healthcare system leaves much to be desired, the Russian Federation is ahead of other CIS countries, such as Kazakhstan (111th place), Tajikistan (115th), Armenia (116th), Uzbekistan (117th), Ukraine (151st), losing only to the Republic of Belarus (98th place) .

TOP 10 countries ideal for business

A strong economy is unthinkable without a successful business. In 2016, Forbes compiled a list of countries that are most convenient for doing business. It is noteworthy that out of 10 participants in the rating, 6 are EU countries:

1. Sweden;
2. New Zealand;
3. Hong Kong;
4. Ireland;
5. United Kingdom;
6. Denmark;
7. Netherlands;
8. Finland;
9. Norway;
10. Canada.

The American publication has been forming the rating for 11 years, taking into account the level of bureaucracy, the amount of taxes, corruption, economic growth, financial and personal freedom of citizens - a total of 11 factors were taken into account. For 7 of them, Sweden was in the top ten, because its economy at the end of the year grew by 4.2 percent with a GDP of 493 billion US dollars. Data for the assessment were obtained from reports of the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, the non-governmental international anti-corruption organization Transparency International, etc.

In terms of economic development, Russia took 40th place, and in terms of the complexity of starting a business, it was in 26th position. In terms of the availability of electricity, the Russian Federation became 30th, in terms of the availability of loans it became 44th, in terms of the level of taxation - 45th, in terms of the complexity of obtaining construction rights, our country became 115th. According to the World Bank, the ideal country for business (without taking into account additional criteria, such as economic growth) is New Zealand, because “paying taxes is as easy as writing a check.”

The most prosperous countries in the world

Is it good where we are not? The British non-profit organization The Legatum Institute has published a world ranking study of the most prosperous countries in the world. The most “prosperous” countries are determined taking into account economic and social indicators, business opportunities, levels of education and healthcare, social capital and personal freedoms of citizens. Experts assessed 149 countries, giving them scores ranging from 0 to 10 based on 89 criteria.

Based on the results of the analysis carried out in 2016, the following rating was compiled:

1. New Zealand (prosperity index - 79.28);
2. Norway (78.66);
3. Finland (78.56);
4. Switzerland (78.10);
5. Canada (77.67);
6. Australia (77.48);
7. Netherlands (77.44);
8. Sweden (77.43);
9. Denmark (77.37);
10. UK (77.18).

The purpose of the study is to study the social well-being of the world's states on a global scale. The Prosperity Index is a composite indicator that measures the achievements of countries in terms of well-being. In this list, Russia occupies 95th position (prosperity index - 54.73). The closest “neighbors” in terms of rating are Nepal and Moldova (94th and 96th places, respectively). Among the CIS countries, Russia has the best indicators: 25th place in the quality of education, 56th in environmental safety, 69th in entrepreneurship.

Russia's achievements are obvious - every year it moves to the top of the ranking. At the same time, the results should be viewed through the prism of political sentiment: the report of the Legatum Institute repeatedly used liberal clichés “Putin’s Russia”, “Soviet legacy”, “communist past”, etc. When compiling the rating, the British organization uses survey data from the previous year, which does not allow a 100% objective reflection of reality.

Rating of countries in the world by standard of living

The United Nations (UN) has been publishing a report on the quality of life of people around the world since 1990. The rating is based on the Human Development Index, or Humanity Development Index (HDI). This index allows you to measure the achievements of states in the field of healthcare, income, education, social services, etc.

The report was last published in 2015, and the best countries to live in were distributed in the UN ranking as follows:

1. Norway (0.94);
2. Australia (0.935);
3. Switzerland (0.93);
4. Denmark (0.923);
5. Netherlands (0.922);
6. Germany (0.916);
7. Ireland (0.916);
8. United States of America (0.916);
9. Canada (0.913);
10. New Zealand (0.913).

Russia is one of the countries with a high human development index (0.798) along with Belarus. Our country is somewhat ahead of Oman, Romania, Uruguay, slightly inferior to Montenegro. The countries with the worst HDI scores are located in Africa: Niger, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Chad, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mozambique and Mali.

1. Denmark (201.53);
2. Switzerland (196.44);
3. Australia (196.40);
4. New Zealand (196.09);
5. Germany (189.87);
6. Austria (187);
7. Netherlands (186.46);
8. Spain (184.96);
9. Finland (183.98);
10. United States of America (181.91).

The index was calculated without the use of government data or official reports, so it can be considered subjective and depoliticized. For calculations, a formula was used that takes into account factors such as the purchasing power of the population, the ratio of real estate costs to citizens’ incomes, safety and cost of living, quality of healthcare, climate, and even the situation on the roads (the fewer traffic jams, the better).

Russia ranks 55th on this list with a quality of life index of 86.53. It is slightly ahead of Ukraine and slightly inferior to Egypt and Singapore. Russia has shown good results in the real estate sector: the housing affordability index is 13.3 (this is only slightly higher than that of Austria, France, Estonia, and South Korea). The purchasing power index of Russians is two times lower than that of citizens of the leading countries on the list - only 52.6. But the cost of living index in Russia is one of the lowest (35.62). For comparison: in Switzerland it is 125.67, in Norway – 104.26.

The table of indices that determine the position of the listed countries looks like this:

Along with a high standard of living, relative affordability of housing, and high purchasing power of citizens, the leading countries in terms of living standards are also the most expensive to live in. The ranking of the most expensive countries to live is as follows:

1. Switzerland – 126.03;
2. Norway – 118.59;
3. Venezuela – 111.51;
4. Iceland – 102.14;
5. Denmark – 100.06;
6. Australia – 99.32;
7. New Zealand - 93.71;
8. Singapore - 93.61;
9. Kuwait - 92.97;
10. UK – 92.19.

The TOP 10 is based on data from the research company Movehub (UK). The index used (the Consumer Price Index, or CPI) takes into account the cost of food, utilities, transportation, gasoline and entertainment. Interesting fact: the index reflects the cost of living ratio in New York (if it is 80, then living in the country is 20% cheaper than in the Big Apple).

The most affordable countries for living include mainly the countries of Asia and Africa: India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Egypt, Algeria. The countries of Europe and North America still remain attractive, but quite expensive for living. The attractiveness is due to the excellent quality of medical and educational services. The best universities in the world are located on their territory: Harvard, Princeton and Yale, Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Many of the leaders in the listed ratings are countries with excellent ecology. According to Forbes, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway are the three cleanest and most favorable countries to live in in terms of climate and ecology. There are practically no harmful industries on their territory, and endless green meadows, mountains and clean natural reservoirs make living and relaxing there as beneficial as possible for health.

Let us note that many states are absolute leaders who have distinguished themselves in all respects. Thus, Norway, Iceland and Sweden can be safely called ideal for living, working, and tourism. Which countries, in your opinion, have provided their citizens with optimal living conditions and the highest standard of living? Share your personal experiences and opinions in the comments!

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