The World’s 50 Richest Countries 2025, According To Financial Experts
From glittering alpine lakes to the neon-lit skylines of East Asia, here are the world’s 50 richest countries, according to UBS.
The Great Wall of China.
From the thunderous canyons of Utah to the misty peaks of China, 2025 reveals a world not only rich in beauty—but in economic might. To chart this landscape, I turned to UBS to rank the world’s richest countries by total net household wealth (in USD billions)—in-line with their 2025 Global Wealth Report—based on data from the OECD, IMF, and World Bank. But this isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a guide spotlighting wealth found in mighty cathedrals, bullet trains, and vineyard-laced rivers, too. Where affluence meets artistry, and tradition marries transformation—consider this your passport to the planet’s most prosperous places.
1. United States
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 163,117
Grand Canyon
From the sandstone cathedrals of Utah to the mist-shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest—the United States unfurls like a cinematic epic. New York pulses with frenetic energy—think steel, steam, and jazz colliding in its electric veins—while New Orleans sways to a sultry rhythm steeped in soul, where brass bands echo through balconies and beignets dust fingers in powdered sugar. Choose the West Coast for drama—think craggy cliffs and colossal redwoods rising like ancient sentinels—waves crashing below surfers in neoprene and fog rolling over winding coastal highways. Meanwhile, jewels like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Route 66’s retro diners are chapters in the country’s age-old story.
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Total Wealth (USD Billion): 91,082
Li River, China
China whispers of ancient dynasties, where the Gobi Desert breathes solemn silence—its dunes rippling beneath camel caravans—and Huangshan’s mist-draped peaks evoke delicate ink paintings. Beijing, however, juxtaposes deep-rooted tradition and relentless speed—imagine rickshaws and sleek bullet trains threading past imperial palaces and gleaming skyscrapers that shimmer above bustling night markets. Meanwhile, southern vistas dazzle with surreal karst formations rising from rice paddies, and emerald terraced hillsides dotted with water buffalo and bamboo groves. Along its mighty Yangtze River, timeworn pagodas and futuristic skylines coexist—mirroring a civilization both timeless and ever-evolving, where cargo ships glide past LED-lit towers and fishermen cast nets beneath ancient bridges.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 21,332
In Japan, the past and future shake hands like cherry blossoms in spring’s winds. Kyoto? Think timeless grace—ancient temples, silk kimonos, and the smell of incense flowing from shrines. Meanwhile, Tokyo pulses with neon-drenched energy, ramen stalls, and skyscrapers crowned with rooftop gardens. Sleek bullet trains slice through pristine snowfields and sprawling cities—linking lavender fields in Hokkaido with shimmering coral reefs in Okinawa, teeming with clownfish and sea turtles. While the seasons paint the land in lyrical poetry—think blushing sakura in spring and powdery snow that hushes the rugged mountains in winter, where steaming onsen bubble beside lantern-lit ryokan.
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4. United Kingdom
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 18,056
Big Ben, London
The UK wears its history like a well-tailored coat—where London’s skyline stitches ornate Gothic spires with gleaming glass towers, and pub laughter spills into centuries-old alleys. Scotland broods beautifully—its misty lochs and windswept moors echoing with legend and lore—where red deer graze beneath ruined abbeys and whisky warms cold hands in stone bothies. Meanwhile, Wales sings in slate and soul—its valleys dotted with woolly sheep and echoed by the lilting notes of male voice choirs drifting from chapel doors.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 17,695
Lake Sylvenstein, Bavaria, Germany
Germany is a land of quiet resilience and reinvention—where Berlin pulses with raw creativity—alive with vibrant graffiti, avant-garde galleries, and thumping underground beats. The world-famous Rhine River winds past elite vineyards and storybook villages that seem lifted from enchanted fairy tales. Meanwhile, Bavaria’s snow-capped peaks cradle chalets, smoke curling from chimneys as skiers clatter past biergartens serving pretzels—and Hamburg’s harbor hums with cranes, cargo ships, and the scent of fresh-caught North Sea herring. Autumn arrives in a blaze of golden forests accompanied by the hearty clink of steins—as age-old tradition and cutting-edge innovation raise a toast together. ForbesThe World’s Most Visited Countries, According To ResearchBy Lewis Nunn
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 16,008
Taj Mahal, India
India doesn’t simply unfold—it erupts in a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and spirit. Delhi’s chaos dances around crumbling Mughal forts, honking rickshaws, and spice-laden bazaars—brimming with turmeric and cardamom. Meanwhile, Mumbai dreams in glittering Bollywood hues—where street vendors serve vada pav beneath neon billboards. The Himalayas rise in snow-draped majesty—dotted with prayer flags fluttering over yak trails and stone monasteries—while Kerala’s emerald backwaters drift past coconut palms and houseboats with woven canopies. Journey to Rajasthan, blazing with regal splendor in its sandstone palaces and mirrored halls—or to Varanasi, where marigold garlands float beside flickering diyas on the Ganges.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 15,508
Provence, France
France seduces with effortless elegance—where its capital, Paris, sparkles with romantic allure—and its charming cafés, graceful bridges, and tree-lined boulevards form a living, breathing canvas. Flaky croissants warm in glowing bakeries, accordion notes drift through the air, and lovers linger by the Seine. Meanwhile, Provence hums with lavender fields, vineyards, and the steady chorus of cicadas. The glittering Riviera glints with coastal glamour—sunbathers recline on pebbled beaches, yachts bob in turquoise harbors, and rosé flows beneath striped parasols. Normandy, however, stands solemn—its rugged cliffs etched with poignant history, where poppies grow near weathered bunkers and the tide laps quietly at Omaha Beach. ForbesThe World’s Best River Cruises 2025, According To ExpertsBy Lewis Nunn
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 11,550
Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada
Canada is a breath of fresh air—vast, untamed, and quietly majestic. Vancouver balances salty ocean mist with modern urban sleekness—framed by forested mountains and glassy high-rises, where cyclists glide past sushi bars and cedar-scented trails. Nova Scotia’s rugged coasts, however, crash with maritime soul—lobster traps stacked beside weathered shacks, and lighthouses blinking through Atlantic fog. Explore its towering Rockies cradling glacial lakes and wandering grizzlies beneath snow-dusted peaks—where canoes glide across Moraine Lake and elk graze near pine-fringed trails.
9. South Korea
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 11,041
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea is compact, dynamic, and steeped in tradition. Its capital, Seoul, pulses with neon energy—where royal palaces nestle between glass towers, and night markets sizzle with spicy tteokbokki and grilled squid. Meanwhile, Jeju Island serves volcanic beauty—with its twisting lava tubes, Hallasan’s crater trails, and waterfalls tumbling into emerald pools. The countryside rolls in green serenity—dotted with mirror-like rice paddies, misty peaks like Jirisan, and tranquil temples where monks chant beneath ancient pine trees. ForbesThe Ultimate Guide To South Africa CruisesBy Lewis Nunn
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 10,600
Lake Como, Italy
Italy is a living, breathing masterpiece—where Rome’s ornate fountains and ruins echo with imperial grandeur—from the roar of the Colosseum to the hush of twilight in Piazza Navona. Venice glides on liquid poetry through labyrinthine canals—where gondolas drift beneath stone bridges—while Florence radiates Renaissance brilliance: its domes and galleries steeped in artistic splendor, with Michelangelo’s David standing in hushed reverence. The Amalfi Coast tumbles into sapphire seas—its lemon groves clinging to cliffs and pastel villages stacked like dreams. Inland, rolling vineyards and terracotta hilltop towns bask in golden light—where wine flows from rustic cellars and church bells mark the slow rhythm of life. Its crowning jewel? Sicily—smoldering with volcanic drama from Mount Etna’s slopes.
11. Australia
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 10,500
Australian Outback
Australia roars with untamed, elemental force. Sun-scorched deserts blaze beneath vast skies—where red earth stretches endlessly and kangaroos bound past ghost gums. Meanwhile, primeval rainforests murmur with ancient secrets—thick with strangler figs and screeching cockatoos. Sydney sparkles by the sea—its iconic Opera House catching waves, wind, and golden light—while surfers carve through Bondi’s rolling swells and ferries trace the harbor’s curve. Meanwhile, Melbourne thrives on brooding art, eclectic culture, and shifting mood—graffiti-laced laneways humming with espresso machines and indie music. And the Great Barrier Reef dazzles beneath the turquoise surface—alive with coral gardens, darting clownfish, and the slow drift of sea turtles.
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Total Wealth (USD Billion): 9,153
Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain
Spain pulses with fiery rhythm—where flamenco flares in moonlit plazas and ancient Roman aqueducts stride across golden fields. Barcelona dreams in Gaudí’s whimsical curves—where chimneys twist like candy and mosaics shimmer in Park Güell. Madrid, however, bursts with artistic brilliance and kinetic energy—Velázquez and Goya commanding the Prado, while tapas bars buzz with clinking glasses late into the night. Meanwhile, Andalusia glows with Moorish magic—its tiled courtyards scented with orange blossoms, and minarets like the Giralda tower steeped in centuries of history. Heading to the north? Expect crisp cider poured and winding pilgrim paths that trace ancient footsteps through misty valleys.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 6,081
Taiwan is a mosaic of striking contrasts—where mist-veiled mountains rise steeply and ornate temples glow beside flickering neon signs—their dragon-carved eaves curling under the hum of scooters. Taipei blends fragrant incense with cutting-edge innovation—crowned by the soaring spire of Taipei 101 and grounded in night markets where stinky tofu and bubble tea perfume the air. Taroko Gorge, however, carves breathtaking grandeur from marble stone; a natural cathedral of cliffs, where suspension bridges sway above turquoise rapids and swallows dart through narrow canyons. Meanwhile, Kenting’s beaches sparkle with tropical charm—lined with palm trees, coral reefs, and roadside stands selling mango shaved ice.
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14. The Netherlands
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 5,366
Kinderdijk, Netherlands
The Netherlands flows with quiet grace—where iconic windmills turn lazily above tulip fields and narrow canals thread through cities like winding veins of living history—mirrored by gabled houses and drifting houseboats. Amsterdam blends artistic richness with laid-back elegance—Rembrandt’s brushstrokes linger in the Rijksmuseum, while cyclists glide past cafés and stroopwafel stands along leafy streets. Meanwhile, Rotterdam rises bold and modern—with angular architecture like the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge slicing across the water. Utrecht, however, whispers with medieval charm—its cobbled lanes and cathedral towers steeped in story—where candlelit cellars line the canals and church bells echo through silent courtyards.
15. Switzerland
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 4,914
Filisur, Switzerland
Switzerland is precision wrapped in poetry—where jagged Alpine peaks pierce the heavens and crystalline lakes mirror storybook villages. Zurich hums with meticulous order and understated charm—trams glide past chocolate shops, and the Limmat River sparkles beneath stone bridges. Meanwhile, Geneva radiates diplomacy and cosmopolitan grace—its lakeside promenades framed by swans and sailboats, and the Jet d’Eau rising like a silver plume. Lucerne bridges past and present with its medieval architecture and modern pulse—frescoed facades lining the Reuss River, while concert halls and boutiques buzz nearby.
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Total Wealth (USD Billion): 4,835
Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Brazil dances between untamed wilderness and wonder. The Amazon murmurs with ancient breath—its vast canopy alive with chattering macaws, shimmering tree frogs, and pink river dolphins. Meanwhile, cities like Rio de Janeiro shimmer with golden coastlines, samba beats, and carnival spirit—where Christ the Redeemer watches over and dancers swirl in feathered splendor through Lapa’s lively streets. Meanwhile, Salvador blends colonial façades with rich Afro-Brazilian heritage—where drum circles echo in Pelourinho’s cobbled squares—and farther south, thunderous Iguaçu Falls roar through emerald jungle mist.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 4,608
St. Petersburg, Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia—with 11 time zones, 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a wide range of climates and landscapes. Major cities include Moscow, its capital—known for the Red Square—and St. Petersburg. Other notable destinations include Lake Baikal—the world’s deepest freshwater lake—and the Trans-Siberian Railway, which crosses the country from west to east.
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18. Hong Kong
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 3,821
Hong Kong rises in a dazzling vertical rhythm—sleek towers pierce the sky as incense curls from temple courtyards, and centuries-old traditions thread through neon nights. Victoria Harbour sparkles with darting ferries and mirrored reflections—while alleyways buzz with sizzling street food, clinking chopsticks, and Cantonese chatter. From steamy dim sum in bustling teahouses to rooftop bars overlooking glittering skylines—the city blends ancient soul with modern edge. Beyond the urban sprawl, Lantau Island offers misty trails and spiritual calm beneath the serene gaze of the Big Buddha.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 3,783
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Mexico tells its tale in murals, soulful music, and memory. Ancient pyramids like Chichén Itzá pierce jungle skies—while colonial plazas echo with mariachi melodies and the scent of roasted corn. In sprawling Mexico City, bold flavors burst from market stalls—tacos al pastor sizzling beside woven baskets of chilies. Meanwhile, Oaxaca simmers with smoky mezcal, hand-dyed textiles, and mole rich with spice and tradition. Hidden cenotes glisten beneath Yucatán’s limestone veil—cool, sacred pools where turquoise water meets tangled roots and whispered legend.
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20. Indonesia
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 3,591
Indonesia stretches across the sea like a shimmering constellation of islands. Bali breathes incense—its emerald rice terraces stepping gently through lush, tropical green—where offerings of frangipani and rice adorn temple steps. Meanwhile, Jakarta races with urban rhythm—scooters weaving through twilight streets grilling satay—and Komodo’s prehistoric dragons bask on tropical shores; while coral reefs bloom beneath crystal waters teeming with clownfish and manta rays. Java whispers through misty ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, while Sumatra’s dense jungles echo with wild calls of orangutans swinging through fig trees and the rustle of monsoon rain.
21. Belgium
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 3,207
Ghent, Belgium
Belgium charms with quiet elegance and richly layered history. Brussels balances regal grandeur with political gravitas—its cobbled streets curving past gilded chocolate shops, Art Nouveau façades, and bustling cafés pouring Trappist ales. Meanwhile, Ghent glows with soaring Gothic towers and shimmering canal reflections. Bruges, however, enchants with horse-drawn carriages, and lantern-lit squares echoing with carillon bells—while in Wallonia, dense forests cradle ivy-draped castles, and the misty Ardennes invite slow walks past wild boar tracks and hidden valleys. Golden beer, warm waffles, and spirited festivals mark the rhythm of Belgian life—sweet, savory, and steeped in tradition.
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Total Wealth (USD Billion): 2,737
Camping under the Northern Lights.
Sweden whispers through ancient forests and glacial fjords—its beauty understated, serene, and quietly majestic. Stockholm spreads gracefully across islands—where opulent royal halls meet waterfront promenades lined with fishing boats and open-air museums. Meanwhile, Gothenburg offers maritime warmth and cozy cafés bursting with cinnamon buns. In Lapland, reindeer roam beneath dancing auroras—their hooves crunching snow near fire-lit cabins—while summer brings endless golden light to wildflower-strewn meadows, berry-laden trails, and tranquil lakes that mirror pine silhouettes. Wooden cottages dot the countryside here—and fika rituals slow the day with coffee and sweet cardamom.
23. Denmark
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 2,258
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark flows with graceful simplicity and soul. In Copenhagen, cyclists glide past copper spires and winding canals—cinnamon pastries in hand. Meanwhile, along the rugged coast, windswept dunes shift beneath ever-changing skies—while salty sea breezes carry whispered stories of Viking ships and seaside villages. Roskilde’s stately cathedral stands solemn and proud—its royal tombs steeped in centuries of candlelit reverence—while chalk-white Møns Klint plunges into the deep Baltic blue, where fossil hunters comb the shore and peregrine falcons wheel overhead.
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24. Saudi Arabia
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 2,247
Empty Quarter Desert Dunes
Saudi Arabia blends desert sands with futuristic ambition. Riyadh rises with gleaming glass towers beside spice-scented souks—where vendors offer saffron, oud, and cardamom. Meanwhile, Jeddah stretches along the shimmering Red Sea—its coral-stone architecture framing bustling art galleries and seafood grills. AlUla stuns with sculpted sandstone cliffs, ancient Nabatean tombs, and moonlit stargazing among rock formations—while the vast Empty Quarter whispers with endless dunes and camel caravans. In Asir, however, misty mountains cradle flower-filled villages—their painted houses and terraced hillsides blooming with lavender and wild basil. From high-tech skylines to timeworn trails, Saudi Arabia pulses with contrasts—bold and deeply rooted.
25. Singapore
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 2,125
Singapore thrives in curated contrast—where tropical rainforest meets a gleaming skyline, and sizzling hawker stalls hum beneath soaring glass domes. Marina Bay glows with architectural flair and waterfront spectacle—from the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum to nightly light shows. Meanwhile, heritage districts pulse with spice, color, and centuries-old tradition: Kampong Glam’s textile shops and perfume houses, Chinatown’s lantern-strung markets, and Little India’s gold bangles and jasmine garlands. And island ferries skim across crystal-clear tropical blue—linking the mainland to sun-drenched shores like Sentosa—where palm trees frame beach bars and zip lines.
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Total Wealth (USD Billion): 2,022
Cappadocia, Turkey
Turkey bridges worlds—where East meets West in a swirl of spice, carved stone, and spirit. Istanbul pulses with history—its skyline crowned with slender minarets, grand domes, and bustling bazaars filled with copperware, carpets, and the scent of roasted chestnuts. Meanwhile, Cappadocia floats with hot air balloons over honeycombed valleys and cave dwellings carved into soft rock. The Aegean coast cradles ancient ruins like Ephesus—alongside shimmering turquoise bays dotted with wooden gulets—while towering Mount Ararat looms in the rugged east. Visit its famed city of Pamukkale—where gleaming white terraces cascade with thermal pools steaming under open skies.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,874
Krakow, Poland
Poland carries its layered past with resilient pride. Kraków’s medieval heart beats beneath soaring Gothic towers and the echo of church bells over market stalls. Meanwhile, Warsaw rebuilds with striking glass façades and solemn memory—where modern museums rise beside war-scarred monuments. Gdańsk glows with golden light and a rich maritime legacy—think shipyards, amber shops, and spires meeting the Baltic breeze. The Masurian Lakes? Shimmering in forested calm—mirror-like waters nestled among pine woods as kayaks drift past winding trails. Journey south to the Tatra Mountains, crisp and alpine, where jagged peaks rise above chapels, grazing sheep, and winding shepherd paths.
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28. Austria
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,798
Hallstatt, Austria
Austria sings in alpine harmony—where snow-capped mountains rise like grand symphonies, and green valleys echo with cowbells and folk songs. Its capital, Vienna, blends imperial splendor with café culture—boulevards lined with baroque façades, golden chandeliers, and the scent of warm apple strudel. Meanwhile, Salzburg serves up Mozart’s legacy—its concert halls and manicured gardens steeped in classical charm. Visit Innsbruck—cradled by snowy peaks and pastel-hued streets—where ski lifts and medieval arcades meet. Or, head to the Wachau Valley—rolling with terraced vineyards, hilltop castles, apricot orchards, and riverside abbeys reflected in the Danube River.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,724
Israel is a small country in the Middle East bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea—with a population of over 9 million and two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic. Jerusalem is the capital and a major religious center—while Tel Aviv serves as the economic and cultural hub. The terrain includes coastal plains, desert (Negev), and mountainous regions. While key sites include the Dead Sea, Masada, and the Old City of Jerusalem.
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Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,598
Bruges, Norway
Norway glows with breathtaking natural drama—deep fjords slicing into the land like ancient scars, and waterfalls tumbling through mossy cliffs into glassy inlets. Oslo blends sleek Scandinavian design with serenity—its waterfront promenades, floating saunas, and forested parks offering quiet escape. Farther north, the sky shimmers with ethereal auroras and the glow of the midnight sun over snow-dusted tundra. Fishing villages, however, cling to rugged coasts—their red cabins perched between sea and stone, drying cod hanging from wooden racks. Meanwhile, intricate stave churches—carved with dragons and saints—rise like solemn guardians of tradition amid pine forests and mountain mist.
31. Thailand
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,581
Rainforest, Thailand
Thailand is a tapestry of contrasts—emerald rice fields sway in the breeze, and weathered ruins in Sukhothai whisper of ancient kingdoms through crumbling stupas and stone Buddhas. In Bangkok, the city pulses through neon-lit alleys, gilded shrines, sizzling street food stalls, and rooftop lounges perched above the winding Chao Phraya River. Meanwhile, the misty northern highlands cradle Chiang Mai’s serene temples, lantern-lit nights, and bustling craft markets filled with silk and silver. Its southern coast unfurls into island dreams: think Phuket’s coral gardens, longtail boats skimming turquoise bays, and Koh Samui’s palm-fringed shores dotted with coconut groves.
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32. New Zealand
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,551
Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
Like nature’s living masterpiece—New Zealand is raw, wild, and profoundly spiritual. Towering glaciers carve dramatic fjords into the rugged coastline—while ancient volcanoes rise from fern-filled valleys wrapped in mist. Auckland’s skyline dances with white sails, glass towers, and dormant volcanic cones—Wellington, however, spins stories through indie films, fusion cuisine, and vibrant street art. Head to Queenstown and you’ll leap into adrenaline-fueled days with snow-capped peaks, mirrored alpine lakes, jet boats, and winding trails. Meanwhile, Fiordland murmurs in cascading waterfalls and moss-draped cliffs—while Māori traditions anchor the land with intricate wood carvings, haka chants, and sacred sites like Rotorua’s steaming geysers.
33. Portugal
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,405
Porto, Portugal
Portugal moves to a rhythm of sea and soul. Lisbon climbs hills with mosaic-tiled façades, rattling vintage trams, and panoramic viewpoints glowing at dusk over terracotta rooftops. Meanwhile, Porto pours its heart into velvety port wine, gilded baroque churches, and winding cobbled streets lined with azulejos. Visit Coimbra—singing with scholarly pride—its centuries-old university halls echoing with fado melodies. Or head to the Algarve—stretching into golden coves, sea caves, and cliffside villages kissed by seagull cries. Its UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley flows with vineyard serenity—think terraced slopes, stone farmhouses, and river bends steeped in the scent of ripening grapes.
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34. United Arab Emirates
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,292
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a dazzling vision in motion—where golden desert silence meets bold architectural ambition. Dubai reaches skyward with gleaming glass towers, opulent malls, and bustling souks scented with saffron, oud, and cardamom. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi balances regal grandeur with serene grace—its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque radiant in white marble, floral mosaics, and crystal chandeliers. Sharjah preserves rich cultural depth through world-class museums, literary festivals, and coral-stone heritage districts. Ras Al Khaimah, however, offers rugged escapes among jagged mountain shadows, windswept wadis, and ancient forts. From falcons to fast cars, dhow boats to futuristic skylines, tradition and innovation race side by side.
35. South Africa
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,027
Cape Town, South Africa.
South Africa is a land of rhythm and resilience—where Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain towers over Bo-Kaap’s candy-colored houses, and murals splashed across breezy streets. Johannesburg pulses with gold-rush grit, jazz clubs, and buzzing markets—while the Garden Route winds past ancient yellowwood forests, misty cliffs, and elephant crossings near Knysna. Kruger National Park, however, awakens with untamed life at dawn—think lion roars echoing across the golden savanna and hyenas cackling in the distance. Meanwhile, in Stellenbosch, oak-lined avenues lead to centuries-old vineyards—where heritage is poured into every glass of Chenin Blanc or Pinotage.
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36. Ireland
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 1,014
County Donegal, Republic of Ireland
Ireland sings with story and spellbinding scenery. Dublin blends literary lore with lively pubs, Georgian townhouses, and cobbled streets echoing with Yeats and Wilde. Meanwhile, Galway dances to the beat of fiddles, painted shopfronts, and salty Atlantic winds swirling through Eyre Square. The wild west of Ireland reveals sea cliffs like Slieve League, hushed peat bogs, and winding roads threading through Connemara’s granite hills and glassy lakes. Meanwhile, ancient castles rise from misty riverbanks—like Trim and Kilkenny—as woolly sheep graze across emerald pastures. Visit its world-famous Giant’s Causeway—where hexagonal basalt columns stride into crashing surf, steeped in myth and legend.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 938
Acropolis of Athens, Greece
Greece glows with myth and golden light. Athens crowns its skyline with the Acropolis—its marble columns gazing over lively squares with clinking glasses of ouzo and the smell of grilled souvlaki. Meanwhile, the Cyclades sparkle with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-lined alleys, and sapphire waters lapping at hidden coves. Crete offers rugged gorges, sun-dappled olive groves, and Minoan palaces echoing ancient grandeur. Thessaloniki, however, pulses with spice-laden markets, waterfront cafés, and Byzantine mosaics tucked into quiet chapels. Gawp at Meteora’s monasteries—perched atop towering stone pillars—while across the Aegean, ferries weave between island gems where laughter spills from seaside tavernas and sunsets linger over glorious harbors.
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Total Wealth (USD Billion): 842
Snowy Licancabur volcano in Chile.
Chile stretches across extremes—scorching desert heat in the north vs glacial silence in the south. Santiago nestles between snow-dusted Andes—alive with Neruda’s poetry, leafy plazas, and bustling cafés. Meanwhile, Valparaíso tumbles in technicolor down steep coastal hills—its graffiti-covered walls, creaky funiculars, and bohemian spirit telling stories of art and rebellion. The Atacama glows with flamingo-dotted salt flats, geysers at dawn, and stargazing under skies so clear they feel infinite. The Lake District, however, mirrors snow-capped volcanoes in glassy waters—while Patagonia howls with wind, jagged peaks, and untamed wilderness. Don’t miss world-famous Easter Island—where ancient moai statues stand solemn—guardians of mystery.
39. Finland
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 821
Finland, Lapland
Finland is a land of enchanting wonder. Helsinki blends sleek Nordic design with coastal calm—where Alvar Aalto buildings rise near harbors dotted with ice, and saunas steam beside the sea. Meanwhile, in Lapland, reindeer wander through snowy forests beneath the dancing green ribbons of the aurora borealis. Ancient pine woods brim with wild blueberries and lingonberries—while glassy lakes invite brisk summer swims, and smoke-scented wooden cabins glow with candlelight in the hush of falling snow.
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40. Czechia
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 799
Moravia, Czechia
Czechia enchants with layers of whimsy—Prague’s skyline pierces the sky with gilded spires, as the Vltava glides beneath Charles Bridge and lantern-lit embankments. Český Krumlov curls around its river like a fairytale—its turreted castle, frescoed walls, and cobbled lanes steeped in medieval charm. Meanwhile, Olomouc surprises with baroque fountains, buzzing student cafés, and lively squares framed by pastel facades. Deep forests hide moss-covered chapels and rustic breweries with smoky lagers—while across the rolling countryside, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance chateaux, and Art Nouveau villas stitch together a living mosaic of folklore.
41. Romania
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 720
Transylvania, Romania
Romania breathes haunting mystery into every landscape. Its capital, Bucharest, tells tales through grand boulevards, Belle Époque mansions, and the imposing Palace of the Parliament. Meanwhile, Transylvania unfolds with misty medieval towns like Sibiu and Brașov, vampire lore, and fortress-like castles such as Bran and Corvin perched on forested cliffs. The wild Carpathians cradle shepherds, brown bears, and winding trails through pine-covered peaks—while Bucovina’s painted monasteries glow with sacred frescoes in vivid golds. In the Danube Delta, silence reigns—broken only by pelican wings, rustling reeds, and drifting river mist that veils the labyrinth of wetlands.
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42. Colombia
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 688
Tolima, Colombia
Colombia bursts with color and unshakable spirit. Bogotá climbs with colonial plazas, Andean views, and street art splashed across La Candelaria’s walls. Meanwhile, Medellín blooms with eternal spring—its hillsides alive with orchids and sky-sailing cable cars. Cartagena glows with coral-stone ramparts, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and Caribbean heat pulsing through its plazas. Cali, however, dances to its own rhythm—full of salsa soul echoing from open-air clubs—while coffee country is dotted with fincas, wax palms, and the scent of fresh harvest. Head deep in the Amazon—and you’ll discover ancient life whispering through tangled canopy, drifting river mist, and the haunting calls of capuchinbirds.
43. Kazakhstan
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 579
Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan
Unfolding in epic scale, Kazakhstan is where wild horses gallop across boundless steppes, and salt lakes shimmer in hues of pink and silver. Almaty blends leafy boulevards, snow-capped peaks, and lingering Silk Road echoes in bustling bazaars and steaming teahouses. Meanwhile, Nur-Sultan rises with bold ambition—its skyline sculpted in steel, glass, and futuristic spires like Bayterek Tower. The Caspian Sea laps at desert shores—where oil rigs meet wind-swept dunes—while ancient nomadic traditions live on in felted yurts, golden eagle hunts, and stories passed by firelight beneath star-strewn skies.
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44. Hungary
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 465
Budapest, Hungary
Hungary flows with quiet grandeur—where Budapest straddles the shimmering Danube, its twilight-lit bridges linking Buda’s castle hills to Pest’s domed Parliament and ruin bars tucked in crumbling mansions. The cities of Debrecen and Szeged hum with academic life, paprika-scented markets, and glowing Art Nouveau facades. Meanwhile, Lake Balaton sparkles with sailboats drifting across turquoise waters, children splashing near pebbled shores, and vineyards climbing gentle hills. The Great Plain stretches beneath poetic skies where herds graze and mirages dance—while thermal springs bubble in ornate bathhouses like Széchenyi—their steam rising through vaulted ceilings.
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 450
Pearl-Qatar island in Doha
Qatar balances deep-rooted tradition with transformation—as its capital, Doha curves along the Persian Gulf with high-tech museums like the National Museum of Qatar, shimmering skyscrapers in West Bay, and souks perfumed with spice, oud, and rosewater. Katara and Msheireb pulse with creativity—think art galleries, film screenings, and restored wind towers celebrating the nation’s soul—while the Pearl gleams with waterfront cafés, luxury boutiques, and yacht-filled marinas. Inland, dunes ripple beneath vast desert skies, ancient forts like Al Zubarah stand watch, and camel tracks trace timeworn paths. Falconry displays, dhow boat races, and majlis gatherings with cardamom coffee keep Qatar’s cultural roots alive.
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46. Luxembourg
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 301
Where contrasts coexist with quiet elegance? Luxembourg. Its capital clings to dramatic cliffs, where medieval ramparts overlook glass-boxed financial towers and cobbled lanes wind past Gothic spires. Wander through The Grund, where the Alzette River hugs stone bridges and ivy-draped facades—while Kirchberg pulses with contemporary art, bold architecture, and the hum of EU institutions. Beyond the city, morning mist drapes over castle turrets like Vianden’s, and vineyards ripple in tidy rows along the Moselle. The Mullerthal region, however, invites hikers into a fairytale realm of mossy ravines, sculpted sandstone trails like the Schiessentümpel waterfall, and whispering forest paths.
47. Bulgaria
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 281
Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a land of living tradition. Sofia rests on ancient Roman ruins—its skyline pierced by golden Orthodox domes, leafy parks, and boulevards humming with espresso cafés and bookstalls. Meanwhile, Plovdiv’s cobbled streets wind past colorful art galleries, Ottoman houses, and Roman amphitheaters that echo with centuries of creativity. The Balkan Mountains rise with stoic grace—sheltering cliffside monasteries like Rila, winding shepherd trails, and forests steeped in Slavic myth. Along the Black Sea coast, however, golden resorts shimmer beside sleepy fishing villages, sunken shipwrecks, and hidden coves. Come June, the Rose Valley bursts into fragrant bloom, and folklore dances through fire-lit festivals, embroidered costumes, and tales passed from generation to generation.
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48. Slovakia
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 276
Mlynky village, Slovakia
Slovakia unfolds like a storybook—picture Bratislava’s old town leaning into the Danube—dressed with pastel façades, winding alleys, and medieval towers. The High Tatras pierce the sky with dramatic grandeur—offering glacial lakes like Štrbské Pleso, rugged hiking trails, and snow-dusted peaks that shimmer in alpine light. Meanwhile, Banská Štiavnica whispers mining glory through baroque façades, hillside chapels, and hidden courtyards. Košice, with its soaring St. Elisabeth Cathedral and art-filled lanes, bridges centuries of heritage with modern flair—while across the countryside—wooden churches, embroidered folk costumes, and village festivals preserve Slovak soul.
49. Croatia
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 259
Dalmatia, Croatia
Croatia is a mosaic of sea, stone, and enduring spirit. Dubrovnik’s ancient ramparts guard marble lanes that shimmer under Adriatic light—echoing with church bells and café laughter. Meanwhile, Split breathes through Diocletian’s Palace—its Roman columns framing lively piazzas shaded by palms and centuries-old walls. Zagreb invites strolls past bookshops, markets, and Austro-Hungarian façades. Inland, however, Istria tempts with truffle-scented taverns, rolling vineyards, and hilltop towns like Motovun. Sailing along the Dalmatian coast, you’ll spot crystalline waters lapping against sun-bleached beaches, olive groves, and island gems like Hvar and Korčula—scattered like pearls across the deep blue.
50. Uruguay
Total Wealth (USD Billion): 226
Uruguay flows with understated charm. Montevideo’s sweeping Rambla hugs the coast—where locals sip mate in ritual and tango melodies drift from shaded plazas—while Colonia del Sacramento preserves its colonial soul in cobbled streets, lantern-lit alleys, and vine-covered adobe walls. Punta del Este buzzes with beachside glamour—its sleek high-rises, art installations, and golden sands drawing sunseekers and surfers alike. Meanwhile, inland, the pampas stretch wide and golden—dotted with rustic estancias, grazing cattle, and gauchos on horseback beneath story-filled skies. From coastal calm to countryside tradition, Uruguay moves to a quiet rhythm—warm, grounded, and timeless.
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