There are many different ways to measure the power of a country. Some might consider economic indicators like GDP or per capita income. Others might focus on military might, looking at things like the size of a country’s armed forces or its nuclear arsenal. Still others might consider factors like a country’s natural resources, its geography, or its diplomatic relations.
No matter how you measure it, there’s no denying that these 20 countries are some of the most powerful in the world.
1. United States
The United States is the world’s most powerful country. It has the largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $19.39 trillion. It also has the largest military budget, spending $610 billion on defense in 2017. The United States has a large nuclear arsenal and is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
2. China
China is the world’s second most powerful country. It has the second largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $12.01 trillion. China also has the largest standing army in the world, with over 2 million soldiers. China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and has a large nuclear arsenal.
3. Russia
Russia is the world’s third most powerful country. It has the third largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $1.58 trillion. Russia also has the second largest nuclear arsenal in the world and is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
4. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is the world’s fourth most powerful country. It has the fifth largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $2.62 trillion. The United Kingdom is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
5. Germany
Germany is the world’s fifth most powerful country. It has the fourth largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $3.37 trillion. Germany is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
6. Japan
Japan is the world’s sixth most powerful country. It has the third largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $4.87 trillion. Japan is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
7. India
India is the world’s seventh most powerful country. It has the seventh largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $2.61 trillion. India is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
8. France
France is the world’s eighth most powerful country. It has the sixth largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $2.58 trillion. France is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
9. South Korea
South Korea is the world’s ninth most powerful country. It has the eleventh largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $1.41 trillion. South Korea is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
10. Italy
Italy is the world’s tenth most powerful country. It has the eighth largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $2.06 trillion. Italy is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.