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Top 10 Economies in the World by GDP

Nations around the globe are stirred by the various stages of economic cycles.
It is exciting to see that these countries with the highest GDP (gross domestic product) do not move from their positions.
17 are still on the list compared to the biggest 20 markets of 1980, meaning only three newcomers and almost no change in the top 10 strongest economies by GDP.
Besides the economic superpowers in the world holding their positions, a more in-depth analysis shows that the countries significantly influence the world’s economy (world’s GDP).
Together, unfortunately, because of various factors, the bottom 173 nations make up less than a fifth of the world economy.
For you to understand, I listed them on 2 factors, Nominal GDP, and to get a deeper picture, Purchasing Power Parity.
The data is based on the World Economic Outlook IMF report and national statistics. These are the top 10 largest economies in the world:

10. Canada

largest economies in the world
GDP (nominal): $1.71 trillion
GDP (PPP): $1.84 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ (non annualized) growth: -13%

The world’s tenth biggest economy is just ahead of Russia. 
Canada reported stable financial development from 1999 to 2008, with annual GDP expanding by an average of 2.9% fold. 
Because of its close financial relations with the United States, the Canadian economy quickly rebounded from the recession’s impact in 2009.
Being the second-largest economy in North America has its advantages, like a comparatively stable global sector and the resource-rich power of its resource-rich western regions. 
Since 2010, on average, Canada’s economy has risen by around 1.4% per year between 2010 and 2013. 
It hit the Canadian economy after the completion of the commodities supercycle, which recovered in recent years.
Canada’s nominal GDP stands at USD 1.71 trillion, with an annual growth pace of 2.0% in 2019, and is anticipated to reach $2.43 trillion by 2023. 
In the long run, according to our econometric models, it is an expectation that Canada’s GDP to move around USD 2 trillion in 2021.
Why does Canada have a high GDP?
1. Fourth highest in total natural resources.
2. Called as an energy superpower because it has the third biggest proven petroleum reserves.
3. Stability in Government & ranks among the least corrupt country in the world.
4. Highly globalized economy.

9. Brazil

brazil is the ninth best economy in the world
GDP (nominal): $1.87 trillion
GDP (PPP): $3.481 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ (non annualized) growth: -9.7%

Brazil is Latin America’s most populated, biggest country by size as well as the biggest economy.
Brazil is currently recovering from a socialism-focused economy with a nominal GDP of $1.868 trillion in 2018.
The nation is renowned for its textile, shoe, cement, lumber, iron ore, and tin sectors. 
This results in a comparatively powerful agriculture industry, which accounts for about 6% of the total GDP.
Services (72.8%) and industrial manufacturing (21%) sectors still account for most of the country’s GDP, as in most modern industries. 
Brazil continues to recover from a strong 2015 and 2016 recession
Unfortunately, problems amplified for the country after COVID-19’s shocking impact.
To make matters worse, before the pandemic, Brazil’s unemployment rates were around 11.8% (highest in the list), one can only imagine the skyrocketed unemployment situation now.
Before the crisis, it revealed financial products in the nations to be considerably more significant in 2013 and 2014 at nearly USD 2.5 trillion.
The IMF (International Monetary Fund) recently decreased Brazil’s forecasts below 1% because of weakening confidence in political stability and uncertainty over exchange rates.
“The sizable downward revision for 2019 reflects downgrades to Brazil, where sentiment has weakened considerably as uncertainty persists about the approval of pension and other structural reforms,” the IMF said.
Why is Brazil a rich country?
1. An enormous amount of natural resources like gold, uranium, iron, and timber.
2. The booming manufacturing industry as exports is increasing.

8. Italy

gdp by country
GDP (nominal): $2.014 trillion
GDP (PPP): $2.245 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ (non annualized) growth: -17.7%

Italy holds the eighth position in world economy ranking.
Italy is undergoing political unrest, economic stagnation, and the absence of significant changes holding it back from other European countries. 
The industry reported contractions of 2.4% and 1.8% in 2012 and 2013, but the economy has strengthened in the past few years.
The country is trying to build-up better financial relations with its neighboring small nations like Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, and other European economies.
It remains burdened by various long-standing leadership issues, including a rigid labor market, Stagnant productivity, high tax rates, 
Big, though decreasing numbers of non-performing loans in the banking sector; and high government debt.
These weaknesses limit the country’s financial growth, maintaining its viewpoint for development below that of its counterparts in Europe.
Italy’s unemployment level remains double-digit, while its government deficit stays tight at around 132% of GDP.
On the positive aspect, financial growth is driven by exports and an increase in investments.
What is Italy’s economy based on?
1. It is among the eight largest exporters in the world.
2. Profitable exports include high-quality automobile, naval, industrial, various appliances, agricultural products, wine (Italy is the largest wine producer).
3. It is the third biggest luxury hub in the world & the biggest in Europe.

7. United Kingdom

GDP (nominal): $2.744 trillion
GDP (PPP): $3.162 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ (non annualized) growth: -21.7%

With a GDP of $2.72 trillion, the UK holds the seventh spot in GDP by country in 2019-2020. Compared to GDP by purchasing-power-parity, UK drops to ninth place with a $3.16 trillion. 
IMF projects its nominal GDP in 2020 at $2.744 trillion, but we expect its ranking to slip to lower place by 2023 with $3.47 trillion in GDP. 
The UK is powered mainly by the services sector, which adds over 75% of GDP with manufacturing, the second prominent sector followed by farming.
There is still time to complete the Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU, which resulted in a fall in capital markets pushing FTSE 100 down from its all-time high in May 2018.
Growth is likely to slow next year as Brexit’s uncertainty will depress private consumption growth and fixed investment.
But a stronger external sector and stable worldwide supply could reduce the slowdown. 
By 2020, with a nominal GDP of USD 3.2 trillion, the UK will remain in the top five strongest countries by GDP.
Newly elected British prime minister, Boris Johnson, is expected to settle this matter as soon as possible to reduce Brexit’s impact on global financial stability.
Why is the UK so rich?
1. Highly mechanized & efficient Agricultural sector.
2. Strong Financial & Service based sector.

6. France

GDP (nominal): $2.707 trillion
GDP (PPP): $3.062 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ (non annualized) growth: -18.9%

France’s economy accounts for about one-fifth of the European Union’s total gross domestic product (EU GDP). 
Services are the main contributor to the country’s economy, with this industry accounting for over 70 percent of GDP.
France is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the automotive, aviation and rail industries, cosmetics, and luxury goods. 
Besides, it has a highly educated workforce and the largest number of science graduates in Europe per thousand workers.
The French economy has sustained the financial crises comparatively well compared to its peers. 
Partially protected by low dependence on external trade and stable private consumption levels, France’s GDP declined only in 2009.
Recovery has been relatively slow, and high unemployment levels continue to be an increasing problem for policymakers, particularly among youth in this seventh strongest economy.
Why is France so wealthy?
1. Tourism is an important factor, as France is the most visited tourist destination in the world.
2. Sixth largest agricultural producer in the world & EU’s biggest.
3. It focuses less on importing fossil fuels, as most of its energy requirements are self-reliant.
4. Third largest Military & Arms exporter in the world.
5. Exports include aeronautics, pharmaceutical products, metals, and beverages.

5. India

GDP (nominal): $2.93 trillion
GDP (PPP): $11.321 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ (non annualized) growth: -23.9%

The nation lists the third position as the largest economies in the world 2020 when comparing GDP of $11.32 trillion in purchasing power parity. 
India’s large population drags its nominal GDP percent down to $2,199 when it gets to calculating countries by nominal GDP per capita.
We expect India to surpass the United Kingdom by 2020 to become the world’s fifth-biggest economy, with a nominal GDP of over $2.9 trillion.
Today, its service sector is the world’s fastest-growing sector, adding to its economy by over 30 percent.
Manufacturing continues as one of its key industries (currently in slowdown) with regular encouragement through government awareness initiatives like “Make in India.”
Even though its agricultural sector’s input has decreased to about 47%, it is still much higher than in Western countries and other emerging markets. 
Because of a falling rupee, a high current account balance, and weak industry growth, India started to see a development decline in previous years.
The U.S. intensified this by choice to break quantitative easing as investors started pulling cash out of India quickly. 
Its financial growth has recently exceeded China, making India the fastest growing economy in the world.
Why is India a developing country?
1. Energy-wise, India is the second-largest coal producer, the second-largest steel producer, and the third-largest electricity producer in the world.
2. The biggest exports include refined petroleum products, agricultural products, precious gems and jewelry, machinery, Pharma, IT services, Textile, etc.

4. Germany

GDP (nominal): $3.95 trillion
GDP (PPP): $4.4 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ (non annualized) growth: -11.3%

Germany is not only the largest but also the strongest economy in Europe. On a worldwide scale, with a $3.95 trillion GDP, it is the fourth largest nominal GDP economy. 
The purchasing power parity output of its GDP is $4.4 trillion, while per capita GDP is $48,264 (16th).
Germany majorly depends on exports of capital goods, automotive machinery & types of equipment.
It is one of the biggest iron, steel, coal, chemicals, machinery, automobiles, and machine tools suppliers in the world.
Germany has introduced Industrie 4.0 — its strategic plan to develop the nation as a leading market and supplier of advanced production solutions — to sustain its production power in the present worldwide situation.
Why is Germany so rich?
1. German machinery manufacturing is very high compared to its peers, for this, its exports are more valuable than other manufacturing exporters in the world (like China).
2. Low national spending & stable interest rates.
3. Good in natural resources, spend less on imports.

3. Japan

GDP (nominal): $5.14 trillion
GDP (PPP): $5.7 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ growth: -9.9%

In terms of nominal GDP projections, the Japanese economy stands third at USD 5.14 trillion in 2020.
Before the 1990s, Japan was today’s China’s equivalent, exploding in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Since then, however, Japan’s economy has not been as spectacular in terms of development.
With the 2020 Olympics, its economy will gain some boost that keeps the capital flow steady, supported by the Bank of Japan’s lax monetary policy.
Japan’s nominal GDP is $5.14 trillion, which is expected to grow to $5.7 trillion at the close of this financial year. 
Japan drops to fourth place when GDP is evaluated in the surplus of PPP; GDP (PPP) in 2018 amounted to $5.594 billion, while GDP per person was $39,306 (24th place).
And speaking about the Public Debt-to-GDP ratio, the nation ranks highest in the world at 236.60%, which is seriously too high.
Why is Japan so rich?
1. Overall national philosophy in all aspects of high efficiency, including manufacturing, services & governance, emphasizing investment.
2. Active promotion of Big & Small corporate companies into a globalized market.

2. China

GDP (nominal): $14.14 trillion
GDP (PPP): $27.307 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ growth: +3.2%

Over the previous few decades, the Chinese economy has seen exponential growth, breaking down a centrally planned communist economy’s obstacles to become the world’s production and export hub.
For its enormous manufacturing and export capacity, the world refers to China as the “world’s factory.” 
Over the years, the role of services has gradually risen, and manufacturing has relatively decreased as a contribution to China’s GDP per capita.
In 1980, China was the seventh world’s largest economy, with $305.35 billion in GDP, while the U.S. was then at $2.86 trillion. 
The Asian giant has seen an average annual financial development of 10% per year since it launched market reforms in 1978. 
The rate of development has slowed in recent years, although it stays strong compared to other countries.
With relation to PPP GDP, China is the biggest economy with $27.307 trillion of GDP (PPP) in 2020. 
China’s GDP (PPP) would amount to $37.06 trillion by 2023. The vast population of China is bringing its GDP percent down to $10,153.
Highly in doubt about its future stability considering the ongoing trade war, COVID-19 handling accusations, and escalating tensions.
Nevertheless, the state has adopted a fresh approach to the financial policy called the “new normal.”
Authorities are implementing a controlled slow down to prevent overheating the market, slowing development year after year since 2010.
In 2020, we expect the economy to develop by 6.3 percent, which is nothing to look at but a far cry from the annual growth of over 10 percent seen not too long ago.
How is China developing so fast?
1. Despite being a communist country and adopting ‘Economic Capitalism,’ it opened doors to a new Globalized Market.
2. Extreme Manufacturing & low costs exports.
3. An authoritarian government can focus on long-term plans rather than short-term policies to please the public.
4. Very low artificial interest rates.

1. United States of America

GDP (nominal): $21.43 trillion
GDP (PPP): $20.28 trillion
2020Q2 QoQ growth: -9.1%

Since 1871, the US has maintained its place as the world’s biggest economy. 
The US is often referred to as a financial superpower, and this is because the best economy is almost a third of the global capital supported by modern infrastructure, technology, and natural resource wealth.
While the US industry is service-oriented, adding nearly 80% of its GDP, the production adds only about 15% of its output. 
The US also has the world’s most technologically strong economy with diverse sectors accounting oil, iron, automotive, aerospace, chemicals, electronics, food processing, and consumer goods.
Large U.S. corporations also perform a significant part on the worldwide level. Over one-fifth of the Fortune Global 500 companies are American brands, GDP is forecast to expand by 2.5% in 2019 and by 1.7% in 2020.
Why is the USA so rich?
I frankly cannot answer this question in a very short answer the main reason is,
America was, is & will be forever, the Land of Opportunity, which attracts talent worldwide since the country formed.

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23 thoughts on “Top 10 Economies in the World by GDP”

  1. See, 1.China, 2. US and 3. India are the first three in terms of PPP. To increase real GDP every Indian would do better in economic activities. Proud to be an Indian.

  2. Due to 2020 global coronavirus pandemic IMF’s global GDP growth estimate has been revised from 3.3% just three months ago to a contraction of 4% which has not been apparent since the 1930s Great Depression of 1929.
    2020 stock market crash is not completed yet SP500 has still much downtred left.

  3. forecasts on world economy forum are suggesting that since 1998, COVID 19 coronavirus is likely to cause the first increase in global poverty.
    https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/05/impact-of-covid19-coronavirus-economic-global-poverty/
    Many reports are suggesting that coronavirus acted lik a catalyst to the global economy which was already fragile and shattered even before the pandemic started.
    Some othr reasons include failure of OPEC deal, the big debt bubble, trade war, liquidity crisis and natural market correction since 2008 financial crisis.

  4. Have you considered the effect of COVID 19 on the global economy? Many global markets are shutting down like the US economy is doing all it can to keep business going by injecting $1.5 trillion loans, etc

    1. Yes, definitely will consider once this Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic settles down and when economies stop their turmoil.

  5. Nobody can deny that the coronavirus (COVID-19) profoundly affected China and the world.
    To date, official reports say there are 49 countries in which at least one case for this deadly virus is registered.
    The entire world is faced with the consequences as far as the economy is concerned.
    “When America Sneezes, the World Catches Cold”
    This might now apply to China too.

  6. The WTO (World Trade Organization) predicted that the trade in goods will decline significantly before 2021.
    Only if the COVID-19 pandemic declines and countries cooperate.
    The global trade would fall by 13 to 32% this year, with a wide range impact since there is so much uncertainty about the economic impact of the health crisis.
    Only the service industry will survive this pandemic.

  7. Everyone now in the world is concerned about the US economy, what about the European Union?
    Our french economy is at its worst condition, since the first quarter of World War II, France saw its most marked economic decline as shops slammed down from mid-March left and consumers are locked at home.
    Its a groud reality that due to pandemic tourism rate is almost zero, offices are shut off, exports are slacked, many goods are damaged because of no proper storage.
    Vive la France!!

  8. LEMMA ABISHA GUDISA

    Well!!!! the novel Coronavirus has destroyed all the global trade and all these big economies.
    I am going through the whole time and consideration of how difficult it would be to recover.

  9. Central banks from the respective countries all over the world should come forward to prevent the total downfall of the system.

  10. The Chinese nominal GDP was at $13.37 trillion in 2018, lowly $7.21 trillion from the US. The gap is expected to fall to 7.05 trillion dollars by 2020, and to $5.47 trillion by 2023. By 2023. China has a GDP of 25.27 trillion dollars in PPP as the largest economy.

  11. In this fiscal year, 2020, India’s world economy will decline sharply from its April projection by 1.5% to 2.8%, with strong lock-downs and weaker world growth estimates.

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