Top 10 Most Developed Countries

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite measure used to evaluate countries based on various development factors such as life expectancy, education, standard of living, child welfare, healthcare, economic status, and overall population happiness. It assigns scores to countries, ranking them from ‘very high’ to ‘low’ development. While some critics argue that the HDI may be imprecise or vague, creating a list of the top ten highly developed countries can be quite subjective. Instead, I have chosen to present the top ten countries on the HDI with their scores and added explanations. Enjoy the breakdown.

[NOTE: Updated for the 2020 Report]

10. Denmark Score: 0.940

Denmark, located in Northern Europe, is made up of Denmark proper and two self-governing territories—the Faroe Islands and Greenland—in the North Atlantic. With a population of about 5.66 million people, Denmark is a constitutional monarchy where the monarch’s role is mostly ceremonial. The Danish Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers hold the key responsibilities for running the government. Denmark stands out as a highly developed country, where citizens benefit from excellent living standards. The country excels in several areas, such as education, healthcare, civil liberties protection, democratic governance, and LGBT rights. With a life expectancy of 80.7 years, Denmark consistently ranks high in global happiness indexes, securing 2nd place in the 2020 World Happiness Report. Denmark's GDP in 2019 was US$350 billion, with a per capita GDP of US$60,170.

9. Netherlands Score: 0.944

The Netherlands, often referred to as the United Netherlands or simply Holland, operates as a constitutional monarchy with a representative democracy. Known for its high educational standards and literacy rates, the country also boasts low poverty and unemployment levels. Led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Netherlands has played a vital role in the creation of international organizations such as the EU, NATO, OECD, and WTO. Dubbed the ‘world’s legal capital,’ it is home to five international courts. With a GDP of US$907 billion and a GDP per capita of US$52,331, the Netherlands ranked 5th in the world for happiness in 2020. The country’s 17.1 million residents enjoy a stable economy, transparent governance, low taxes, vibrant cities like Amsterdam, and a life expectancy of 81.8 years.

8. Australia Score: 0.944

Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a vast island-continent with the 12th largest economy globally, boasting a GDP of US$1.379 trillion and a GDP per capita of US$55,060. This federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy excels in numerous global rankings such as quality of life (where the citizens report high levels of happiness), healthcare, education (with nearly universal literacy and impressive college graduation rates), economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and human rights. With 25.36 million residents, Australia is a nation focused on stable governance, peace, sustainability, the protection of wildlife, and a high life expectancy of 82.8 years. It’s also renowned for its breathtaking cities like Sydney and unique wildlife, making it a must-visit destination.

7. Sweden Score: 0.945

Stockholm, the capital and largest city of Sweden, offers a rich experience of this Nordic country's liberal and socialist values. Covering an area similar to California in the United States or Spain, Sweden has a population of approximately 10.2 million. Sweden is consistently ranked as one of the happiest nations in the world, with impressive economic figures like a GDP per capita of US$51,615 and a total GDP of US$531 billion. The country boasts high life expectancy (82.6 years), top-tier education, low unemployment, and minimal poverty rates. Sweden’s commitment to environmental sustainability makes it a global leader, and it’s a top tourist destination for those seeking history and nature.

6. Germany Score: 0.947

Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, boasts the largest economy in the European Union, with a population of 83.0 million people. Its capital, Berlin, is both a vibrant city and an economic powerhouse. Chancellor Angela Merkel oversees a highly educated population, with nearly universal school attendance and an impressive 99% literacy rate. Known for its industrial prowess, Germany is a major exporter of high-quality goods such as cars (Volkswagen, anyone?) and electrical products, and is respected globally for its skilled workforce. The nation's GDP stands at US$3.86 trillion, while the GDP per capita is US$46,445. Despite a relatively low poverty rate, unemployment hovers around 7%. Germany, like Sweden, is a top tourist destination, admired for its rich history, and its citizens enjoy a life expectancy of 80.9 years.

5. Iceland Score: 0.949

Iceland is an island nation located in the North Atlantic, known for being the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Its capital and largest city, Reykjavík, along with the surrounding southwest region, is home to over two-thirds of its population (356,991). Iceland is also geologically active, with volcanic activity shaping its landscape. The country maintains a market economy with relatively low taxation compared to other OECD nations, and has the highest union membership globally. Iceland's Nordic welfare system ensures access to universal healthcare and higher education for its citizens, contributing to a high life expectancy of 82.9 years. The nation's GDP per capita ranks sixth in the world at US$66,944, with an annual GDP of US$24.2 billion, reflecting its economic and social stability.

4. Hong Kong Score: 0.949

Hong Kong, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR), is a bustling metropolitan hub located on the eastern edge of the Pearl River Delta in South China. With over 7.5 million people from diverse backgrounds living within a compact 1,104-square-kilometer (426 sq mi) region, Hong Kong stands as one of the most densely populated places globally. As one of China’s two special administrative regions (alongside Macau), Hong Kong operates under the principle of 'one country, two systems,' maintaining distinct political and economic systems from mainland China. Once a quiet agricultural area with fishing villages, it has evolved into a vital global financial center and trading port, ranking as the world’s tenth-largest exporter and ninth-largest importer. Known for its capitalist service-based economy, low taxes, and free trade policies, Hong Kong also boasts the eighth most-traded currency, the Hong Kong dollar. The city ranks second globally in billionaires and leads Asia in wealth, with the highest concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Despite its immense wealth, Hong Kong faces significant income inequality. It holds the record for the most skyscrapers in any city worldwide, and its residents enjoy one of the highest life expectancies, averaging 94.9 years.

3. Norway Score: 0.957

Topping the list, albeit narrowly, is Norway, officially known as the Kingdom of Norway. With a population of 5.3 million, this parliamentary constitutional monarchy boasts exceptionally high standards of education, minimal poverty, and near-zero unemployment. The country’s life expectancy is 82.7 years. Norway played a key role in the formation of NATO but chose not to join the EU, although it maintains strong relations with neighboring European nations. It is also a founding member and significant contributor to the United Nations and has been involved in creating the Council of Europe. Norway remains an active participant in the WTO and OECD. Rich in natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, minerals, seafood, freshwater, and hydro-power, Norway is one of the world’s top oil exporters. The country’s GDP is US$403 billion, with a per capita GDP of US$75,419. Known for its universal healthcare, top-tier education, and robust social security system, Norway ranks first on the United Nations’ Human Development Index.

2. Ireland Score: 0.955

With a modest population of 4.9 million, the Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy, with Dublin as its capital. The country boasts a remarkable literacy rate of 99% and has high standards of education, accompanied by a strong life expectancy of 82.3 years. Ireland is also recognized for its solid infrastructure, supported by a GDP of US$476 billion and a GDP per capita of US$78,660. Ranking #7 globally, Ireland is noted for its press, economic, and political freedoms. The country has made a remarkable recovery since the global financial crisis of 2008, during which it experienced negative GDP and significant debt, being part of the five European nations known as the 'P.I.I.G.S.' (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, and Spain). Since then, Ireland has steadily grown economically, rising to the #2 position on the Human Development Index (HDI).

1. Switzerland Score: 0.908

Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic made up of 26 cantons, with its federal authorities based in Bern. The country is geographically divided into the Swiss Plateau, the Alps, and the Jura, covering an area of 41,285 km2 (15,940 sq mi) and a land area of 39,997 km2 (15,443 sq mi). While the Alps cover a large portion of the country, the majority of the population resides on the plateau, where major cities like Zürich, Geneva, and Basel serve as economic hubs. These cities are also home to several international organizations, including the WTO, WHO, ILO, FIFA's headquarters, the UN's second-largest office, and the Bank for International Settlements. Switzerland, a highly developed nation, boasts the eighth-highest per capita GDP (US$81,993) with a national GDP of US$703 billion and is known as a tax haven. The country ranks highly in economic competitiveness and human development, with cities like Zürich, Geneva, and Basel among the best in terms of quality of life, though they are also some of the most expensive places to live. Switzerland has a population of 8.56 million, and its people enjoy a life expectancy of 83.8 years.