The nominal GDP remains the benchmark for comparing the economic power of nations. In 2024, the GDP ranking of countries confirms certain historical positions while revealing very contrasting growth dynamics. This ranking is based on data published by Worldometer from World Bank figures, expressed in current dollars.
1. United States
With $29,298 billion, the United States maintains a considerable lead over the rest of the world. This amount alone represents over 26% of the global GDP, according to Worldometer data for 2024. To track the evolution of these figures, check the GDP ranking of countries in 2024 which is updated regularly.
American growth was established at 2.79% for the year, driven by the technology sector and domestic consumption. The GDP per capita reaches $86,170, one of the highest among major economies.
2. China
China reports a nominal GDP of $18,730 billion, firmly placing it in second place. The gap with the United States exceeds $10,000 billion in nominal terms.
Its growth of 4.96% remains among the highest in the top 10. However, its GDP per capita ($13,293) reminds us that individual wealth is still significantly lower than that of Western economies. In terms of purchasing power parity, China ranks first globally with approximately $38,190 billion international, ahead of the United States.
3. Germany
Germany rises to third place with a GDP of $4,686 billion, ahead of Japan. This result is all the more remarkable as German growth was negative in 2024, at -0.50%.
This contraction is explained by difficulties in the manufacturing industry and energy costs. The GDP per capita remains high ($56,104), indicating a high value-added economy despite the circumstances.
4. Japan
Japan records a GDP of $4,190 billion and slightly negative growth (-0.24%). The depreciation of the yen against the dollar weighs on the nominal ranking, giving a distorted picture of actual activity.
The IMF had anticipated a surpassing by India as early as 2025. In its World Economic Outlook of April 2026, the institution ultimately maintained Japan ahead of India for 2025-2026, placing Tokyo in fourth or fifth position depending on the assessments.
5. India
With $3,761 billion, India completes the top 5. Its growth of 7.10%, the highest in the ranking, fuels projections of rapid catch-up.
The GDP per capita ($2,592) remains the lowest among the top ten economies. In PPP, India ranks third globally with approximately $16,192 billion international, far ahead of its nominal rank. This gap illustrates the weight of demographics and local living costs in assessing real wealth.
6. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom shows a GDP of $3,696 billion and growth of 1.08%. Its GDP per capita reaches $53,341, placing it among the most productive economies in Europe.
The IMF, in its April 2026 revisions, positions the United Kingdom ahead of India in nominal GDP for 2025-2026, confirming that the surpassing announced by New Delhi has not yet occurred in nominal value.
7. France
France occupies the seventh rank with a GDP of $3,160 billion and growth of 1.19%. It represents 2.83% of the global GDP.
The French GDP per capita ($46,103) remains lower than that of Germany or the United Kingdom. The French economy relies more on services, tourism, and the luxury sector, making it less vulnerable to industrial shocks than its German neighbor.
8. Italy
Italy reaches a GDP of $2,383 billion, with modest growth of 0.78%. Its GDP per capita stands at $40,430.
The gap with France exceeds $770 billion. The Italian economy remains penalized by high public debt and stagnant labor productivity for two decades, despite a strong export-oriented industrial fabric in the north of the country.
9. Canada
Canada ranks ninth with $2,270 billion and growth of 2.05%. Its GDP per capita ($55,016) is among the highest in the ranking.
The Canadian economy benefits from abundant natural resources (oil, minerals, timber) and a robust financial sector. Its commercial proximity to the United States remains a structural advantage.
10. Russia
Russia closes this top 10 with a nominal GDP of $2,186 billion and growth of 4.92%. This rate, among the highest in the ranking, partly reflects the war economy and massive public spending.
The Russian GDP per capita ($14,962) remains modest. In PPP, Russia ranks much higher, with approximately $6,921 billion international, making it the fourth largest economy in the world by this measure. The gap between nominal and PPP reflects a level of domestic prices well below that of Western economies.
This 2024 ranking highlights two lines of fracture. The first separates high-growth economies (India, China, Russia) from those in stagnation or contraction (Germany, Japan, Italy). The second opposes the nominal ranking, where the dollar plays a role as an arbiter, to the PPP ranking, which redistributes the cards in favor of large emerging economies.
