The National Power Index is a comprehensive list that ranks the
countries of the world according to a composite index which combines
statistical analysis of the Economic, Military, Population ,
Technology, Energy Security, and Foreign Affairs capabilities of a
country. Each of these factors is given a certain weightage and the
overall composite index is prepared after detailed analysis of the
individual components. The latest National Power Index of the top 10
most powerful countries in the world is:
United States : The United States heads the UN's list of
countries by GDP, and is the third most populous country in the world.
It also heads the power index on four parameters, namely economic,
military, technological and foreign affairs capabilities. The US looks
set to stay on the top of the list for at least another decade or more.
China : The most populous country in the world, China continues to expand its global sphere of influence by flexing its economic and military might. Though, it ranks significantly below the US in technological, energy security and foreign affairs capabilities, analysts predict that it is poised to overtake the US as the most powerful country in the world in 2030, as per the International Futures model.
Russia : The largest country in the world in size, Russia ranks second in the world in military capability. Its vast energy resources also place it high in the energy security category, and it continues to exercise international influence, thus leading to its high ranking in the foreign affairs capability category.
France : France is an influential nation with a high standard of living and strong involvement in international issues. Though France ranks fairly low in energy security, its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council enhances France's position in global diplomacy.
Japan : Japan's strong economy ranks third worldwide, aided by its automobile industry, and science and technology. Japan spends the fifth highest amount on its military and defense budget, despite officially renouncing its right to declare war. Though Japan is a small country in area, it has the tenth highest population worldwide.
United Kingdom : The United Kingdom has long been a world superpower, once controlling a quarter of the land on Earth. Placed in the top seven economies of the world by GDP rankings, the UK continues to exercise influence through its leadership of commonwealth countries. The UK is also the world's fourth-largest military spender, though it ranks only twenty-second in population.
Germany : Germany is known for its strong economy, which ranks fourth worldwide, as well as its innovative technology sector. A fairly large country within Europe, Germany is the sixteenth largest nation by population. Germany also has a strong military presence, ranking ninth in military spending.
India : India is currently the world's second most populous nation, and is likely to overtake China in population terms by 2028. India's economy is among the top ten economies of the world at present and it is the world's eighth largest military spender. India needs to focus on building up its capabilities in energy security and international diplomacy in the future, as well as provide infrastructure and economic development to give its people a better future.
Canada : A generally neutral nation, Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia. Close ties to the United States and a commonwealth of the United Kingdom help give Canada a powerful ranking, as do its wealth of natural resources and high standard of living that place it high on the human development index. Canada also enjoys a strong economy with the eleventh highest GDP in the world.
Israel : Though a small nation in terms of area and population, Israel ranks highly on technological and scientific progress. Israel also wields significant influence in the Middle East region due to its military capacity. Israel also ranks a high fifteen on the UN Development index, reflecting the high quality of life this small but prosperous state has been able to provide to its people.
China : The most populous country in the world, China continues to expand its global sphere of influence by flexing its economic and military might. Though, it ranks significantly below the US in technological, energy security and foreign affairs capabilities, analysts predict that it is poised to overtake the US as the most powerful country in the world in 2030, as per the International Futures model.
Russia : The largest country in the world in size, Russia ranks second in the world in military capability. Its vast energy resources also place it high in the energy security category, and it continues to exercise international influence, thus leading to its high ranking in the foreign affairs capability category.
France : France is an influential nation with a high standard of living and strong involvement in international issues. Though France ranks fairly low in energy security, its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council enhances France's position in global diplomacy.
Japan : Japan's strong economy ranks third worldwide, aided by its automobile industry, and science and technology. Japan spends the fifth highest amount on its military and defense budget, despite officially renouncing its right to declare war. Though Japan is a small country in area, it has the tenth highest population worldwide.
United Kingdom : The United Kingdom has long been a world superpower, once controlling a quarter of the land on Earth. Placed in the top seven economies of the world by GDP rankings, the UK continues to exercise influence through its leadership of commonwealth countries. The UK is also the world's fourth-largest military spender, though it ranks only twenty-second in population.
Germany : Germany is known for its strong economy, which ranks fourth worldwide, as well as its innovative technology sector. A fairly large country within Europe, Germany is the sixteenth largest nation by population. Germany also has a strong military presence, ranking ninth in military spending.
India : India is currently the world's second most populous nation, and is likely to overtake China in population terms by 2028. India's economy is among the top ten economies of the world at present and it is the world's eighth largest military spender. India needs to focus on building up its capabilities in energy security and international diplomacy in the future, as well as provide infrastructure and economic development to give its people a better future.
Canada : A generally neutral nation, Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia. Close ties to the United States and a commonwealth of the United Kingdom help give Canada a powerful ranking, as do its wealth of natural resources and high standard of living that place it high on the human development index. Canada also enjoys a strong economy with the eleventh highest GDP in the world.
Israel : Though a small nation in terms of area and population, Israel ranks highly on technological and scientific progress. Israel also wields significant influence in the Middle East region due to its military capacity. Israel also ranks a high fifteen on the UN Development index, reflecting the high quality of life this small but prosperous state has been able to provide to its people.