Monaco residents rank number one

Major economies continue to dominate the global ranking of the richest countries, with one nation’s private fortunes jumping by $200 billion (€177 billion) in six months alone, according to a new report released on Tuesday.

New World Wealth ranked the different countries according to the total amount of wealth, including property, cash, equities and business interests, held by all individuals as of June 2016. At least three countries from Asia appeared on the list, while four from Europe made it to the rankings.

Accumulating $48.9 trillion (€43 trillion) in wealth, the United States topped the overall list, followed by China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany in the top five. Rounding up the top ten are France, India, Canada, Australia and Italy.

Analysts are impressed by Australia’s showing in the top ten, considering that the country only has a population of 22 million. Australia, as well as Canada, has also overtaken Italy over the past 12 months, while China posted the fastest wealth growth over the past 15 years.

In terms of wealth held per person, European countries dominated the global rankings, with Monaco taking the number one spot. As of June 2016, the average person in Monaco owns $1.6 million (€1.42 million) in wealth, the highest in the world, reports New World Wealth, which also said the high average of wealth of Monaco’s residents can be attributed to the country’s tax-free regime. (Source: Gulf News)