The wealth of a nation is determined by many factors: incomes of the population, currency and gold reserves of the state, stability in the country. In order to determine the richest cities in the world, different methods can be applied. Different ratings use certain factors. Therefore, often the results are different.
Determination methods
One of the easiest methods is to compare the city budget. However, sometimes the results of this method do not meet all the factors that must be taken into account when determining the wealth of a settlement. City expenses do not represent an objective picture that can characterize the living conditions and expenses of citizens. If budgets were compared, the richest cities would be New York and Moscow, leaving London, Paris and others far behind.
How to determine success
In order to determine which is the richest city in the world, these indicators are needed:
- economy - the general level of development of industries and so on;
- standards of living - the most important indicator;
- political influence - capitals have an advantage over other cities because there is concentrated political activity.
In the best way, all these factors are reflected in the value of the gross domestic product. It determines the well-being of residents as a whole, and these indicators can be comparable between countries and cities. However, the estimation of GDP most often excludes the possibility of getting into the list of small settlements, or cities with a small population. A smaller number of people in total earn less, despite the fact that on average their salaries can be incomparably higher.
Also in the capitals are the main headquarters of large companies, of which they carry out all financial transactions. All tax deductions are made in the center and go to the city’s GDP account, despite the fact that all the main activity or production is carried out outside it. For this reason, to compare cities, GDP per capita is used, which makes it possible to compare such settlements as, for example, small Luxembourg and overpopulated Beijing.
The richest cities in the world: rating
Let's look at which settlements are the most prosperous in the world. Comparing the gross domestic product of a city is the most popular and relevant way to determine who is among the top richest cities in the world. Such a list is as follows:
- Dubai, UAE);
- Tokyo, Japan);
- New York, USA);
- Los Angeles, USA);
- Seoul (Korea);
- London, Great Britain);
- Paris, France);
- Osaka (Japan);
- Chicago (USA);
- Moscow, Russia).
Dubai
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, occupies a confident first place in the top 10 richest cities in the world at the moment. In terms of GDP, this city is far ahead of all its closest rivals. No other place in the world can compare with Dubai.
A fantastic level of GDP of $ 1800 billion has been achieved in recent years thanks to a developed market economy. The most developing area of the Dubai economy is real estate. Around the city built artificial bulk islands, which are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as modern wonders of the world.
The main source of income in Dubai, as in almost all Emirates, is oil production. Most city dwellers are very rich people. However, they do not invest their money in oil production, but for the needs of their country and city. To some extent, thanks to such patriotism, the settlement became so developed and rich in a short time.
Due to the developed hotel chain and infrastructure, Dubai is also one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially for wealthy tourists. Major international events and sporting events, such as Formula 1, are regularly held here. Many entertainment and cultural centers and organizations are moving their activities to Dubai. First of all, all this became possible thanks to the correct modern arrangement of the city, the presence of technically equipped rooms, spacious stadiums, ideal roads.
Tokyo
The Japanese capital has recently lagged a little behind Dubai in terms of GDP. The rapid development of Dubai forced Tokyo to move from the usual first place in the ranking of "The richest cities in the world" and occupy only the second position.
The development of Tokyo began a long time ago. Initially, a small fishing town with the advent of a new dynasty in the 16th century acquired a new position and became the center of the empire. Country development gave impetus to the city. It began to grow and grow in size and population density, embodying the entire centuries-old heritage of Japan.
Many times, Tokyo suffered serious damage during regular earthquakes, as well as during the bombing in World War II. But each time it grows like a phoenix from the ashes. For example, after the war, the Japanese had just over ten years to not only completely restore the city, but also to host the Olympics in the capital. Now Tokyo is one of the most high-tech and highly developed cities in the world. It has a record 13 million inhabitants.
New York
New York ranks third in the ranking of the richest cities in the world, but on its continent this city comes first.
The village is one of the most developed and richest with a GDP of about $ 1,200 billion. Now in New York there are about 8 million inhabitants. Despite the high unemployment rate, there are the highest average salaries in the USA.
In its history, New York has experienced many wars. During the confrontation between Holland and England on the American continent, the city was on the line of fire and passed to one side, then to the other. This seriously slowed down its development from an economic point of view.
The impetus for the growth of wealth in New York was the signing in the 18th century of the Declaration of Independence. It was this city that became the center of the formation of independent American states. Further, in the 19th century, New York became the country's main gate for emigrants from Europe. The accumulation of various nations and cultures has led to the rapid development and establishment of the city as a world center.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles dates back to the 16th century. Then the Chumash Indians lived there. Further, the city became a Spanish colony and only in the 19th century - part of independent America.
Since the settlement is quite far from the rest of the American centers, the railway was built here first of all. Thanks to this, the city received rapid growth both in the economy and in other areas. Over time, he became the center of financial and banking activities, and therefore is in the lead.
Seoul
South Korea is one of the fastest growing countries in the world at the moment. Therefore, the capital of the state takes a confident fifth place in the ranking of "The richest cities in the world."
This settlement is relatively small. For comparison, it is half the size of the same Los Angeles. However, about 10 million people live here.
Presumably, Seoul was founded before our era. In the 14th century, it became the center of the state. This richest city developed faster than anyone on the continent. For example, Seoul residents were the first in Asia to gain access to telephone communications, electricity, and running water.
Because of the wars with North Korea, the country experienced many shocks. However, since 1995, when the border was defined and peace was concluded, Seoul began to actively develop in terms of infrastructure. Thanks to innovative technologies, the city occupies a leading position in the world.
The richest countries in the world: rating
Let's find out in which state the wealthiest people live. The richest cities in the world are not always in the richest countries. On the other hand, not always rich countries have one very developed city. This is the case of small states such as Luxembourg or Singapore. Regarding GDP in US dollars per inhabitant, we will single out the top 10.
The richest countries in the world:
- Qatar;
- Luxembourg;
- Singapore;
- Brunei;
- Kuwait;
- Norway;
- UAE;
- Hong Kong;
- USA;
- Switzerland.
