Top 10 Most Powerful Countries on Earth in 2024

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On the global stage, a country's strength is not only measured by its natural wealth or the number of its military troops. There are many factors that influence a country's position in the world power hierarchy, including economics, military strength, political influence, and technological innovation.

Additionally, the world's strongest countries are also major subjects in international news and have a significant impact on global economic patterns. Their foreign policy and military budget are closely watched by the world.

When these countries make commitments, at least most of the international community either believes or fears that they will fulfill them. These countries are actively projecting their influence on the world stage.

The following are the 10 most powerful countries on this earth according to US News and World Report:

1. United States

The United States is the country with the most dominant economic and military power in the world. Likewise, its cultural footprint is spread throughout the world, largely due to its popular culture expressed in music, film and television. As a federal republic based on a constitution consisting of 50 states, the US economy is the world's largest in terms of gross domestic product and also the most technologically powerful.

2. China

China managed to rank second among the 10 most powerful countries in the world in 2024. This country is the most populous country in the world and is considered the second largest country by land area. China has become one of the countries with the fastest economic growth in the world, since its former leader Deng Xiaoping carried out reforms in 1978. Apart from that, China has also made significant technological advances, especially in artificial intelligence and 5G, which has made this country position itself as a global technology leader.

3. Russia

Russia plays an important role in global geopolitics by exploiting its abundant natural resources and military capabilities. Reporting from the Forbes India page, this country is focusing on its space program, with plans to launch several missions in the coming years. These missions aim to explore the moon and other celestial bodies, thereby contributing to our understanding of nature.

4. Germany

Germany, the most populous country in the European Union, has one of the world's largest economies and its role in the international community has steadily increased since reunification. Its economy is one of the largest in the world and Germany is one of the world's leading importers. Services including industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and tourism make the largest contribution to the country's economy.

5. United Kingdom

England is a developed country that has great international economic, political, scientific and cultural influence. The country is focused on post-Brexit trade deals and negotiations aimed at building new economic partnerships. The country is also making progress in the technology industry, with London being its startup hub.

6. South Korea

South Korea continues to be a global leader in technology and innovation. The country is home to several leading technology companies, which contributes to its strong position in the global economy. Apart from reducing carbon emissions, South Korea is also adopting renewable energy sources to promote green energy initiatives.

7. France

France's influence on the world, both past and present, is difficult to overstate. Located in Western Europe, France is one of the oldest countries in the world, and its reach extends across the globe through science, politics, economics, and perhaps most importantly, culture.

8. Japan

In the latest Henley Passport Index, Japan is ranked first with visa-free or visa-on arrival access to 194 countries. This makes his passport one of the most powerful passports in the world. Famous for its automobile and electronics manufacturing, the country is the world's 4th largest economy with a GDP of $4.23 trillion. The country is heavily focused on growing chip manufacturing, AI and electric vehicles to dominate the next wave of technology.

9. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia continues to rely on petroleum production as its main source of wealth and influence with oil exports worth more than $300 billion annually. This country has 17 percent of the world's crude oil reserves, around 267,192 million barrels. As the United States' closest ally among Arab countries, Saudi Arabia has great influence in OPEC. Huge investments are being made in tourism and projects such as NEOM city to attract tourists and investors with Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

10. United Arab Emirates

The UAE is focused on its space program with plans to send a mission to the moon. This mission aims to explore the lunar surface and contribute to our understanding of the moon. The UAE is also an important player in the global oil industry, contributing to its strong position in the global economy.

SHARISYA KUSUMA RAHMANDA

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