There are many countries in the world whose area and population may be small, but they have a huge impact on global politics, economy and business. These include countries like Singapore, Qatar, UAE, Switzerland and Israel. Let us know what is the main reason for the strength of these countries?
1. Singapore: Big center of trade and investment
With an area of only 735 square km and a population of 56 lakh, Singapore is among the largest business and financial centers in the world. It is considered a major hub of investment, banking and logistics in Asia. Its GDP in 2025 is around $659 billion. Per capita income is more than 1.07 lakh dollars, which is among the highest levels in the world. At the time of independence in 1965, the per capita income here was less than 500 dollars. The Port of Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world. More than 4.11 crore containers were handled here in 2024.
2. Qatar: Impact in the world with the power of gas
Qatar, with a population of about 31 lakh and an area of 11,581 square km, is a big player in the energy sector. It has the third largest natural gas reserves in the world. It is a major exporter of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). Oil and gas play a major role in Qatar’s economy. According to IMF, its per capita income in 2025 will be more than 1.21 lakh dollars. Qatar Investment Authority has assets worth about $450 billion. Qatar has also shown its diplomatic strength by playing the role of mediator in many international disputes. These include America-Iran, Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars.
3. UAE: Oil and Fund Management
UAE, with a population of about 10 million, is no longer dependent only on oil. More than 70% of its GDP comes from non-oil sectors. Dubai’s Jebel Ali port is the largest port in the Middle East. 1.55 crore containers were handled here in 2024. Abu Dhabi’s government investment funds manage about $1.7 trillion in assets, which is larger than the combined economies of the Netherlands and Switzerland.
4. Switzerland: Banking and Innovation
Switzerland, with a population of about 88 lakhs, is one of the strongest economies in the world. Its GDP in 2024 will be $905 billion. The pharmaceutical companies here Roche and Novartis are famous all over the world. Switzerland processes about 70% of the world’s gold. This country exports watches worth 25 billion dollars annually. Switzerland topped the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index for the 14th time in 2024. Its neutral foreign policy has made it an important center of diplomacy. Currently this country is hosting America-Iran peace talks.
5. Israel: Country of technology and startups
Israel, with a population of about 93 lakh, is considered a major power in the technical field. About 20% of its GDP comes from the tech sector. The country spends more than 6% of its GDP on research and development. Startup companies here raised investment of $9.4 billion in 2024. Israel is also among the top countries in the world in defense technology and cyber security. Defense exports reach a record of $14.8 billion in 2024.
6. Netherlands: Entry Point to Europe
The Netherlands is among the most important business centers of Europe. Rotterdam port is considered to be the largest port in Europe. Global companies like Shell, Philips and ASML are based here. ASML is the only company in the world that manufactures state-of-the-art chip making machines.
7. Luxembourg: Small country, big financial center
Luxembourg, with a population of only 6.7 lakhs, is the largest financial center of Europe. A large number of investment funds and financial institutions are present here. In terms of per capita income, it is counted among the richest countries in the world. The per capita income here is 1.35 lakh dollars.
8. Norway: Oil Earnings and Global Investors
Norway produces about 4 million barrels of oil every day. More than 60% of the country’s total exports come from oil and gas alone, and this accounts for more than 20% of the country’s total GDP. Norway, with a population of 54 lakh, has the world’s largest government investment fund. Government Pension Fund Global has assets of more than $1.7 trillion. This fund invests in thousands of companies across the world.
9. Taiwan: Chip Factory of the World
Taiwan, with a population of about 23 million, is the center of the world’s semiconductor industry. TSMC company produces more than 60% of the world’s advanced chips. Smartphone, computer and AI industries are largely dependent on Taiwan’s chips.
10. Belgium: Political Capital of Europe
Belgium, with a population of about 12 million, is the headquarters of many major institutions of NATO and the European Union. Brussels is often called the political capital of Europe. The city of Antwerp is among the largest diamond trading centers in the world.
The secret of success of these countries
There is one common thing in all these countries. He did not let his small size become a weakness. Some made energy, some technology, some finance and some business their strength. By investing in education, modern infrastructure and innovation, these countries have become more influential than their size.
Also read: First round of US-Iran talks completed, Qatar-Pakistan made major decisions
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