World superpowers are the countries that literally run the affairs of the world. We see them every day on the international news. There are many parameters one can use to measure the strength of a country: from economic strength and global influence to technological advancements and military size. Here are the top 5 strongest and most powerful nations of the world for 2018 based on the analysis of US News & World Report.
- The United States of America
The United States of America clearly tops this list. The US is an embodiment of power and strength. It is the 4th largest country in terms of area and 3rd largest in terms of population. It also has the largest economy in the world. The economy in California alone produces about $2.5 trillion. Guess what! Assuming California was a country, that number would have made the California economy one of the top six in the world. Imagine that! The US Dollar is the most popular currency in the world, without which, international trade will come to a standstill.
The US is a founding member of the United Nations and its role in international politics in unparalleled, especially as regards global security. The US also has the strongest military in the world, with the most sophisticated military weapons systems and nuclear warheads. All in all, the US is undoubtedly the strongest nation in the world.
- Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area and land mass, entirely covering Northern Asia and the majority of Eastern Europe. Its economy which is one of the largest in the world is sustained by its extensive natural resources: oil and natural gas reserves. Globally known for its rivalry with the US, its influence in the international scene is unfettered. Russia has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. The country is home to the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons with over 7,000 nuclear warheads! With influence like this, Russia is definitely a world power and ranks number two on this list.
- China
China is the most populous nation in the world with over 1.37 billion people. It has the second largest economy in the world just behind the US and is the global leader in export – almost every household has at least one made-in-china product! China has the largest military in the world with over 200,000 active personnel (Obviously! It is the most populous country in the world). As a Permanent member of the UN Security Council, China with Russia as a strong ally has very strong political and economic influence in the world.
- The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and is a highly developed country located in Western Europe. The UK has a very strong economic and political influence and has long been a trendsetter in various areas such as technology, fashion, culture, arts, and sciences. It is in fact infamous for its high standard of living. It has one of the best Navies in the world as well as one of the most capable foreign intelligence agencies, the Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6.
- Germany
Taking fifth place on this list, Germany has long been one of the most powerful nations in the world despite the war and internal conflict that has ravaged the country in the past. Located in central-western Europe, Germany is a well-developed nation with a high standard of living, and an extremely skilled and highly educated population. It is one of the largest exporters known for the quality of its products and has a very strong global economic influence. It has a strong international political influence and relations. Germany also has a powerful military and a very competent government.
On the whole, these superpower countries may not necessarily be the richest countries in the world, but their strength and influence is undeniable. Almost all of them are Permanent members of the UN Security Council, which is an added leverage to their global political influence.
