In 2025, Singapore achieved the status of the second-wealthiest nation globally according to per capita gross domestic product (GDP), with a figure standing at US$90,700. This impressive economic performance placed the Asian island state just behind Switzerland, the front-runner with a GDP per capita of $100,000. The third position was held by Norway, with a per capita GDP of $86,800.
However, the economic landscape changed significantly when factoring in working hours. By considering the average hours worked, Norway ascended to the top of the national wealth rankings. Singapore fell to the eighth place behind countries like Qatar, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
According to data released by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, the average employee in the city-state worked 43.3 hours per week in 2024. This figure starkly contrasts with the average workweek in Norway, where employees logged an average of 33.2 hours per week in the same year, as per statistics from the International Labour Organisation.
Further highlighting the impact of work hours on quality of life, Singapore was ranked 25th out of 60 nations in a 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index. Singapore’s score in this index was 57.85 out of a total 100 points. Despite the middling position, it’s worth noting that Singapore was the highest-scoring Asian nation in terms of balancing work and personal life.
The Index was topped by New Zealand, Ireland, and Belgium, with respective scores of 86.87, 81.17, and 75.91. These figures reiterated the importance of a healthy balance between work and personal life in assessing a nation’s overall prosperity and well-being.
What was Singapore’s ranking in terms of GDP per capita in 2025?
Singapore was ranked as the second-richest country in the world in 2025 based on GDP per capita.
How did the ranking change when work hours were taken into account?
When average work hours were factored in, Singapore dropped to the eighth place in the global wealth ranking.
Where did Singapore stand in the 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index?
In the 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index, Singapore secured the 25th place out of 60 countries, making it the highest-ranked Asian country in terms of work-life balance.
