5 Richest Countries During the Great Depression

In this article, we will look into the 5 richest countries during the great depression. If you want to read our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 20 Richest Countries During the Great Depression.

5. United Kingdom

GDP (1929): $400.63 billion
GDP (1937): $468.68 billion
Percentage Change in GDP (1929-1937): 16.98%
GDP (2024): $3.98 trillion

The United Kingdom is ranked 5th among the richest countries during the great depression. In 1929, the country reported a GDP of $400.63 billion. Its GDP grew by 16.98% from 1929 to 1937. As of 2024, the country has a GDP of $3.98 trillion.

4. Germany

GDP (1929): $418.02 billion
GDP (1937): $506.56 billion 
Percentage Change in GDP (1929-1937): 21.18%
GDP (2024): $5.72 trillion

Germany ranks 4th on our list. The country reported a GDP of $418.02 billion in 1929 and $506.56 billion in 1937. Its GDP grew by 21.18% from 1929 to 1937. As of 2024, it has a GDP of $5.72 trillion.

3. China

GDP (1929): $488.73 billion
GDP (1937): $528.00 billion
Percentage Change in GDP (1929-1937): 8.03%
GDP (2024): $35.04 trillion

China is ranked among the richest countries during the great depression. In 1929, the country had an estimated GDP of $488.73 billion. China’s GDP grew by 8.03% from 1929 to 1937. As of 2024, it has a GDP of $35.04 trillion.

2. Former USSR

GDP (1929): $379.98 billion
GDP (1937): $634.56 billion
Percentage Change in GDP (1929-1937): 66.99%
GDP of Russia (2024): $5.23 trillion

The Former USSR ranks 2nd on our list. The transcontinental country reported a GDP of $379.98 billion in 1929 and $634.56 billion in 1937. Its GDP grew by 66.99% from 1929 to 1937. In 1922, the region split into Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Transcaucasian countries. Most of the Former USSR is now Russia. As of 2024, Russia has a GDP of $5.23 trillion.

1. United States

GDP (1929): $1.461 trillion
GDP (1937): $1.462 trillion
Percentage Change in GDP (1929-1937): 0.065%
GDP (2024): $27.97 trillion

The United States is ranked 1st on our list of the richest countries during the great depression. The country reported a GDP of $1.461 trillion in 1937. As of 2024, the US boasts a GDP of $27.97 trillion.

You can also look at 25 Countries with Best Education System in the World and 25 Countries That Gave the Most Foreign Aid in 2023.