Thailand Ranks as Top Affordable Country in Global Survey

Top Affordable Countries According to Global Survey

In the realm of cost-effectiveness, certain countries stand out as favorites among global survey participants. These assessments are integral to the comprehensive U.S. News Best Countries rankings, particularly influencing the Quality of Life subranking.

Thailand
Ranking 1st in Affordability
Overall Rank: 28th

Nestled within the Indochina peninsula, Thailand, also known as the "land of the free," boasts a unique distinction: it's the only Southeast Asian nation that remained uncolonized by European powers. Positioned near the equator, Thailand shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and even stretches out towards Malaysia.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $506 billion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $19,209
- Population: 70.0 million

Vietnam
Ranking 2nd in Affordability
Overall Rank: 47th

Stretching along the eastern edge of the Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam shares extensive borders with Cambodia, Laos, and the South China Sea. After a history marked by French occupation until 1954 and the subsequent emergence of a communist state, Vietnam's "Doi moi" economic reforms from 1986 propelled it towards modernization and competitiveness.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $363 billion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $11,553
- Population: 98.2 million

India
Ranking 3rd in Affordability
Overall Rank: 31st

Situated on a peninsula between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, India, birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, ranks as the world's second most populous nation. With a population constituting about one-sixth of the global total, India secured its independence in 1947 following a prolonged, nonviolent struggle against British rule.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $3.17 trillion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $7,334
- Population: 1.39 billion

Philippines
Ranking 4th in Affordability
Overall Rank: 46th

Spanning numerous islands in the South China Sea, the Philippines is renowned for its exquisite beaches and rich biodiversity. Despite grappling with political instability, the nation's resilient economy is steadily advancing, often surpassing its regional counterparts. The Philippines gained independence from Japan in 1946 with support from the United States, albeit the bilateral relationship has seen changes since President Rodrigo Duterte's election in 2016.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $394 billion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $9,120
- Population: 111 million

Indonesia
Ranking 5th in Affordability
Overall Rank: 41st

Comprising a vast chain of islands straddling Asia and Australia, Indonesia holds the distinction of being the world's largest archipelagic state and the most populous Muslim-majority nation. With a diverse population speaking over 300 languages, Indonesia's history encompasses Hindu-Buddhist and Muslim kingdoms, followed by Dutch colonization and eventual independence.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $1.19 trillion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $12,904
- Population: 276 million

Malaysia
Ranking 6th in Affordability
Overall Rank: 39th

Positioned in the South China Sea across two regions, Malaysia is a compact yet rapidly growing economy. Having evolved from a former British colony, the nation, housing around 29 million people, displays a fusion of influences from China, India, the Middle East, and Great Britain. It was formed in 1948 through the amalgamation of British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $373 billion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $29,617
- Population: 32.8 million

China
Ranking 7th in Affordability
Overall Rank: 17th

Boasting one of the world's oldest civilizations, China has been under Communist Party rule since its establishment as the People's Republic of China in 1949. With the planet's largest population and ranking as the second-largest country by land area, China stands as an influential global player.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $17.7 trillion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $19,338
- Population: 1.41 billion

Mexico
Ranking 8th in Affordability
Overall Rank: 33rd

Straddling the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, Mexico, the third-largest country in Latin America, possesses a diverse landscape ranging from arid regions to Caribbean coastlines. With a complex history that includes civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs, Mexico gained independence from Spain in the 19th century, evolving from an empire to a republic.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $1.29 trillion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $20,036
- Population: 130 million

Turkey
Ranking 9th in Affordability
Overall Rank: 30th

Established in 1923, Turkey's cultural fusion is highlighted by its strategic location bridging Asia and Europe. The country's predominant Sunni Muslim identity is embellished by remnants of Roman and Byzantine rule, evident in structures such as mosques and cathedrals neighboring the bustling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Turkey's history has been marked by power struggles between secular and religious forces, influencing government stability.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $815 billion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $30,472
- Population: 85.0 million

Bangladesh
Ranking 10th in Affordability
Overall Rank: 71st

The densely populated South Asian nation, Bangladesh, borders India and Myanmar. With a substantial portion of its populace residing in rural areas, Bangladesh ranks as the eighth-most populous country globally. Dhaka serves as its capital.

Economic Snapshot:
- GDP: $416 billion
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $6,613
- Population: 166 million