#3 Qatar
Political scientists often speak of a "resource curse" that afflicts nations with abundant natural resources, but tiny Qatar (population 840,926) may not feel particularly bewitched. Sitting atop the world's third largest reserves of natural gas (and plenty of oil), your average Qatari appears to have much to be optimistic about. Indeed, citizens of Qatar enjoy the second highest per capita income in the world, and the second fastest per capita income growth rate. As for unemployment, there is nearly none. The country has the second-lowest unemployment rate in the world at 0.5 percent. Global Top 5s is a monthly feature by RealClearWorld.com powered by Gallup's worldwide research. Learn more at Gallup.com.
