Top 10 Most Powerful Asian Countries
Asia is home to some of the most influential and strategically important countries in the world. With massive economies, advanced militaries, and growing global influence, these nations shape international politics, trade, and security in significant ways. But which countries truly stand out in terms of power? That depends on how you define it. Some countries dominate through economic strength, others through military capability, political influence, or cultural reach.This list gives you the chance to weigh in on which Asian nations deserve to be ranked at the top.
Do you think a country's power is best measured by its military might, or do you believe economic influence carries more weight? Should population size or natural resources play a bigger role? Your vote helps determine how these nations stack up against each other.
India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a country located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area and the most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people. Additionally, it is the most populous democracy in the world... read more India is a superpower due to its huge human resources. However, bad politics and discrimination based on religion and caste are slowing down growth. India's federal system and laws are good, but bad politicians and big business people are above any law in this country.
Cash and politics are more powerful here. Above 80% of the total population is still in poverty, yet we can see 3 of the world's top 10 richest people.
The philosophy of India is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." The unity that exists among so many diversified cultures living together itself makes India a great power. India is like a rainbow of amazing cultures.
Secondly, India is on its way to becoming a superpower with remarkable progress in almost all areas. Whether it is the economy, firepower, or exports in various sectors, India is among the top five in all these vital sectors. Its true potential is even bigger than that.
China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is a country located in East Asia. It is the world's second most populous country, boasting a population of more than 1.4 billion. China spans five geographical time zones and shares its borders with 14 countries, making it second only to Russia... read more India? Sure, India is the 3rd most powerful country in Asia, ranked on military and government. China is the 2nd, while Russia is the 1st. I am voting for this because I like China.
However, Pakistan and Iran above China? What? According to multiple professionally made encyclopedias (not Wikipedia, which is made by people who put fake info), Pakistan is 10th while Iran is 23rd as of 2016. Also, Japan is 9th, South Korea is 7th, and Vietnam is 21st. Yes, very inaccurate. But what can I say when most people voting are from India and Pakistan?
Pakistan was established in 1947 and is located in South Asia. Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan. Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar are other major cities of Pakistan. Urdu and English are the official languages of Pakistan. The world's second-highest peak (K-2) and ninth highest peak (Nanga Parbat)... read more Pakistan has the number one intelligence agency (ISI) in the world. Pakistan also possesses one of the strongest nuclear arsenals in the world. In addition, Pakistan has some of the most intelligent students globally. One of Pakistan's most notable figures is Dr. Abdul Salaam, a world-renowned scientist. Pakistan is also known for having one of the strongest and most honest religions in the world, Islam.
However, some people dislike Pakistani individuals because of terrorism. It is important to note that terrorism is not allowed in Islam. In fact, Islam states that "if you kill one innocent person, it is as if you have killed all of mankind." Those who claim to be Muslim terrorists are not true Muslims because Islam is a religion of peace, not terrorism. Anyone, regardless of their religion, who kills an innocent person has no religion.
Russia, or the Russian Federation (RF), is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world by area, covering over 17,125,191 square kilometres (6,612,073 sq mi), and encompassing one-eighth of Earth's inhabitable landmass. Russia extends across... read more Russia is a very old country that has existed for a long time. I am not sure whether to classify it as a European country or an Asian country since its capital is in Europe, yet most of its land is in Asia. It shares parts of both the European and Asian tectonic plates. However, it is undoubtedly a very powerful country in military and economic terms.
It has lots of manpower and has survived many challenges. It had a pretty good GDP of 1.7 trillion USD in 2019. It has the most artillery pieces and tanks in the entire world, along with a gigantic navy.
Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia. It is situated on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea, and shares borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest; it is also... read more Israel is a completely badass country. All neighboring countries went to war with Israel, but they have never lost a battle. If the war gets out of hand, the United States, a huge ally to Israel, would come to its aid. The United States has the best missile defense system in the world stationed in Israel. It can shoot down 90% of all missiles using its own missiles to intercept incoming threats. Israel also has a pretty strong army. Both men and women are required to serve in the military for a decent amount of time.
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed by the Yellow Sea, while its eastern border is defined by the Sea of Japan. South Korea claims... read more South Korea is and remains an economic and military powerhouse in the Asian world. Japan got the better of them only once. Trust and believe that history will not be repeated.
Korea is in 11th place among the world's strongest countries and also getting stronger. Many people say China is getting bigger, but so is Korea. So I am voting for South Korea.
It is the strongest and very smart. Imagine if Korea had land the size of the US. They would literally rule the place. Imagine right now, South Korea is very strong. Imagine combining with North Korea. It will double the power. North Korea has nukes, and we have money and wealth.
Iran, also known as Persia, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a sovereign state in Western Asia. The capital city is Teheran and the major city is also Tehran. The country's official language is Persian... read more All the world helped Iraq to overcome Iran in 8 years, but Iran overcame all of them. Iran is the best because its people believe in Allah, and God is with Muslim people.
Iran is my country. It isn't just a country. It's a world.
It should be first. Take it from me.
Japan is an island country in East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. It lies off the eastern coast of the Asia Mainland (east of China, Korea, Russia) and stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and near Taiwan in the southwest... read more Ah yes, Japan. The 3rd largest country in terms of economy, with a very powerful military, population, and GDP per capita. Japan is an island nation in Asia that is famous for many things and has some of the best companies in the world, along with a strong economy. The total economy of Japan is around 5 trillion USD. Compared to their population of 126 million, they have a pretty good GDP per capita of 40,000 USD.
Japan has one problem though: they are in severe financial debt to many countries and companies. This was caused by their aging population that required healthcare, so they had to borrow a significant amount of money. Their debt is twice their economy, totaling 12 trillion USD.
If we start talking about military power, they have very good military leaders and disciplined, well-trained soldiers. They have a decent air force, but their navy is what gives them power. Also, why in the world is Vietnam above Japan on this list?
Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country in Eurasia, mainly in Anatolia in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia,... read more Turkey is absolutely one of the strongest in Asia. Turkey, Pakistan, India, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and Israel are the powers in Asia.
The Ottoman Empire will rise again in 2023. Turkey will have its own fighter jets, fifth-generation fighter jets, warships, tanks, drones, rockets, defense systems, transport, and even DLCs. ASELSAN, Otokar, and TAI are developing this. By 2023, it will be ready for use. The Turkish economy will become one of the best. The infrastructure will become better than that of the EU. The number of physicians will increase. Cities will become very modern like Istanbul and Ankara. Turkey will have the world's greatest airport. Beko and Vestel are the greatest electronic producers in the EU.
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia. Ruled by the Dutch for over 300 years and Japan for 3 years and 6 months, the country gained independence in 1945, or exactly in 17th August 1945. Jakarta is the capital city, located in the island of Java. Major languages... read more Indonesia is definitely one of the strongest nations out there. However, it does lack modern weaponry, as many are old and need replacing. But in terms of the strength and power of the army itself, we should be proud of our military force.
According to the Global Firepower list, Indonesia ranks 14th out of 126 countries, making it the strongest Southeast Asian nation. That itself is quite an achievement. Indonesia recently won 1st place at the AASAM shooting competition in Australia in May, beating countries considered to have stronger militaries, such as the UK and the US, among many others.
From these examples, we can conclude that Indonesia is in no way inferior to other countries in military terms. We may lack advanced weaponry and technology, but when it comes to the strength of our brave soldiers, we should be very proud to have such amazing men and women serving our beloved country.
As an Indonesian myself, I am very proud to be an Indonesian. I hope this country will continue to improve and become even stronger in the future. I am definitely looking forward to that.
The Newcomers
Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a country in Western Asia. It is situated at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, within the Levant region, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the northeast, Syria to the... read more
Brunei, officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea, the country is completely surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. It is separated into two... read more
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying the Malaysian Peninsula and part of the island of Borneo. It's known for its beaches, rain forests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. The sprawling capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such... read more
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and consists of around 7,641 islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao... read more Even though the Philippines lacks weapons and fighting equipment like navy ships, fighter planes, and tanks, our Armed Forces of the Philippines soldiers are well-trained, experienced, and feared, not only by Southeast Asian nations but also by terrorists in Mindanao. The Armed Forces of the Philippines soldiers are very skilled in the jungle. They can operate even in small groups versus a large group of terrorists like Abu Sayyaf, MILF, BIFF, and especially the longest revolutionary group - the NPA!
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, also known as North Korea, is a country in Eastern Asia. Its capital is Pyongyang. It is currently ruled by the Juche leader Kim Jong-Un, after inheriting the title from his father, Kim Jong-Il, who in turn inherited it from his father, Kim Il-Sung... read more North Korea better than India and Pakistan? Very good comedy. India and China are newly industrialized countries. You can't go near them, NK.
Singapore, officially known as the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It is situated approximately one degree of latitude (137 kilometers or 85 miles) north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It borders the Strait of Malacca... read more Singapore is one of the countries that has a high currency. It is one of the most expensive cities in the world and a top-leading country for the best airports and airlines. It is a leading country for domestic growth products and investments. Singapore provides the best education at the primary school level, secondary level, junior colleges, and world-leading universities. It is one of the busiest countries in the world, a rich country that has a good government, economy, and great education system. Singapore is also a multiracial country.
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Vietnam has the best military and battles until the end of the war and succeeds. I don't think Vietnam has ever lost a war in history, which is pretty amazing considering how small the country is, but with so many people. This country is, in fact, the toughest Asian country ever. It has defeated bigger countries in the past and succeeded. This is mind-blowing!
Vietnam won against four Chinese dominations, three Mongol invasions, the French, and the U.S. Vietnam should be at least top three in Asia.
Vietnam is the most powerful country because look, the flag has a star.
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It has a land area of about 2,150,000 km2 (830,000 sq mi), making it the fifth-largest country in Asia, the second-largest in the Arab world, and the largest in Western Asia. It is bordered... read more Really powerful Asian country in the Middle East.
A very big Muslim country. Pakistan is proud of you because it is Allah's home.
Thailand, historically known as Siam and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of Mainland Southeast Asia, spanning 513,120 square kilometres (198,120 sq mi), with a population of almost 70 million. The country is bordered to the north by Myanmar and... read more Thailand is the safest, though not entirely. The amazing thing is that I have never heard of any snatch theft before, or even any report of it. Most of the issues involve foreigners trying to abuse the Thai, but authorities are quick to act.
Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 163 million people in an area of either 148,460 square kilometres (57,320 sq mi) or 147,570 square kilometres (56,980 sq mi), making... read more Bangladesh does not invest much in its military, but it has a huge military-ready population. The government is currently modernizing the military. With about 30 million military-ready individuals, Bangladesh does pack a punch.
It has a functional navy and air force too. The Bangladesh army serves as a peacekeeper in Africa, so they are constantly tested. A large division of the army is stationed in the terrorist-prone hilly areas of Bangladesh as well. Thus, the armed forces are battle-ready. Not to mention, Bangladesh beat Pakistan with almost bare hands to win its liberation war.
If we go back in history, during the British and Mughal era, the Bengal province was the most coup-prone area, so people are very much against occupation. Bangladesh has never struck a foreign force and never will. However, it is certainly a more than capable defensive force.
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and known from the beginning of British colonial rule until 1972 as Ceylon, is an island country in South Asia near south-east India. The ancient Kandyan army had the potential to defeat the British with absolutely no strain on their resources. Sri Lanka is only in this state today because the king was a tyrant, and the people wanted the British to rule instead.
After 2030, Sri Lanka will be one of the best countries in the world, not only in Asia.
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the country's largest city, is home to bustling markets, numerous parks and lakes, and the towering, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, which contains... read more Myanmar has a great army, air force, and navy that are developing and becoming more powerful currently.
Mongolia is a landlocked unitary sovereign state in East Asia. Its area is roughly equivalent with the historical territory of Outer Mongolia, and that term is sometimes used to refer to the current state.
Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia.Iraq is currently led by President Fuad Masum and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. It is currently ranked 160th in the Institute for Economics & Peace's Global Peace Index, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the... read more
When Saddam was in charge, Iraq was the best, but now it's just a puppet of the USA.
Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. Referred to as the Heart of Asia, it is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north, Tajikistan... read more
Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a Western Asian country located in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Levant. It is a unitary republic that consists of 14 governorates (subdivisions), and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east and southeast,... read more