Thanks to numerous wealthy individuals, average worth in the Alpine country was $685,000 (CHF600,000), according to a study published on Tuesday by UBS and its subsidiary Credit Suisse.
Switzerland was followed in the rankings by the US and Hong Kong.
Its top ranking comes despite a decline, which was a trend worldwide. Global household wealth fell last year for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis, says the report. The total private wealth of adults around the world shrank by 2.4 % to $454.4 trillion in 2022.
Financial assets lost value while real estate proved resilient despite rapidly rising interest rates. Above average losses were recorded in the US, Hong Kong and Australia.
The authors expect a turnaround in the coming years, however. Total wealth by 2027 is expected to rise by 38% to $629 trillion, mainly thanks to growth in countries with medium wealth. The study estimates that the number of millionaires worldwide will reach 86 million in five years.
Popular Stories
More
Workplace Switzerland
‘Swatch has no competition’ in its Swiss-made watch segment
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Norway holds Swiss investments worth over CHF35 billion
This content was published on
The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund holds investments in Switzerland worth CHF 35.5 billion ($39 billion), says Norges Bank CEO Nicolai Tangen.
Flooding of Rhone River causes severe road and rail traffic disruptions
This content was published on
Due to flooding in canton Valais, southern Switzerland, the A9 motorway between Sierre and Sion is closed. Traffic was also severely disrupted on the Simplon railway line.
Two dead after landslide hits southern Switzerland
This content was published on
After a landslide hit the Maggia Valley in canton Ticino, rescuers from Swiss Air-Rescue recovered two bodies on Sunday. One person is still missing.
Swiss beat Italians 2-0 to reach Euro football quarter-finals
This content was published on
Switzerland beat defending champions Italy in Berlin on Saturday night, justifying their status as the tournament's "secret" favourites.
Switzerland must urgently improve electricity distribution, says new sector boss
This content was published on
Switzerland needs to develop its electricity transmission and distribution network, says the new president of the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies, Martin Schwab.
Dutch mountaineer dies in Silvretta Alps on Swiss-Austrian border
This content was published on
A Dutch alpinist died in a fall on the Silvrettahorn in eastern Switzerland on Friday while descending the peak, cantonal police announced.
Many Swiss unenthusiastic about Eurovision song contest hosting duties
This content was published on
Less than half of the Swiss population are looking forward to the Eurovision Song Contest being held in Switzerland, says a new survey.
Béjart Ballet: Julien Favreau confirmed as Artistic Director
This content was published on
Julien Favreau has been confirmed as Artistic Director of Béjart Ballet Lausanne. The Frenchman had been acting in this role since February.
This content was published on
How did the small mountainous country become one of the wealthiest in the world? This SRF documentary examines some of the possible factors.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.