Top 5 Largest Asian Economies

Robert Hsu, March 27, 2008

Asia contains some of the fastest-growing countries in the world. Because of this, Asia often offers investors some of the most profitable investment opportunities. Let's take a look at these rapidly growing countries in terms of their gross domestic product (GDP), a key in measuring a country's economy.

China has become a major player in the global economy in recent years, as it modernizes and shifts to a market-driven economy. It recorded its 2007 GDP at a booming 11.4%. It is listed as second, behind on the United States, in terms of the world's largest economies.

Next is Japan, which has one of the most technologically-advanced economies in the world. The country experienced a 1.9% growth rate last year, led by its industrial sector.

India is the next largest economy in Asia, which grew an impressive 8.5% in 2007. Driving India's rapid growth is its booming information technology services, which likely won't slow any time soon.

Russia's economy isn't set to slow, either, as it posted an 8.1% GDP last year. The country rapidly is emerging onto the world scene with its diversified economy, and is also growing because of its strong internal consumption.

The fifth-largest economy in Asia is that of South Korea. It's GDP in 2007 was 4.9%, and as a world leader in industrialization and technology, its rapid development is set to accelerate even more in 2008.

There you have it—the top-booming economies in Asia. Going forward, the growth in these countries will likely continue, providing investors with more profitable opportunities in the East.

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