Note that this question DOES NOT include importance via physical chip manufacturing and supply chain, which is why Taiwan and The Netherlands are not listed. To avoid confusion and get at the question being asked, that is explicitly excluded.

If unclear, will resolve via best available consensus mechanism. Will pick one winner even if unclear.

Will add additional countries upon reasonable request.

Motivation: Claim in Economist that UAE might be third most important (https://twitter.com/shashj/status/1727991912567583052)