The success of a company is determined by where it stands in relation to its competitors. "Fortune" magazine develops a list of the largest and most successful companies in the world. In 2010 the United States number one corporation was Wal-mart. Out of the top 10 largest corporations in the world, 8 of the companies are in countries such as China, France, and Netherlands.

Royal Dutch Shell – Netherlands

Royal Dutch Shell is a global energy and petrochemicals producing company. The company employs over 100,000 people, operating in over 85 countries. In 2009, the corporation reported revenue of over $278 billion. Shell focuses on renewable energy and conducts business with locally owned businesses that are located in low to middle income countries.

BP – Britain

BP operates in over 100 countries as a fuel and energy company with retail services and petrochemical production thrown in. The corporation only employees a little over 80,000 people yet reported sales of $239 billion in 2009. It produced over 18 billion barrels of oil that same year and operates under six brands: AM PM, Wild Bean Café, BP, Castrol, Arco and Aral.

Toyota Motor – Japan

In their fiscal year 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation produced over eight million vehicles. The corporation was established in 1987 and employs more than 300,000 people. Its owned by over 600,000 shareholders and reported sales of over $204 million in fiscal year 2010.

Sinopec – China

Also known as the China Petroleum and Petrochemical Corporation it produces and distributes refined oil products, petroleum, and petrochemicals. The company owns and operates the largest oil refiner in China producing kerosene, jet fuel, lubricant, gasoline and diesel. In 2010, the company reported roughly $187 million in revenue. With over a half a million employees the corporation invests and explores alternative and renewable energy sources.

State Grid – China

State Grid builds and operates power grids. Established in 2002 the corporation employs well over half a million people. It reported revenue at over $180 million in 2010. State Grid is operated by the government of China and the president Liu Zhenya.

AXA – France

AXA is a financial protection company offering insurance alongside savings, retirement, and financial planning. It has over 95 million clients in Africa, North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. For its fiscal year 2010 it reported $175 million in revenue.

China National Petroleum – China

The China National Petroleum is China's largest oil and gas producer and supplier. It operates in nearly 70 countries producing over two million barrels of crude oil a day. The company provides China with over 40 percent of its oil products operates 26 individual refineries. In 2009 it provided oilfield engineering and services to 49 other countries.

ING Group – Netherlands

The ING Group is a financial institution with origins in Dutch. It offers banking, investment, retirement, and insurance services. During its struggle in 2008 it began restructuring its products by separating banking and insurance services. In 2010, the company reported revenues of nearly $164 million.

Total – France

Total produces and distributes natural gas and oil. It operates in over 130 countries and produces oil and gas in 30. Revenue for 2010 was more than $155 million. In addition, the corporation produces fertilizer and adhesives. Total holds interest in coal mining and solar power sources.

Volkswagon – Germany

Volkswagon is the largest car manufacture in Europe. It operates 61 production plants and sells its vehicles in over 153 countries. In 2009 it provided more than 6 million cars to consumers. It has nine brands: Audi, SEAT, Volkswagon, Bentley, Skoda, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Volkswagon Commercial Vehicles and reported over $140 million in 2010 revenue.