This list of statistically superlative countries includes the countries that are placed top or bottom on international global-scale Lists of countries with rankings. In order to limit the scope of the list and distinguish notable statistical indicators from trivial ones, entries in this list should contain a link to one of the following:
Country | Achievement | Field | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Andorra | Highest overall life expectancy, 83.53 years [1] | Demographics Quality of life |
2009 |
Andorra | Most tourist arrivals per capita, 121 [2] | Economy | 2008 |
Angola | Highest infant mortality rate, 180.21 deaths per 1000 live births | Demographics | 2009 |
Angola | Highest industrial production growth rate, 14.30% ( CIA World Factbook est.) [3] | Industry | 2008 |
Argentina | Largest exporter of pears, 490,000 tonnes [4] [5] | Agriculture | 2009 |
Argentina | Best performance at Paddle Tennis World Championship (men), 7 gold medals, 9 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Argentina | Best performance at Paddle Tennis World Championship (women), 7 gold medals, 9 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Largest wool producer, output of 475,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Australia | Largest sheep meat producer | Agriculture | 2005 |
Australia | Largest uranium reserves, 1,243,000 tons | Energy | 2007 |
Australia | Largest aluminium oxide producer, 18,312,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
Australia | Largest bauxite producer, 63,000,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
Australia | Largest titanium producer, 1,291,000 tons | Industry | 2003 |
Australia | Largest zirconium producer, 426,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Australia | Largest thorium reserves, 300,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
Australia | Best performance at Rugby World Cups (men), 2 times winner ( 1991, 1999), 1 time runner-up ( 2003) | Sports | 2008 |
Australia | Best performance at Rugby League World Cups (men), 9 times winner (1957, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1988, 1992, 1995, 2000) | Sports | 2008 |
Australia | Winner of most Cricket World Cups (men), 4 (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007) [6] | Sports | 2007 |
Australia | Winner of most Women's Cricket World Cups, 5 (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005) | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at ICF Canoe Polo World Championships (men), 3 gold medals | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at Netball World Championshipss, 9 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at World International Doubles Squash Championships | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at World Team Squash Championships | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at Touch Football World Cups | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at ITU Triathlon World Championships (women), 11 gold medals, 26 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Austria | Best performance at FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, 74 gold medals, 233 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Austria | Best performance at FIS Ski Flying World Championships, 5 gold medals, 7 silver medals, 3 bronze medals | Sports | 2009 |
Azerbaijan | Highest nominal GDP year to year growth rate, 48.23% | Economy | 2008 |
Bangladesh | Largest percentage of arable land, 55.39% | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
Bangladesh | Lowest annual energy consumption per capita, 160.9 kgoe per person per year | Energy | 2003 |
Bangladesh | Largest contributor to UN peacekeeper forces, 10,736 | Military Politics |
2010 |
Bangladesh | Lowest level of property rights according to International Property Rights Index, score of 2.9 | Politics | 2008 |
Belgium | Most globalized country according to Globalization Index, score of 91.96 | Politics | 2007 |
Belgium | Best performance at UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Men, 25 gold medals, 52 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Belgium | Best performance at UCI Road World Championships (Men's Road Race), 25 gold medals, 47 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Belgium | Best performance at Motocross World Championship | Sports | 2009 |
Bhutan | Highest GDP (real) annual growth rate, 21.40% ( CIA World Factbook est.) [7] | Economy | 2008 |
Brazil | Largest citrus producer, output of 20,682,309 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Brazil | Largest orange producer, output of 17.8 million tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Brazil | Largest dry bean producer, output of 3,330,435 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Brazil | Largest coffee producer, output of 2,249,010 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Brazil | Largest sugarcane producer, output of 514,079,729 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Brazil | Largest sisal producer, output of 113,300 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Brazil | Largest renewable freshwater resources, 8,233 km³/year | Geography | 2000 |
Brazil | Largest niobium producer, 40,000 tons | Industry | 2007 |
Brazil | Winner of most FIFA World Cups, 5 ( 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) [8] | Sports | 2006 |
Brazil | Winner of most FIFA Club World Cups, 3 ( 2000, 2005, 2006) | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, 12 times winner (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at FIFA Futsal World Cup, 4 times winner (1989, 1992, 1996, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at Beach Handball World Championships, 2 gold medals, 4 total medals | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at Beach Volleyball World Championships, 7 gold medals, 19 total medals | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at World Polo Championship, 3 times winner (1995, 2001, 2004), 2 times runner-up (1998, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Largest electronic spam producer, 7.7 trillion messages per year | Technology | 2007 |
Burkina Faso | Worst situation with education according to Education Index, score of 0.274 | Demographics Quality of life |
2009 |
Burkina Faso | Lowest literacy rate, 23.6% of population | Demographics Quality of life |
2009 |
Burundi | Highest rate of urbanisation, +6.8% of urban population per year | Demographics | 2008 |
Burundi | Lowest GDP (nominal) per capita | Economy | 2007 |
Burundi | Least globalized country according to Globalization Index, score of 25.75 | Politics | 2007 |
Burundi | Lowest satisfaction with life according to Satisfaction with Life Index, 100 | Quality of life | 2006 |
Canada | Largest flax producer, output of 633,500 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Canada | Largest canary seed producer, output of 117,300 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Canada | Largest uranium producer, 9,862 tons | Energy Industry |
2006 |
Canada | Largest water area, 891,163 km² [9] | Geography | 2009 |
Canada | Longest coastline, 243,792 km [10] | Geography | 2009 |
Canada | Best performance at World Curling Men's Championships, 31 gold medals, 45 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Canada | Best performance at World Curling Women's Championships, 15 gold medals, 26 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Canada | Winner of most Women's Ice Hockey World Championships, 9 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Central African Republic | Least easy business doing according to Ease of Doing Business Index | Economy Politics |
2009 |
Chile | Largest copper producer, 5,360,800 tons | Industry | 2006 |
Chile | Largest iodine producer, 15,346 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Chile | Largest lithium producer, 12,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
Chile | Largest lithium reserves, 300,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
China | Largest rice producer, output of 182,042,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest wheat producer, output of 109.9 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
China | Largest fruit and vegetable producer, output of 506,634,000 tons | Agriculture | 2004 |
China | Largest apple producer, output of 26,065,500 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
China | Largest garlic producer, output of 12,088,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
China | Largest pear and quince producer, output of 11,537,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest tangerine producer, output of 14,152,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
China | Largest peach and nectarine producer, output of 6,030,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest plum and sloe producer, output of 4,635,500 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest persimmon producer, output of 1,987,000 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
China | Largest tomato producer, output of 32,540,040 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
China | Largest watermelon producer, output of 69,315,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest chestnut producer, output of 825,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest walnut producer, output of 499,070 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest peanut producer, output of 13,090,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
China | Largest eggplant producer, output of 18,033,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
China | Largest carrot and turnip producer, output of 8,395,500 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest potato producer, output of 70 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
China | Largest cabbage producer, output of 36,335,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
China | Largest cauliflowers and broccoli producer, output of 8,585,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest spinach producer, output of 11,011,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest lettuce and chicory producer, output of 11,005,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest asparagus producer, output of 5,906,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest onion and shallot producer, output of 17,793,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest cucumber and gherkin producer, output of 26,000,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest fish producer, output of 49,467,275 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest aquatic plants producer, output of 11,163,675 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest honey producer, output of 298,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest mushroom and truffle producer, output of 1,410,540 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest cotton producer, output of 11,400,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest silk producer, output of 290,003 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest rapeseed producer, output of 10.3 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
China | Largest tea producer, output of 1,183,502 million tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
China | Largest tobacco producer, output of 2,298,800 tons | Agriculture | 2000 |
China | Largest livestock of domestic sheep, 157,900,000 heads | Agriculture | 2004 |
China | Largest livestock of domestic pig, 488,800,000 heads | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest livestock of mules, 4,194,000 heads | Agriculture | 2003 |
China | Largest livestock of donkeys, 8,499,000 heads | Agriculture | 2003 |
China | Largest livestock of horses, 8,088,000 heads | Agriculture | 2003 |
China | Largest rice consumer, 135 million metric tons per year | Consumption | 2004 |
China | Largest population, 1,315,844,000 [11] | Demographics | 2006 |
China | Largest labour force, 807,700,000 | Demographics Economy |
2008 |
China | Largest renewable energy producer, 576.1 TW·h per year | Energy | 2006 |
China | Largest hydroelectricity producer, 585.2 TW·h per year | Energy | 2007 |
China | Largest coal producer, 2,536.7 million tons | Energy Industry |
2007 |
China | Most carbon dioxide emissions, 6,103,493,000 metric tons | Environment | 2006 |
China | Largest forex reserves, $2,273,000,000,000 | Finance | 2009 |
China | Largest exporter, $1,200,000,000,000 [12] | Finance | 2009 |
China | Highest current account balance, $371,833,000,000 | Finance | 2007 |
China | Highest elevation above the sea level, 8,848 m (29,029 ft) at Mount Everest (shared with Nepal) | Geography | 2009 |
China | Longest land border length, 22,117 km (22,147 km if Hong Kong and Macao, the two special administrative regions are counted) | Geography | 2009 |
China | Most countries bordered, 14 (16 if Hong Kong and Macao, the two special administrative regions are counted), the same number as with Russia | Geography | 2009 |
China | Largest gold producer, 276 tonnes [13] | Industry | 2007 |
China | Largest aluminium producer, 5,896,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest antimony producer, 126,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest arsenic producer | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest bismuth producer, 1,900 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest cadmium producer, 3,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest cement producer, 1,038,000,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest fluorite producer, 3,000,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest iron producer, 588,000,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest manganese producer, 6,000,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest mercury producer, 1,150 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest mica producer, 89,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest steel producer, 500,500,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
China | Largest strontium producer, 700,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest tin producer, 120,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest tin reserves, 1,700,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest tungsten producer, 46,900 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest zinc producer, 2,600,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest motor vehicle producer, 13,790,000 vehicles [14] | Industry Transport |
2009 |
China | Largest army by number of active troops, 2.25 million troops [15] | Military | 2005 |
China | Largest police force, 1,780,000 officers | Military | 2010 |
China | Most frigates in operation, 49 | Military | |
China | Best performance at women's badminton Uber Cup, 11 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
China | Best performance at World Badminton Championships, 43 gold medals won | Sports | 2009 |
China | Best performance at World Amateur Go Championship, 18 wins | Sports | 2009 |
China | Best performance at World Table Tennis Championships, 35 team wins | Sports | 2009 |
China | Best performance at World Weightlifting Championships (women), 314 gold medals, 423 total medals | Sports | 2007 |
China | Leading surveillance society according to the Privacy International [16] | Surveillance | 2007 |
China | Most internet users, 298,000,000 [17] | Technology | 2009 |
China | Most main line phones, 368,000,000 [18] | Technology | 2006 |
China | Most mobile cellular phones, 703,000,000 [19] | Technology | 2009 |
China | Largest total length of waterways, 110,000 km | Transport | 2008 |
China | Largest total length of high-speed railways, 6,003 km | Transport | 2009 |
Republic of the Congo | Lowest energy intensity, 30.5 toe per 1 million dollars of GDP | Energy | 2003 |
Costa Rica | Highest environmental happiness according to Happy Planet Index, score of 76.1 | Environment Quality of life |
2009 |
Côte d'Ivoire | Largest cacao producer, output of 1,330,000 metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Cuba | Winner of most Baseball World Cup (men), 25 gold medals | Sports | 2009 |
Cuba | Best performance at Boxing World Cup, 2 times winner (2006, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Cuba | Winner of most Volleyball World Cups (women), 4 (1989, 1991, 1995, 1999) | Sports | 2009 |
Czech Republic | Highest consumption of beer per capita, 156.9 liters / year [20] | Consumption | 2004 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Highest percentage of population suffering from undernourishment, 75% | Demographics | 2006 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Highest energy intensity, 4746.3 toe per 1 million dollars of GDP | Energy | 2003 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Largest cobalt producer, 22,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Denmark | Most equal income distribution according to UN [21] | Demographics Economy |
1997 |
Denmark | Highest minimum wage, 22,713 ( Intl. dollars) | Finance | 2008 |
Denmark | Most northernmost point on land, 83°40'N at Kaffeklubben Island, Greenland | Geography | 2009 |
Denmark | Highest satisfaction with life according to Satisfaction with Life Index, 273.4 | Quality of life | 2006 |
Egypt | Largest date producer, output of 1,313,690 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Estonia | Highest prevalence of females in population, 0.84 males per female | Demographics | 2009 |
Ethiopia | Earliest human settlement, 195,000 years ago | Demographics | 2010 |
Ethiopia | Best performance at World Cross Country Running Championships, 27 wins | Sports | 2009 |
Fiji | Best performance at Rugby World Cup Sevens (men), 2 times winner (1997, 2005) | Sports | 2008 |
Finland | Highest consumption of coffee per capita, 11.4 kg / year [22] | Consumption | |
Finland | Best student performance in science according to Programme for International Student Assessment | Demographics Quality of life |
2006 |
Finland | Most property rights according to International Property Rights Index, score of 8.6 | Politics | 2008 |
Finland | Highest prosperity according to Legatum Prosperity Index | Quality of life | 2009 |
Finland | Best performance at Drivers' World Rally Championship, 14 wins by 7 drivers | Sports | 2009 |
France | Largest sugar beet producer, output of 29 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
France | Largest percentage of nuclear energy in total energy production, 76.2% | Energy | 2008 |
France | Largest electricity exporter, 67,600 million kWh | Energy | 2007 |
France | Most time zones (overseas territories included), 12 | Geography | 2009 |
France | Best performance at World Championships of Basque Pelota, 58 gold medals, 140 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
France | Best performance at UCI Road World Championships (Women's Road Race), 9 gold medals, 15 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
France | Best performance at Endurance FIM World Championship (motorcycle racing) | Sports | 2009 |
France | Most tourist visits per year, 81.9 million | Tourism | 2007 |
Georgia | Highest literacy rate, 100 % [23][ citation needed] | Demographics | 2009 |
Germany | Largest hop producer, output of 34,438 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Germany | Largest producer of lignite, 175,400,000 tons | Energy Industry |
2001 |
Germany | Largest installed solar power capacity, 9,799 MWh | Energy | 2009 |
Germany | Most Winter Olympic medals, 128 gold medals, 358 total medals [24] | Sports | 2010 |
Germany | Best performance at FIBT World Championships (bobsleigh and skeleton), 58 gold medals, 146 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at ICF Canoe Polo World Championships (women), 3 gold medals, 7 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, 171 gold medals, 406 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, 92 gold medals, 252 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Women, 4 gold medals, 10 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships, 79 gold medals, 201 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at FEI World Equestrian Games, 25 gold medals, 58 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at equestrian Dressage World Championship, 18 gold medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at Show Jumping World Championships (equestrian), 8 gold medals, 16 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at Fistball World Cup (men), 9 gold medals, 13 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at Fistball World Cup (women), 3 gold medals, 4 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at Fistball World Games (men), 4 gold medals, 6 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at FIFA Women's World Cups, 2 times winner ( 2003, 2007), 1 time runner-up ( 1995) | Sports | 2008 |
Germany | Best performance at FIL World Luge Championships, 85 gold medals, 215 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at World Sprint Speed Skating Championships for Women, 19 gold medals, 41 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at World Single Distance Championships for Women (speed skating), 35 gold medals, 74 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Greece | Highest consumption of tobacco per capita, 4,313 cigarettes / year [25] | Consumption | |
Guinea | Largest bauxite reserves, 7,400,000,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
Honduras | Highest intentional homicide rate, 58 per 100000 people per year | Demographics | 2008 |
Hungary | Best performance at FINA Water Polo World Cup (men), 3 times winner (1979, 1995, 1999), 3 times runner-up (1993, 2002, 2006) | Sports | 2009 |
Iceland | Highest electricity consumption per capita, 3,152W per person | Consumption Energy |
2005 |
Iceland | Most northernmost southernmost point on land, 63°17'N at Surtsey island | Geography | 2009 |
Iceland | Highest percentage of Internet users, 92% [26] | Technology | 2009 |
Iceland | Most press freedom according to Freedom of the Press (report) | Politics | 2009 |
India | Largest millet producer, output of 10,610,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest banana producer, output of 21.77 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest lemon and lime producer, output of 2,060,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest mango producer, output of 13,501,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest areca nut producer, output of 483,100 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
India | Largest spice producer, output of 1,600,000 tons | Agriculture | 2004 |
India | Largest ginger producer, output of 420,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
India | Largest chickpea producer, output of 5,970,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
India | Largest lentil producer, output of 1,400,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest jute producer, output of 2,140,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
India | Largest milk producer, output of 59,210,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest livestock of water buffalos, 97,700,000 heads | Agriculture | 2004 |
India | Largest total freshwater withdrawal, 645.84 km³/year | Agriculture Consumption |
2000 |
India | Largest area of irrigated land, 558,080 km² | Agriculture Geography |
2003 |
India | Largest tiger headcount, 3750 tigers | Environment | 1990 |
Indonesia | Largest palm oil producer, output of 15,900,000 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
Indonesia | Largest cinnamon producer, output of 60,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Indonesia | Largest clove producer, output of 110,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Indonesia | Largest area of permanent crops, 128,581 km² | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
Indonesia | Best performance at men's badminton Thomas Cup, 13 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Iran | Largest pistachio producer, output of 230,000 tons [27] | Agriculture | 2007 |
Iran | Largest saffron producer, 93.7% of world's total production [28] | Agriculture | 2009 |
Iran | Highest annual prevalence of opiates use, 2.8% of population | Health | 1999 |
Iraq | Least peaceful according to Global Peace Index | Military Politics |
2010 |
Ireland | Best quality of life according to the Quality-of-life index, 8.333 out of 10 [29] | Quality of life | 2005 |
Israel | Lowest depression below the sea level, -418 m at Dead Sea (shared with Jordan) | Geography | 2009 |
Italy | Largest grape producer, output of 8,519,418 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Italy | Largest wine producer, output of 8,519,418 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Italy | Largest kiwifruit producer, output of 415,050 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Italy | Largest artichoke producer, output of 469,980 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Italy | Highest number of World Heritage Sites, 44 | Culture | 2009 |
Italy | Best performance at FIVB World Leagues, 8 times winner, 3 times runner-up | Sports | 2008 |
Italy | Best performance at Karting World Championship, 21 wins | Sports | 2009 |
Italy | Best performance at F1 Powerboat World Championship, 13 wins | Sports | 2008 |
Italy | Best performance at FIL World Luge Natural Track Championships, 27 gold medals, 80 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Italy | Best performance at World Championships of Ski Mountaineering, 2 times winner (2006, 2008) | Sports | 2009 |
Japan | Lowest birth rate, 7.64 births per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
Japan | Lowest central bank interest rate, 0.10% | Finance | 2008 |
Japan | Lowest commercial bank prime lending rate, 1.68% | Finance | 2008 |
Japan | Best performance at American Football World Cup, 2 times winner ( 1999, 2003) | Sports | 2009 |
Japan | Best performance at World Judo Championships, 97 gold medals, 229 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Japan | Best performance at Karate World Championships, 10 wins | Sports | 2009 |
Japan | Most patents granted, 185,827 | Technology | 2007 |
Japan | Most patents in force, 1,613,776 | Technology | 2007 |
Japan | Most merchant ships owned, 3757 | Transport | 2008 |
Jordan | Lowest depression below the sea level, -418 m at Dead Sea (shared with Israel) | Geography | 2009 |
Kiribati | Smallest volume of carbon dioxide emissions, 29,000 metric tons | Environment | 2006 |
North Korea | Lowest level of economic freedom according to Index of Economic Freedom | Economy Politics |
2009 |
North Korea | Largest military budget as % of GDP, 22.9% | Military | 2003 |
North Korea | Most diesel submarines in operation, 62 | Military | |
North Korea | Largest reserve force, 4,700,000 | Military | 2006 |
North Korea | Most active troops per population, 46 per 1000 people | Military | 2006 |
North Korea | Lowest level of press freedom according to Freedom of the Press (report) | Politics | 2009 |
North Korea | Lowest level of democracy according to Democracy Index, score of 0.86 | Politics | 2008 |
South Korea | Best student performance in reading according to Programme for International Student Assessment | Demographics Quality of life |
2006 |
South Korea | Largest shipbuilder, 12,400,000 Gross Tonnage | Industry Transport |
2008 |
South Korea | Best performance at World Short Track Speed Skating Team Championships, 12 gold medals, 30 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
South Korea | Best performance at World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships, 29 gold medals, 66 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
South Korea | Best performance at World Taekwondo Championships, 142 gold medals, 186 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
South Korea | Highest Digital Opportunity Index, the score of 0.80 | Technology | 2007 |
Kuwait | Highest-valued currency unit, Kuwaiti dinar (KWD; 1 KWD = 3.72953 USD, 1 USD = 0.26813 KWD) | Economy | |
Lesotho | Highest lowest point among all countries, 1400 m | Geography | 2009 |
Liechtenstein | Highest GDP (nominal) per capita, $145,734 ( CIA World Factbook est.) | Economy | 2007 |
Liechtenstein | Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 118,000 Int. $ ( CIA World Factbook est.) | Economy | 2007 |
Lithuania | Highest suicide rate, 38.6 per 100,000 people per year | Demographics | 2005 |
Luxembourg | Highest consumption of alcohol per capita, 15.56 litres / year | Consumption | 2008 |
Luxembourg | Highest GDP (nominal) per capita, $113,044 ( IMF est.), $111,182 ( World Bank est.) | Economy | 2008 |
Luxembourg | Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 78,559 Int. $ ( World Bank est.) | Economy | 2008 |
Luxembourg | Best quality of life according to the Nonlinear quality of life index, 0.892 | Quality of life | 2005 |
Madagascar | Largest vanilla producer, output of 6,200 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
Maldives | Highest annual population growth, 5.57% | Demographics | 2008 |
Maldives | Lowest highest point among all countries, 2 m (7 ft) | Geography | 2009 |
Mali | Highest fertility rate, 7.34 births per woman | Demographics | 2008 |
Mexico | Largest avocado producer, output of 1,021,520 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Federated States of Micronesia | Worst net migration rate, -21.03 migrants per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
Federated States of Micronesia | Highest coastline to area ratio, 8,706.553 m/km² | Geography | 2009 |
Federated States of Micronesia | Highest percent of forest area, 90.31% | Geography | 2007 |
Moldova | Highest rate of deurbanisation, -1.5% of urban population per year | Demographics | 2008 |
Monaco | Most densely populated, 23,660 per km² | Demographics | 2004 |
Monaco | Highest median age of population, 45.7 years | Demographics | 2008 |
Monaco | Largest external debt per capita, $540,000 | Finance | 2000 |
Monaco | Largest external debt as percentage of GDP, 1843.70% | Finance | 2000 |
Monaco | Highest nominal Gross National Income per capita, $203,900 | Finance | 2008 |
Mongolia | Least densely populated, 1.7 per km² | Demographics | 2004 |
Montenegro | Largest annual population decline, -0.93% | Demographics | 2008 |
Namibia | Least equal income distribution | Demographics Economy |
2003 |
Nepal | Highest elevation above the sea level, 8,848 m (29,029 ft) at Mount Everest (shared with China) | Geography | 2009 |
Netherlands | Best performance at Field hockey World Cup (women), 6 times winner (1974, 1978, 1983, 1986*, 1990, 2006) | Sports | 2009 |
Netherlands | Best performance at Korfball World Championship, 7 times winner | Sports | 2007 |
Netherlands | Best performance at World Junior Speed Skating Championships, 22 gold medals, 62 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Netherlands | Best performance at World Single Distance Championships for Men (speed skating), 34 gold medals, 82 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Netherlands | Best performance at FINA Water Polo World Cup (women), 8 times winner (1980, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1999) | Sports | 2009 |
New Zealand | Most peaceful according to Global Peace Index | Military Politics |
2009 |
New Zealand | Best performance at Women's Rugby World Cups, 3 times winner ( 1998, 2002, 2006) | Sports | 2006 |
New Zealand | Best performance at Women's Rugby League World Cups, 3 times winner (2000, 2005, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Niger | Highest birth rate, 51.60 births per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
Niger | Lowest Human Development Index (HDI), 0.340 | Quality of life | 2007 |
Nigeria | Largest yam producer, output of 34,000,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Nigeria | Largest cassava producer, output of 41,565,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Nigeria | Largest taro producer, output of 4,000,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Norway | Highest level of gender equality in the economy according to Global Gender Gap Report | Demographics Economy |
2008 |
Norway | Highest government budget surplus, +37,300,000,000 USD | Finance | 2009 |
Norway | Highest Human Development Index (HDI), 0.971 | Quality of life | 2007 |
Norway | Most stable country according to Failed States Index, score of 18.3 | Politics | 2009 |
Norway | Best performance at FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, 99 gold medals, 265 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Norway | Best performance at World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Men, 36 gold medals, 95 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Oman | Lowest public debt as percentage of GDP, 2.40% | Finance | 2008 |
Pakistan | Best performance at Field hockey World Cup (men), 4 times winner (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994) | Sports | 2010 |
Pakistan | Most number of British Open Squash champions (men) , won 30 out of 73 championships | Sports | 2010 |
Pakistan | Greatest number of World Open Squash champions (men) , won 14 out of 31 championships | Sports | 2010 |
Panama | Most merchant ships registered, 6,323 | Transport | 2008 |
Papua New Guinea | Highest annual prevalence of cannabis use, 29.5% of population | Demographics | 1995 |
Papua New Guinea | Best performance at Australian Football International Cup, 1 time winner (2008), 2 times runner-up (2002, 2005) | Sports | 2008 |
Peru | Largest quinoa producer, output of 32,600 metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Peru | Largest silver producer, 3,193 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Philippines | Largest Abacá (Manila Hemp) producer [27] | Agriculture | 2007 |
Philippines | Largest coconut producer, output of 17,000,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Philippines | Best performance at World Cup of Pool, 2 times winner (2006, 2009) | Sports | 2009 |
Poland | Largest triticale producer, output of 3.7 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Poland | Best performance at motorcycle Speedway World Cup, 3 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Portugal | Highest share of gold in total forex reserves, 92.8% | Finance | 2009 |
Portugal | Best performance at Roller Hockey World Championship (men), 15 gold medals, 36 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Qatar | Most carbon dioxide emissions per capita, 56.2 metric tons | Environment | 2006 |
Qatar | Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 85,868 Int. $ ( IMF est.) | Economy | 2008 |
Qatar | Highest annual energy consumption per capita, 21395.8 kgoe per person per year | Energy | 2003 |
Russia | Largest barley producer, output of 15.7 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Russia | Largest buckwheat producer, output of 1 004 850 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Russia | Largest oats producer, output of 5.1 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Russia | Largest rye producer, output of 3.6 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Russia | Largest sunflower seed producer, output of 6.3 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Russia | Largest currant and gooseberry producer, output of 463,500 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Russia | Largest raspberry producer, output of 110,000 tons | Agriculture | 2004 |
Russia | Largest vetches producer, output of 377,750 tons [30] | Agriculture | 2008 |
Russia | Highest crude divorce rate, 4.42 per 1000 population | Demographics | 2004 |
Russia | Largest proven natural gas reserves, 44,650,000,000,000 m³ | Energy | 2008 |
Russia | Largest natural gas producer, 654,000,000,000 m³ | Energy Industry |
2007 |
Russia | Largest natural gas exporter, 173,000,000,000 cu m | Energy | 2007 |
Russia | Largest oil producer, 9,980,000 bbl/d (1,587,000 m3/d) [31] | Energy Industry |
2009 |
Russia | Largest forest area, 8,087,900 km² | Geography | 2007 |
Russia | Largest land area, 17,075,200 km² [32] | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Largest total area, 17,098,242 km² [33] | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Largest EEZ continental shelf area, 3,817,843 km2 | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Most countries bordered, 14 (16 if Abkhazia and South Ossetia are counted), the same number as with China | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Most time zones (contiguous territory), 9 | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Largest asbestos producer, 925,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Russia | Largest diamond producer, 38,000,000 carats (7,600 kg) | Industry | 2005 |
Russia | Largest nickel producer, 300,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Russia | Largest palladium producer, 143 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Russia | Largest nuclear arsenal, 5,200 / 8,800 active/total warheads (2005 est) [34] | Military | 2009 |
Russia | Largest tank army, 22,800 tanks | Military | |
Russia | Most corvettes in operation, 85 | Military | |
Russia | Top position at World Chess Rankings (men), top 10 players average score of 2724 | Sports | 2009 |
Russia | Top position at World Chess Rankings (women), top 10 players average score of 2469 | Sports | 2009 |
Russia | Best performance at the World Sambo Championships, 58 gold medals, 99 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia | Most television broadcast stations, 7,306 | Technology | 1998 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Bandy World Championships (men), 19 (1957, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1985, 1989, 1991, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008) | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Most World Chess Champions, 10 | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at UCI Track World Championships, Women (cycling), 48 gold medals, 111 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at FIE World Championships in Fencing, 121 gold medals, 257 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Figure Skating Championships, 74 gold medals, 178 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, 140 gold medals, 341 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, 23 gold medals, 58 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at gymnastics Trampoline World Championships, 21 gold medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Women's Handball Championship, 7 gold medals, 10 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Ice Hockey World Championships (men), 25 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at Team Ice Racing World Championship, 26 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Shooting Championships, 307 gold medals, 656 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Women, 24 gold medals, 69 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Sprint Speed Skating Championships for Men, 11 gold medals, 24 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Volleyball World Championships (men), 6 (1949, 1952, 1960, 1962, 1978, 1982) | Sports | 2006 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Volleyball World Championships (women), 6 (1952, 1956, 1960, 1970, 1990, 2006) | Sports | 2006 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Volleyball World Cups (men), 5 (1965, 1977, 1981, 1991, 1999) | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Weightlifting Championships (men), 350 gold medals, 746 total medals | Sports | 2007 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at FILA Wrestling World Championships, 64 times winner in three team tournaments | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Longest total human spaceflight time by country, over 20,000 person-days | Technology | 2010 |
San Marino | Highest annual deflation, -3.50% | Finance | 2008 |
Saudi Arabia | Largest proven oil reserves, 264,300,000,000 bbl (4.202×1010 m3) [35] | Energy | 2008 |
Saudi Arabia | Largest oil exporter, 8,200,000 (bbl\day) [36] | Energy | 2007 |
Serbia Serbia and Montenegro Yugoslavia |
Winner of most Basketball World Championships, 5 (1970, 1978, 1990, 1998, 2002) [37] | Sports | 2006 |
Serbia Serbia and Montenegro Yugoslavia |
Best performance at FINA World Water Polo Championship (men), 4 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Singapore | Lowest fertility rate, 1.08 births per woman | Demographics | 2008 |
Singapore | Lowest infant mortality rate, 2.31 deaths per 1000 live births | Demographics | 2009 |
Singapore | Most economic freedom according to Index of Economic Freedom, 87.1 points | Economy Politics |
2009 |
Singapore | Most trade freedom according to Global Enabling Trade Report, 5.71 points | Economy Politics |
2008 |
Singapore | Easiest business doing according to Ease of Doing Business Index | Economy Politics |
2009 |
Singapore | Highest gross fixed investment as percentage of GDP, 45.00% | Finance | 2008 |
Singapore | Most exports per capita, $49,100 per person | Finance | 2005 |
Singapore | Highest level of innovation according to Global Innovation Index, score of 2.26 | Technology | 2009 |
Somalia | Largest livestock of camels, 7,000,000 heads | Agriculture | 2003 |
Somalia | Most unstable country according to Failed States Index, score of 114.7 | Politics | 2009 |
South Africa | Most people living with HIV/AIDS, 5,700,000 | Demographics | 2003 |
South Africa | Most HIV/AIDS deaths, 350,000 | Demographics | 2007 |
South Africa | Largest chromium producer | Industry | 2000 |
South Africa | Largest platinum producer, 168 tonnes | Industry | 2005 |
Spain | Largest olive producer, output of 6,160,100 tons | Agriculture | 2003 |
Spain | Largest carob producer, output of 70,000 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
Spain | Best performance at Roller Hockey World Championship (women), 4 gold medals, 7 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Swaziland | Highest death rate, 30.83 deaths per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
Swaziland | Highest HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate, 26.01 of population | Demographics | 2008 |
Swaziland | Lowest overall life expectancy, 31.88 years [1] | Demographics Quality of life |
2009 |
Sweden | Most equal income distribution according to CIA World Factbook | Demographics Economy |
2005 |
Sweden | Highest level of democracy according to Democracy Index, score of 9.88 | Politics | 2008 |
Sweden | Winner of most Bandy World Championships (women), 4 (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008) | Sports | 2009 |
Sweden | Best performance at WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championships, (men) 18 gold medals, 38 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Sweden | Best performance at World Floorball Championship | Sports | 2009 |
Sweden | Best performance at World Men's Handball Championship, 4 gold medals, 11 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Sweden | Best performance at World Synchronized Skating Championships, 5 gold medals, 10 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Switzerland | Lowest level of business corruption according to Bribe Payers Index, score of 7.81 | Economy Politics |
2006 |
Switzerland | Highest economic competitiveness according to Global Competitiveness Report, score of 5.60 | Economy Politics |
2009 |
Switzerland | Best environmental performance according to Environmental Performance Index, 95.5 | Environment | 2008 |
Switzerland | Best performance at UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships, 5 gold medals, 12 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Switzerland | Best performance at Sidecarcross World Championship | Sports | 2009 |
Switzerland | Highest tourist competitiveness according to Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, 5.68 | Tourism | 2009 |
Syria | Largest fennel producer, output of 115,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Taiwan | Best student performance in mathematics according to Programme for International Student Assessment [38] | Demographics Quality of life |
2006 |
Tanzania | Highest poverty, 96.6% of population living under 2 dollar (PPP) a day | Demographics Economy |
2006 |
Timor-Leste | Highest tax rate as percentage of GDP, 109.7% | Finance | 2009 |
Timor-Leste | Highest current account balance as a percentage of GDP, 44.52% | Finance | 2008 |
Turkey | Largest apricot producer, output of 716,415 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Turkey | Largest cherry producer, output of 398,100 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Turkey | Largest fig producer, output of 280,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Turkey | Largest hazelnut producer, output of 500,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Turkey | Highest consumption of tea per capita, 2.5 kg (88 oz) / year [39] | Consumption | |
Turkey | Largest feldspar producer, 2,500,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
Turkmenistan | Largest freshwater withdrawal per capita, 5,104 m³/year | Agriculture Consumption |
2000 |
Tuvalu | Smallest number of immigrants, 300 | Demographics | 2005 |
Tuvalu | Lowest GDP (nominal), 14.94 million USD | Economy | 2008 |
Tuvalu | Lowest GDP (PPP), 15 million USD | Economy | 2008 |
Tuvalu | Worst current account balance as a percentage of GDP, -78.17% | Finance | 2008 |
Tuvalu | Largest percentage of cultivated land, 66.67% | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
Tuvalu | Largest percentage of permanent crops area, 66.67% | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
Uganda | Largest plantain producer, output of 9,045,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Uganda | Lowest median age of population, 15 years | Demographics | 2008 |
United Arab Emirates | Lowest death rate, 2.11 deaths per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
United Arab Emirates | Highest net migration rate, 22.98 migrants per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
United Arab Emirates | Highest prevalence of males in population, 2.19 males per female | Demographics | 2009 |
United Arab Emirates | Highest ecological footprint | Environment | 2009 |
United Arab Emirates | Lowest tax rate as percentage of GDP, 1.4% | Finance | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Best performance at Eventing World Championship (equestrian), 8 gold medals, 19 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Most Formula One Grand Prix wins, 208 by 19 drivers | Sports | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Most Formula One Grand Prix wins (constructors), 494 by 12 constructors | Sports | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Best performance at equestrian Mounted games, 22 wins (including separate England and Wales wins) | Sports | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Best performance at ITU Triathlon World Championships (men), 8 gold medals, 13 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Largest maize producer, output of 332,092,180 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
United States | Largest sorghum producer, output of 9.8 million tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
United States | Largest grapefruit and pummelo producer, output of 1,580,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
United States | Largest strawberry producer, output of 1,115,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
United States | Largest soybean producer, output of 87.7 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
United States | Largest almond producer, output of 715,620 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
United States | Largest area of cultivated land, 1,669,302 km² | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
United States | Largest area of arable land, 1,650,062 km² | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
United States | Largest electricity consumer, 3,816,000,000 MWh/year | Consumption Energy |
2005 |
United States | Largest electricity importer, 51,400 million kWh | Consumption Energy |
2007 |
United States | Largest natural gas consumer, 652,900,000,000 cu m | Consumption Energy |
2007 |
United States | Largest natural gas importer, 130,300,000,000 cu m | Consumption Energy |
2007 |
United States | Largest oil consumer, 20,680,000 bbl/d (3,288,000 m3/d) [40] | Consumption Energy |
2007 |
United States | Largest oil importer, 13,710,000 bbl\day [41] | Consumption Energy |
2005 |
United States | Largest consumer market, Annual market size of ~US $ 10 trillion | Consumption Household |
2008 |
United States | Most books published per year (new titles), 275,232 | Culture | 2008 |
United States | Highest annual prevalence of cocaine use, 2.8% of population | Demographics | 2004 |
United States | Highest incarceration rate, 760 prisoners per 100000 people | Demographics | 2008 |
United States | Most people in prison, 2,310,984 prisoners | Demographics | 2008 |
United States | Most privately-owned firearms per capita, 90 per 100 population [42] | Demographics | 2007 |
United States | Most privately-owned firearms in total, 270 million [43] | Demographics | 2007 |
United States | Largest number of immigrants, 38,355,000 | Demographics | 2005 |
United States | Most billionaires, 359 | Demographics Economy |
2009 |
United States | Highest GDP (nominal) | Economy | 2008 |
United States | Highest GDP (PPP) | Economy | 2008 |
United States | Largest electricity producer, 4,367,874,939,000 kWh | Energy | 2007 |
United States | Largest wind power producer, 25,237 MWh | Energy | 2008 |
United States | Largest nuclear power producer, 101,119 MWh | Energy | 2008 |
United States | Most nuclear reactors for electricity generation, 104 | Energy | 2008 |
United States | Largest proven coal reserves, 246,643 million tons | Energy | 2006 |
United States | Largest external debt, $13,773,000,000,000 | Finance | 2009 |
United States | Largest government budget revenues, $2,524,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Largest government budget expenditures, $2,979,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Highest government budget deficit, $-455,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Largest official gold reserves, 8,133.5 tons | Finance | 2009 |
United States | Largest stock of foreign direct investment abroad, $2,751,000,000,000.00 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Largest stock of received foreign direct investment, $2,220,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Largest importer, $2,190,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Worst current account balance, -$664,125,000,000 | Finance | 2007 |
United States | Largest Exclusive Economic Zone, 11,351,000 km2 | Geography | 2009 |
United States | Largest bentonite producer, 4,620,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
United States | Largest molybdenum producer, 58,900 tons | Industry | 2005 |
United States | Largest salt producer, 46,500,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
United States | Largest arms exporter, $7,454,000,000 | Industry Military |
2007 |
United States | Largest military budget, $ 518,100,000,000 | Military | 2005 |
United States | Most aircraft carriers in operation, 11 | Military | 2009 |
United States | Most cruisers in operation, 22 | Military | |
United States | Most destroyers in operation, 53 | Military | |
United States | Most nuclear submarines in operation, 71 | Military | |
United States | Largest airforce, 4000 units | Military | |
United States | Most Olympic Games hosted, 8 ( 1904 Summer Olympics, 1932 Summer Olympics, 1984 Summer Olympics, 1996 Summer Olympics, 1932 Winter Olympics, 1960 Winter Olympics, 1980 Winter Olympics, 2002 Winter Olympics) | Sports | 2008 |
United States | Most Olympic medals, 1017 gold, 2551 total | Sports | 2010 |
United States | Most Summer Olympic medals, 2298 total, 930 gold | Sports | 2008 |
United States | Winner of most Basketball World Championships for Women, 7 (1953, 1957, 1979, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002) [44] | Sports | 2006 |
United States | Best performance at World Aquatics Championships, 182 gold medals, 434 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at World Championships in Athletics, 120 gold medals, 250 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at World Backgammon Championship, 18 wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at Women's Baseball World Cup, 2 times winner (2004, 2006) | Sports | 2008 |
United States | Best performance at WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championships, (women) 16 gold medals, 51 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at UCI BMX World Championships, 24 gold medals, 69 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at Golf World Cup (men), 23 wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at World Lacrosse Championship (men), 8 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at Women's Lacrosse World Cup, 6 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at Racquetball World Championships | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at ISF Women's World Championship (softball), 8 gold medals, 10 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at tennis Davis Cup (men), 32 team wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at tennis Fed Cup (women), 17 team wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at tennis Hopman Cup (mixed pairs), 5 team wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at FINA World Water Polo Championship (women), 3 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Highest E-readiness, 8.95 out of 10 | Technology | 2008 |
United States | Longest total length of railways, 227,736 km [45] | Transport | 2003 |
United States | Longest total length of roadways, 6,407,637 km [46] | Transport | 2004 |
United States | Most airports, 15,095 [47] | Transport | 2005 |
United States | Largest total length of pipelines, 793,285 km | Transport | 2006 |
United States | Largest total length of rapid transit systems, 1224.9 km | Transport | 2008 |
United States | Most motor vehicles per capita, 765 per 1000 population | Transport Consumption |
2009 |
Uruguay | Most southernmost northernmost point on land, 30°05'S | Geography | 2009 |
Vatican City | Smallest population, 800 | Demographics | 2008 |
Vatican City | Largest percentage of immigrant population, 100% | Demographics | 2005 |
Vatican City | Smallest total area, 0,44 km² | Geography | 2009 |
Vietnam | Smallest percentage of immigrant population, 0.0249% | Demographics | 2005 |
Vietnam | Largest paramilitary, 5,080,000 | Military | 2006 |
Yemen | Lowest prosperity according to Legatum Prosperity Index | Quality of life | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Highest unemployment rate, 90% of population | Demographics Economy |
2009 |
Zimbabwe | Lowest GDP (PPP) per capita, 200 Int. $ ( CIA World Factbook est.) | Economy | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Worst GDP (real) decline, -14.10% ( CIA World Factbook est.) [7] | Economy | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Lowest environmental happiness according to Happy Planet Index, score of 16.6 | Environment Quality of life |
2009 |
Zimbabwe | Highest annual inflation rate, 11,200,000.00% | Finance | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Highest central bank interest rate, 975.00% | Finance | 2007 |
Zimbabwe | Highest commercial bank prime lending rate, 578.96% | Finance | 2007 |
Zimbabwe | Highest public debt as percentage of GDP, 241.20% | Finance | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Worst industrial production decline, -14.70% ( CIA World Factbook est.) [3] | Industry | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Lowest level of innovation according to Global Innovation Index, score of -1.63 | Technology | 2009 |
The following fully recognized countries miss from the list above:
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This list of statistically superlative countries includes the countries that are placed top or bottom on international global-scale Lists of countries with rankings. In order to limit the scope of the list and distinguish notable statistical indicators from trivial ones, entries in this list should contain a link to one of the following:
Country | Achievement | Field | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Andorra | Highest overall life expectancy, 83.53 years [1] | Demographics Quality of life |
2009 |
Andorra | Most tourist arrivals per capita, 121 [2] | Economy | 2008 |
Angola | Highest infant mortality rate, 180.21 deaths per 1000 live births | Demographics | 2009 |
Angola | Highest industrial production growth rate, 14.30% ( CIA World Factbook est.) [3] | Industry | 2008 |
Argentina | Largest exporter of pears, 490,000 tonnes [4] [5] | Agriculture | 2009 |
Argentina | Best performance at Paddle Tennis World Championship (men), 7 gold medals, 9 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Argentina | Best performance at Paddle Tennis World Championship (women), 7 gold medals, 9 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Largest wool producer, output of 475,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Australia | Largest sheep meat producer | Agriculture | 2005 |
Australia | Largest uranium reserves, 1,243,000 tons | Energy | 2007 |
Australia | Largest aluminium oxide producer, 18,312,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
Australia | Largest bauxite producer, 63,000,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
Australia | Largest titanium producer, 1,291,000 tons | Industry | 2003 |
Australia | Largest zirconium producer, 426,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Australia | Largest thorium reserves, 300,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
Australia | Best performance at Rugby World Cups (men), 2 times winner ( 1991, 1999), 1 time runner-up ( 2003) | Sports | 2008 |
Australia | Best performance at Rugby League World Cups (men), 9 times winner (1957, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1988, 1992, 1995, 2000) | Sports | 2008 |
Australia | Winner of most Cricket World Cups (men), 4 (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007) [6] | Sports | 2007 |
Australia | Winner of most Women's Cricket World Cups, 5 (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005) | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at ICF Canoe Polo World Championships (men), 3 gold medals | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at Netball World Championshipss, 9 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at World International Doubles Squash Championships | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at World Team Squash Championships | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at Touch Football World Cups | Sports | 2009 |
Australia | Best performance at ITU Triathlon World Championships (women), 11 gold medals, 26 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Austria | Best performance at FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, 74 gold medals, 233 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Austria | Best performance at FIS Ski Flying World Championships, 5 gold medals, 7 silver medals, 3 bronze medals | Sports | 2009 |
Azerbaijan | Highest nominal GDP year to year growth rate, 48.23% | Economy | 2008 |
Bangladesh | Largest percentage of arable land, 55.39% | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
Bangladesh | Lowest annual energy consumption per capita, 160.9 kgoe per person per year | Energy | 2003 |
Bangladesh | Largest contributor to UN peacekeeper forces, 10,736 | Military Politics |
2010 |
Bangladesh | Lowest level of property rights according to International Property Rights Index, score of 2.9 | Politics | 2008 |
Belgium | Most globalized country according to Globalization Index, score of 91.96 | Politics | 2007 |
Belgium | Best performance at UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Men, 25 gold medals, 52 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Belgium | Best performance at UCI Road World Championships (Men's Road Race), 25 gold medals, 47 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Belgium | Best performance at Motocross World Championship | Sports | 2009 |
Bhutan | Highest GDP (real) annual growth rate, 21.40% ( CIA World Factbook est.) [7] | Economy | 2008 |
Brazil | Largest citrus producer, output of 20,682,309 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Brazil | Largest orange producer, output of 17.8 million tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Brazil | Largest dry bean producer, output of 3,330,435 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Brazil | Largest coffee producer, output of 2,249,010 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Brazil | Largest sugarcane producer, output of 514,079,729 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Brazil | Largest sisal producer, output of 113,300 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Brazil | Largest renewable freshwater resources, 8,233 km³/year | Geography | 2000 |
Brazil | Largest niobium producer, 40,000 tons | Industry | 2007 |
Brazil | Winner of most FIFA World Cups, 5 ( 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) [8] | Sports | 2006 |
Brazil | Winner of most FIFA Club World Cups, 3 ( 2000, 2005, 2006) | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, 12 times winner (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at FIFA Futsal World Cup, 4 times winner (1989, 1992, 1996, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at Beach Handball World Championships, 2 gold medals, 4 total medals | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at Beach Volleyball World Championships, 7 gold medals, 19 total medals | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Best performance at World Polo Championship, 3 times winner (1995, 2001, 2004), 2 times runner-up (1998, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Brazil | Largest electronic spam producer, 7.7 trillion messages per year | Technology | 2007 |
Burkina Faso | Worst situation with education according to Education Index, score of 0.274 | Demographics Quality of life |
2009 |
Burkina Faso | Lowest literacy rate, 23.6% of population | Demographics Quality of life |
2009 |
Burundi | Highest rate of urbanisation, +6.8% of urban population per year | Demographics | 2008 |
Burundi | Lowest GDP (nominal) per capita | Economy | 2007 |
Burundi | Least globalized country according to Globalization Index, score of 25.75 | Politics | 2007 |
Burundi | Lowest satisfaction with life according to Satisfaction with Life Index, 100 | Quality of life | 2006 |
Canada | Largest flax producer, output of 633,500 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Canada | Largest canary seed producer, output of 117,300 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Canada | Largest uranium producer, 9,862 tons | Energy Industry |
2006 |
Canada | Largest water area, 891,163 km² [9] | Geography | 2009 |
Canada | Longest coastline, 243,792 km [10] | Geography | 2009 |
Canada | Best performance at World Curling Men's Championships, 31 gold medals, 45 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Canada | Best performance at World Curling Women's Championships, 15 gold medals, 26 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Canada | Winner of most Women's Ice Hockey World Championships, 9 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Central African Republic | Least easy business doing according to Ease of Doing Business Index | Economy Politics |
2009 |
Chile | Largest copper producer, 5,360,800 tons | Industry | 2006 |
Chile | Largest iodine producer, 15,346 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Chile | Largest lithium producer, 12,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
Chile | Largest lithium reserves, 300,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
China | Largest rice producer, output of 182,042,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest wheat producer, output of 109.9 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
China | Largest fruit and vegetable producer, output of 506,634,000 tons | Agriculture | 2004 |
China | Largest apple producer, output of 26,065,500 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
China | Largest garlic producer, output of 12,088,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
China | Largest pear and quince producer, output of 11,537,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest tangerine producer, output of 14,152,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
China | Largest peach and nectarine producer, output of 6,030,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest plum and sloe producer, output of 4,635,500 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest persimmon producer, output of 1,987,000 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
China | Largest tomato producer, output of 32,540,040 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
China | Largest watermelon producer, output of 69,315,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest chestnut producer, output of 825,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest walnut producer, output of 499,070 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest peanut producer, output of 13,090,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
China | Largest eggplant producer, output of 18,033,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
China | Largest carrot and turnip producer, output of 8,395,500 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest potato producer, output of 70 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
China | Largest cabbage producer, output of 36,335,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
China | Largest cauliflowers and broccoli producer, output of 8,585,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest spinach producer, output of 11,011,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest lettuce and chicory producer, output of 11,005,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest asparagus producer, output of 5,906,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest onion and shallot producer, output of 17,793,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest cucumber and gherkin producer, output of 26,000,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest fish producer, output of 49,467,275 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest aquatic plants producer, output of 11,163,675 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest honey producer, output of 298,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest mushroom and truffle producer, output of 1,410,540 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest cotton producer, output of 11,400,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest silk producer, output of 290,003 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest rapeseed producer, output of 10.3 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
China | Largest tea producer, output of 1,183,502 million tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
China | Largest tobacco producer, output of 2,298,800 tons | Agriculture | 2000 |
China | Largest livestock of domestic sheep, 157,900,000 heads | Agriculture | 2004 |
China | Largest livestock of domestic pig, 488,800,000 heads | Agriculture | 2005 |
China | Largest livestock of mules, 4,194,000 heads | Agriculture | 2003 |
China | Largest livestock of donkeys, 8,499,000 heads | Agriculture | 2003 |
China | Largest livestock of horses, 8,088,000 heads | Agriculture | 2003 |
China | Largest rice consumer, 135 million metric tons per year | Consumption | 2004 |
China | Largest population, 1,315,844,000 [11] | Demographics | 2006 |
China | Largest labour force, 807,700,000 | Demographics Economy |
2008 |
China | Largest renewable energy producer, 576.1 TW·h per year | Energy | 2006 |
China | Largest hydroelectricity producer, 585.2 TW·h per year | Energy | 2007 |
China | Largest coal producer, 2,536.7 million tons | Energy Industry |
2007 |
China | Most carbon dioxide emissions, 6,103,493,000 metric tons | Environment | 2006 |
China | Largest forex reserves, $2,273,000,000,000 | Finance | 2009 |
China | Largest exporter, $1,200,000,000,000 [12] | Finance | 2009 |
China | Highest current account balance, $371,833,000,000 | Finance | 2007 |
China | Highest elevation above the sea level, 8,848 m (29,029 ft) at Mount Everest (shared with Nepal) | Geography | 2009 |
China | Longest land border length, 22,117 km (22,147 km if Hong Kong and Macao, the two special administrative regions are counted) | Geography | 2009 |
China | Most countries bordered, 14 (16 if Hong Kong and Macao, the two special administrative regions are counted), the same number as with Russia | Geography | 2009 |
China | Largest gold producer, 276 tonnes [13] | Industry | 2007 |
China | Largest aluminium producer, 5,896,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest antimony producer, 126,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest arsenic producer | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest bismuth producer, 1,900 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest cadmium producer, 3,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest cement producer, 1,038,000,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest fluorite producer, 3,000,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest iron producer, 588,000,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest manganese producer, 6,000,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest mercury producer, 1,150 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest mica producer, 89,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest steel producer, 500,500,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
China | Largest strontium producer, 700,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest tin producer, 120,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest tin reserves, 1,700,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest tungsten producer, 46,900 tons | Industry | 2005 |
China | Largest zinc producer, 2,600,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
China | Largest motor vehicle producer, 13,790,000 vehicles [14] | Industry Transport |
2009 |
China | Largest army by number of active troops, 2.25 million troops [15] | Military | 2005 |
China | Largest police force, 1,780,000 officers | Military | 2010 |
China | Most frigates in operation, 49 | Military | |
China | Best performance at women's badminton Uber Cup, 11 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
China | Best performance at World Badminton Championships, 43 gold medals won | Sports | 2009 |
China | Best performance at World Amateur Go Championship, 18 wins | Sports | 2009 |
China | Best performance at World Table Tennis Championships, 35 team wins | Sports | 2009 |
China | Best performance at World Weightlifting Championships (women), 314 gold medals, 423 total medals | Sports | 2007 |
China | Leading surveillance society according to the Privacy International [16] | Surveillance | 2007 |
China | Most internet users, 298,000,000 [17] | Technology | 2009 |
China | Most main line phones, 368,000,000 [18] | Technology | 2006 |
China | Most mobile cellular phones, 703,000,000 [19] | Technology | 2009 |
China | Largest total length of waterways, 110,000 km | Transport | 2008 |
China | Largest total length of high-speed railways, 6,003 km | Transport | 2009 |
Republic of the Congo | Lowest energy intensity, 30.5 toe per 1 million dollars of GDP | Energy | 2003 |
Costa Rica | Highest environmental happiness according to Happy Planet Index, score of 76.1 | Environment Quality of life |
2009 |
Côte d'Ivoire | Largest cacao producer, output of 1,330,000 metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Cuba | Winner of most Baseball World Cup (men), 25 gold medals | Sports | 2009 |
Cuba | Best performance at Boxing World Cup, 2 times winner (2006, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Cuba | Winner of most Volleyball World Cups (women), 4 (1989, 1991, 1995, 1999) | Sports | 2009 |
Czech Republic | Highest consumption of beer per capita, 156.9 liters / year [20] | Consumption | 2004 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Highest percentage of population suffering from undernourishment, 75% | Demographics | 2006 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Highest energy intensity, 4746.3 toe per 1 million dollars of GDP | Energy | 2003 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Largest cobalt producer, 22,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Denmark | Most equal income distribution according to UN [21] | Demographics Economy |
1997 |
Denmark | Highest minimum wage, 22,713 ( Intl. dollars) | Finance | 2008 |
Denmark | Most northernmost point on land, 83°40'N at Kaffeklubben Island, Greenland | Geography | 2009 |
Denmark | Highest satisfaction with life according to Satisfaction with Life Index, 273.4 | Quality of life | 2006 |
Egypt | Largest date producer, output of 1,313,690 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Estonia | Highest prevalence of females in population, 0.84 males per female | Demographics | 2009 |
Ethiopia | Earliest human settlement, 195,000 years ago | Demographics | 2010 |
Ethiopia | Best performance at World Cross Country Running Championships, 27 wins | Sports | 2009 |
Fiji | Best performance at Rugby World Cup Sevens (men), 2 times winner (1997, 2005) | Sports | 2008 |
Finland | Highest consumption of coffee per capita, 11.4 kg / year [22] | Consumption | |
Finland | Best student performance in science according to Programme for International Student Assessment | Demographics Quality of life |
2006 |
Finland | Most property rights according to International Property Rights Index, score of 8.6 | Politics | 2008 |
Finland | Highest prosperity according to Legatum Prosperity Index | Quality of life | 2009 |
Finland | Best performance at Drivers' World Rally Championship, 14 wins by 7 drivers | Sports | 2009 |
France | Largest sugar beet producer, output of 29 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
France | Largest percentage of nuclear energy in total energy production, 76.2% | Energy | 2008 |
France | Largest electricity exporter, 67,600 million kWh | Energy | 2007 |
France | Most time zones (overseas territories included), 12 | Geography | 2009 |
France | Best performance at World Championships of Basque Pelota, 58 gold medals, 140 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
France | Best performance at UCI Road World Championships (Women's Road Race), 9 gold medals, 15 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
France | Best performance at Endurance FIM World Championship (motorcycle racing) | Sports | 2009 |
France | Most tourist visits per year, 81.9 million | Tourism | 2007 |
Georgia | Highest literacy rate, 100 % [23][ citation needed] | Demographics | 2009 |
Germany | Largest hop producer, output of 34,438 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Germany | Largest producer of lignite, 175,400,000 tons | Energy Industry |
2001 |
Germany | Largest installed solar power capacity, 9,799 MWh | Energy | 2009 |
Germany | Most Winter Olympic medals, 128 gold medals, 358 total medals [24] | Sports | 2010 |
Germany | Best performance at FIBT World Championships (bobsleigh and skeleton), 58 gold medals, 146 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at ICF Canoe Polo World Championships (women), 3 gold medals, 7 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, 171 gold medals, 406 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, 92 gold medals, 252 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Women, 4 gold medals, 10 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships, 79 gold medals, 201 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at FEI World Equestrian Games, 25 gold medals, 58 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at equestrian Dressage World Championship, 18 gold medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at Show Jumping World Championships (equestrian), 8 gold medals, 16 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at Fistball World Cup (men), 9 gold medals, 13 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at Fistball World Cup (women), 3 gold medals, 4 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at Fistball World Games (men), 4 gold medals, 6 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at FIFA Women's World Cups, 2 times winner ( 2003, 2007), 1 time runner-up ( 1995) | Sports | 2008 |
Germany | Best performance at FIL World Luge Championships, 85 gold medals, 215 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at World Sprint Speed Skating Championships for Women, 19 gold medals, 41 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Germany | Best performance at World Single Distance Championships for Women (speed skating), 35 gold medals, 74 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Greece | Highest consumption of tobacco per capita, 4,313 cigarettes / year [25] | Consumption | |
Guinea | Largest bauxite reserves, 7,400,000,000 tons | Industry | 2008 |
Honduras | Highest intentional homicide rate, 58 per 100000 people per year | Demographics | 2008 |
Hungary | Best performance at FINA Water Polo World Cup (men), 3 times winner (1979, 1995, 1999), 3 times runner-up (1993, 2002, 2006) | Sports | 2009 |
Iceland | Highest electricity consumption per capita, 3,152W per person | Consumption Energy |
2005 |
Iceland | Most northernmost southernmost point on land, 63°17'N at Surtsey island | Geography | 2009 |
Iceland | Highest percentage of Internet users, 92% [26] | Technology | 2009 |
Iceland | Most press freedom according to Freedom of the Press (report) | Politics | 2009 |
India | Largest millet producer, output of 10,610,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest banana producer, output of 21.77 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest lemon and lime producer, output of 2,060,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest mango producer, output of 13,501,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest areca nut producer, output of 483,100 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
India | Largest spice producer, output of 1,600,000 tons | Agriculture | 2004 |
India | Largest ginger producer, output of 420,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
India | Largest chickpea producer, output of 5,970,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
India | Largest lentil producer, output of 1,400,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest jute producer, output of 2,140,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
India | Largest milk producer, output of 59,210,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
India | Largest livestock of water buffalos, 97,700,000 heads | Agriculture | 2004 |
India | Largest total freshwater withdrawal, 645.84 km³/year | Agriculture Consumption |
2000 |
India | Largest area of irrigated land, 558,080 km² | Agriculture Geography |
2003 |
India | Largest tiger headcount, 3750 tigers | Environment | 1990 |
Indonesia | Largest palm oil producer, output of 15,900,000 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
Indonesia | Largest cinnamon producer, output of 60,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Indonesia | Largest clove producer, output of 110,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Indonesia | Largest area of permanent crops, 128,581 km² | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
Indonesia | Best performance at men's badminton Thomas Cup, 13 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Iran | Largest pistachio producer, output of 230,000 tons [27] | Agriculture | 2007 |
Iran | Largest saffron producer, 93.7% of world's total production [28] | Agriculture | 2009 |
Iran | Highest annual prevalence of opiates use, 2.8% of population | Health | 1999 |
Iraq | Least peaceful according to Global Peace Index | Military Politics |
2010 |
Ireland | Best quality of life according to the Quality-of-life index, 8.333 out of 10 [29] | Quality of life | 2005 |
Israel | Lowest depression below the sea level, -418 m at Dead Sea (shared with Jordan) | Geography | 2009 |
Italy | Largest grape producer, output of 8,519,418 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Italy | Largest wine producer, output of 8,519,418 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Italy | Largest kiwifruit producer, output of 415,050 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Italy | Largest artichoke producer, output of 469,980 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Italy | Highest number of World Heritage Sites, 44 | Culture | 2009 |
Italy | Best performance at FIVB World Leagues, 8 times winner, 3 times runner-up | Sports | 2008 |
Italy | Best performance at Karting World Championship, 21 wins | Sports | 2009 |
Italy | Best performance at F1 Powerboat World Championship, 13 wins | Sports | 2008 |
Italy | Best performance at FIL World Luge Natural Track Championships, 27 gold medals, 80 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Italy | Best performance at World Championships of Ski Mountaineering, 2 times winner (2006, 2008) | Sports | 2009 |
Japan | Lowest birth rate, 7.64 births per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
Japan | Lowest central bank interest rate, 0.10% | Finance | 2008 |
Japan | Lowest commercial bank prime lending rate, 1.68% | Finance | 2008 |
Japan | Best performance at American Football World Cup, 2 times winner ( 1999, 2003) | Sports | 2009 |
Japan | Best performance at World Judo Championships, 97 gold medals, 229 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Japan | Best performance at Karate World Championships, 10 wins | Sports | 2009 |
Japan | Most patents granted, 185,827 | Technology | 2007 |
Japan | Most patents in force, 1,613,776 | Technology | 2007 |
Japan | Most merchant ships owned, 3757 | Transport | 2008 |
Jordan | Lowest depression below the sea level, -418 m at Dead Sea (shared with Israel) | Geography | 2009 |
Kiribati | Smallest volume of carbon dioxide emissions, 29,000 metric tons | Environment | 2006 |
North Korea | Lowest level of economic freedom according to Index of Economic Freedom | Economy Politics |
2009 |
North Korea | Largest military budget as % of GDP, 22.9% | Military | 2003 |
North Korea | Most diesel submarines in operation, 62 | Military | |
North Korea | Largest reserve force, 4,700,000 | Military | 2006 |
North Korea | Most active troops per population, 46 per 1000 people | Military | 2006 |
North Korea | Lowest level of press freedom according to Freedom of the Press (report) | Politics | 2009 |
North Korea | Lowest level of democracy according to Democracy Index, score of 0.86 | Politics | 2008 |
South Korea | Best student performance in reading according to Programme for International Student Assessment | Demographics Quality of life |
2006 |
South Korea | Largest shipbuilder, 12,400,000 Gross Tonnage | Industry Transport |
2008 |
South Korea | Best performance at World Short Track Speed Skating Team Championships, 12 gold medals, 30 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
South Korea | Best performance at World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships, 29 gold medals, 66 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
South Korea | Best performance at World Taekwondo Championships, 142 gold medals, 186 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
South Korea | Highest Digital Opportunity Index, the score of 0.80 | Technology | 2007 |
Kuwait | Highest-valued currency unit, Kuwaiti dinar (KWD; 1 KWD = 3.72953 USD, 1 USD = 0.26813 KWD) | Economy | |
Lesotho | Highest lowest point among all countries, 1400 m | Geography | 2009 |
Liechtenstein | Highest GDP (nominal) per capita, $145,734 ( CIA World Factbook est.) | Economy | 2007 |
Liechtenstein | Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 118,000 Int. $ ( CIA World Factbook est.) | Economy | 2007 |
Lithuania | Highest suicide rate, 38.6 per 100,000 people per year | Demographics | 2005 |
Luxembourg | Highest consumption of alcohol per capita, 15.56 litres / year | Consumption | 2008 |
Luxembourg | Highest GDP (nominal) per capita, $113,044 ( IMF est.), $111,182 ( World Bank est.) | Economy | 2008 |
Luxembourg | Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 78,559 Int. $ ( World Bank est.) | Economy | 2008 |
Luxembourg | Best quality of life according to the Nonlinear quality of life index, 0.892 | Quality of life | 2005 |
Madagascar | Largest vanilla producer, output of 6,200 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
Maldives | Highest annual population growth, 5.57% | Demographics | 2008 |
Maldives | Lowest highest point among all countries, 2 m (7 ft) | Geography | 2009 |
Mali | Highest fertility rate, 7.34 births per woman | Demographics | 2008 |
Mexico | Largest avocado producer, output of 1,021,520 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Federated States of Micronesia | Worst net migration rate, -21.03 migrants per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
Federated States of Micronesia | Highest coastline to area ratio, 8,706.553 m/km² | Geography | 2009 |
Federated States of Micronesia | Highest percent of forest area, 90.31% | Geography | 2007 |
Moldova | Highest rate of deurbanisation, -1.5% of urban population per year | Demographics | 2008 |
Monaco | Most densely populated, 23,660 per km² | Demographics | 2004 |
Monaco | Highest median age of population, 45.7 years | Demographics | 2008 |
Monaco | Largest external debt per capita, $540,000 | Finance | 2000 |
Monaco | Largest external debt as percentage of GDP, 1843.70% | Finance | 2000 |
Monaco | Highest nominal Gross National Income per capita, $203,900 | Finance | 2008 |
Mongolia | Least densely populated, 1.7 per km² | Demographics | 2004 |
Montenegro | Largest annual population decline, -0.93% | Demographics | 2008 |
Namibia | Least equal income distribution | Demographics Economy |
2003 |
Nepal | Highest elevation above the sea level, 8,848 m (29,029 ft) at Mount Everest (shared with China) | Geography | 2009 |
Netherlands | Best performance at Field hockey World Cup (women), 6 times winner (1974, 1978, 1983, 1986*, 1990, 2006) | Sports | 2009 |
Netherlands | Best performance at Korfball World Championship, 7 times winner | Sports | 2007 |
Netherlands | Best performance at World Junior Speed Skating Championships, 22 gold medals, 62 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Netherlands | Best performance at World Single Distance Championships for Men (speed skating), 34 gold medals, 82 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Netherlands | Best performance at FINA Water Polo World Cup (women), 8 times winner (1980, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1999) | Sports | 2009 |
New Zealand | Most peaceful according to Global Peace Index | Military Politics |
2009 |
New Zealand | Best performance at Women's Rugby World Cups, 3 times winner ( 1998, 2002, 2006) | Sports | 2006 |
New Zealand | Best performance at Women's Rugby League World Cups, 3 times winner (2000, 2005, 2008) | Sports | 2008 |
Niger | Highest birth rate, 51.60 births per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
Niger | Lowest Human Development Index (HDI), 0.340 | Quality of life | 2007 |
Nigeria | Largest yam producer, output of 34,000,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Nigeria | Largest cassava producer, output of 41,565,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Nigeria | Largest taro producer, output of 4,000,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Norway | Highest level of gender equality in the economy according to Global Gender Gap Report | Demographics Economy |
2008 |
Norway | Highest government budget surplus, +37,300,000,000 USD | Finance | 2009 |
Norway | Highest Human Development Index (HDI), 0.971 | Quality of life | 2007 |
Norway | Most stable country according to Failed States Index, score of 18.3 | Politics | 2009 |
Norway | Best performance at FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, 99 gold medals, 265 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Norway | Best performance at World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Men, 36 gold medals, 95 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Oman | Lowest public debt as percentage of GDP, 2.40% | Finance | 2008 |
Pakistan | Best performance at Field hockey World Cup (men), 4 times winner (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994) | Sports | 2010 |
Pakistan | Most number of British Open Squash champions (men) , won 30 out of 73 championships | Sports | 2010 |
Pakistan | Greatest number of World Open Squash champions (men) , won 14 out of 31 championships | Sports | 2010 |
Panama | Most merchant ships registered, 6,323 | Transport | 2008 |
Papua New Guinea | Highest annual prevalence of cannabis use, 29.5% of population | Demographics | 1995 |
Papua New Guinea | Best performance at Australian Football International Cup, 1 time winner (2008), 2 times runner-up (2002, 2005) | Sports | 2008 |
Peru | Largest quinoa producer, output of 32,600 metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Peru | Largest silver producer, 3,193 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Philippines | Largest Abacá (Manila Hemp) producer [27] | Agriculture | 2007 |
Philippines | Largest coconut producer, output of 17,000,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Philippines | Best performance at World Cup of Pool, 2 times winner (2006, 2009) | Sports | 2009 |
Poland | Largest triticale producer, output of 3.7 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Poland | Best performance at motorcycle Speedway World Cup, 3 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Portugal | Highest share of gold in total forex reserves, 92.8% | Finance | 2009 |
Portugal | Best performance at Roller Hockey World Championship (men), 15 gold medals, 36 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Qatar | Most carbon dioxide emissions per capita, 56.2 metric tons | Environment | 2006 |
Qatar | Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 85,868 Int. $ ( IMF est.) | Economy | 2008 |
Qatar | Highest annual energy consumption per capita, 21395.8 kgoe per person per year | Energy | 2003 |
Russia | Largest barley producer, output of 15.7 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Russia | Largest buckwheat producer, output of 1 004 850 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
Russia | Largest oats producer, output of 5.1 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Russia | Largest rye producer, output of 3.6 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Russia | Largest sunflower seed producer, output of 6.3 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Russia | Largest currant and gooseberry producer, output of 463,500 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Russia | Largest raspberry producer, output of 110,000 tons | Agriculture | 2004 |
Russia | Largest vetches producer, output of 377,750 tons [30] | Agriculture | 2008 |
Russia | Highest crude divorce rate, 4.42 per 1000 population | Demographics | 2004 |
Russia | Largest proven natural gas reserves, 44,650,000,000,000 m³ | Energy | 2008 |
Russia | Largest natural gas producer, 654,000,000,000 m³ | Energy Industry |
2007 |
Russia | Largest natural gas exporter, 173,000,000,000 cu m | Energy | 2007 |
Russia | Largest oil producer, 9,980,000 bbl/d (1,587,000 m3/d) [31] | Energy Industry |
2009 |
Russia | Largest forest area, 8,087,900 km² | Geography | 2007 |
Russia | Largest land area, 17,075,200 km² [32] | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Largest total area, 17,098,242 km² [33] | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Largest EEZ continental shelf area, 3,817,843 km2 | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Most countries bordered, 14 (16 if Abkhazia and South Ossetia are counted), the same number as with China | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Most time zones (contiguous territory), 9 | Geography | 2009 |
Russia | Largest asbestos producer, 925,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Russia | Largest diamond producer, 38,000,000 carats (7,600 kg) | Industry | 2005 |
Russia | Largest nickel producer, 300,000 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Russia | Largest palladium producer, 143 tons | Industry | 2005 |
Russia | Largest nuclear arsenal, 5,200 / 8,800 active/total warheads (2005 est) [34] | Military | 2009 |
Russia | Largest tank army, 22,800 tanks | Military | |
Russia | Most corvettes in operation, 85 | Military | |
Russia | Top position at World Chess Rankings (men), top 10 players average score of 2724 | Sports | 2009 |
Russia | Top position at World Chess Rankings (women), top 10 players average score of 2469 | Sports | 2009 |
Russia | Best performance at the World Sambo Championships, 58 gold medals, 99 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia | Most television broadcast stations, 7,306 | Technology | 1998 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Bandy World Championships (men), 19 (1957, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1985, 1989, 1991, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008) | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Most World Chess Champions, 10 | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at UCI Track World Championships, Women (cycling), 48 gold medals, 111 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at FIE World Championships in Fencing, 121 gold medals, 257 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Figure Skating Championships, 74 gold medals, 178 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, 140 gold medals, 341 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, 23 gold medals, 58 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at gymnastics Trampoline World Championships, 21 gold medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Women's Handball Championship, 7 gold medals, 10 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Ice Hockey World Championships (men), 25 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at Team Ice Racing World Championship, 26 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Shooting Championships, 307 gold medals, 656 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Women, 24 gold medals, 69 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Sprint Speed Skating Championships for Men, 11 gold medals, 24 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Volleyball World Championships (men), 6 (1949, 1952, 1960, 1962, 1978, 1982) | Sports | 2006 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Volleyball World Championships (women), 6 (1952, 1956, 1960, 1970, 1990, 2006) | Sports | 2006 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Winner of most Volleyball World Cups (men), 5 (1965, 1977, 1981, 1991, 1999) | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at World Weightlifting Championships (men), 350 gold medals, 746 total medals | Sports | 2007 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Best performance at FILA Wrestling World Championships, 64 times winner in three team tournaments | Sports | 2009 |
Russia Soviet Union |
Longest total human spaceflight time by country, over 20,000 person-days | Technology | 2010 |
San Marino | Highest annual deflation, -3.50% | Finance | 2008 |
Saudi Arabia | Largest proven oil reserves, 264,300,000,000 bbl (4.202×1010 m3) [35] | Energy | 2008 |
Saudi Arabia | Largest oil exporter, 8,200,000 (bbl\day) [36] | Energy | 2007 |
Serbia Serbia and Montenegro Yugoslavia |
Winner of most Basketball World Championships, 5 (1970, 1978, 1990, 1998, 2002) [37] | Sports | 2006 |
Serbia Serbia and Montenegro Yugoslavia |
Best performance at FINA World Water Polo Championship (men), 4 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
Singapore | Lowest fertility rate, 1.08 births per woman | Demographics | 2008 |
Singapore | Lowest infant mortality rate, 2.31 deaths per 1000 live births | Demographics | 2009 |
Singapore | Most economic freedom according to Index of Economic Freedom, 87.1 points | Economy Politics |
2009 |
Singapore | Most trade freedom according to Global Enabling Trade Report, 5.71 points | Economy Politics |
2008 |
Singapore | Easiest business doing according to Ease of Doing Business Index | Economy Politics |
2009 |
Singapore | Highest gross fixed investment as percentage of GDP, 45.00% | Finance | 2008 |
Singapore | Most exports per capita, $49,100 per person | Finance | 2005 |
Singapore | Highest level of innovation according to Global Innovation Index, score of 2.26 | Technology | 2009 |
Somalia | Largest livestock of camels, 7,000,000 heads | Agriculture | 2003 |
Somalia | Most unstable country according to Failed States Index, score of 114.7 | Politics | 2009 |
South Africa | Most people living with HIV/AIDS, 5,700,000 | Demographics | 2003 |
South Africa | Most HIV/AIDS deaths, 350,000 | Demographics | 2007 |
South Africa | Largest chromium producer | Industry | 2000 |
South Africa | Largest platinum producer, 168 tonnes | Industry | 2005 |
Spain | Largest olive producer, output of 6,160,100 tons | Agriculture | 2003 |
Spain | Largest carob producer, output of 70,000 tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
Spain | Best performance at Roller Hockey World Championship (women), 4 gold medals, 7 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Swaziland | Highest death rate, 30.83 deaths per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
Swaziland | Highest HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate, 26.01 of population | Demographics | 2008 |
Swaziland | Lowest overall life expectancy, 31.88 years [1] | Demographics Quality of life |
2009 |
Sweden | Most equal income distribution according to CIA World Factbook | Demographics Economy |
2005 |
Sweden | Highest level of democracy according to Democracy Index, score of 9.88 | Politics | 2008 |
Sweden | Winner of most Bandy World Championships (women), 4 (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008) | Sports | 2009 |
Sweden | Best performance at WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championships, (men) 18 gold medals, 38 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Sweden | Best performance at World Floorball Championship | Sports | 2009 |
Sweden | Best performance at World Men's Handball Championship, 4 gold medals, 11 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Sweden | Best performance at World Synchronized Skating Championships, 5 gold medals, 10 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Switzerland | Lowest level of business corruption according to Bribe Payers Index, score of 7.81 | Economy Politics |
2006 |
Switzerland | Highest economic competitiveness according to Global Competitiveness Report, score of 5.60 | Economy Politics |
2009 |
Switzerland | Best environmental performance according to Environmental Performance Index, 95.5 | Environment | 2008 |
Switzerland | Best performance at UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships, 5 gold medals, 12 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
Switzerland | Best performance at Sidecarcross World Championship | Sports | 2009 |
Switzerland | Highest tourist competitiveness according to Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, 5.68 | Tourism | 2009 |
Syria | Largest fennel producer, output of 115,000 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Taiwan | Best student performance in mathematics according to Programme for International Student Assessment [38] | Demographics Quality of life |
2006 |
Tanzania | Highest poverty, 96.6% of population living under 2 dollar (PPP) a day | Demographics Economy |
2006 |
Timor-Leste | Highest tax rate as percentage of GDP, 109.7% | Finance | 2009 |
Timor-Leste | Highest current account balance as a percentage of GDP, 44.52% | Finance | 2008 |
Turkey | Largest apricot producer, output of 716,415 tons | Agriculture | 2008 |
Turkey | Largest cherry producer, output of 398,100 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Turkey | Largest fig producer, output of 280,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Turkey | Largest hazelnut producer, output of 500,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Turkey | Highest consumption of tea per capita, 2.5 kg (88 oz) / year [39] | Consumption | |
Turkey | Largest feldspar producer, 2,500,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
Turkmenistan | Largest freshwater withdrawal per capita, 5,104 m³/year | Agriculture Consumption |
2000 |
Tuvalu | Smallest number of immigrants, 300 | Demographics | 2005 |
Tuvalu | Lowest GDP (nominal), 14.94 million USD | Economy | 2008 |
Tuvalu | Lowest GDP (PPP), 15 million USD | Economy | 2008 |
Tuvalu | Worst current account balance as a percentage of GDP, -78.17% | Finance | 2008 |
Tuvalu | Largest percentage of cultivated land, 66.67% | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
Tuvalu | Largest percentage of permanent crops area, 66.67% | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
Uganda | Largest plantain producer, output of 9,045,000 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
Uganda | Lowest median age of population, 15 years | Demographics | 2008 |
United Arab Emirates | Lowest death rate, 2.11 deaths per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
United Arab Emirates | Highest net migration rate, 22.98 migrants per 1000 persons | Demographics | 2009 |
United Arab Emirates | Highest prevalence of males in population, 2.19 males per female | Demographics | 2009 |
United Arab Emirates | Highest ecological footprint | Environment | 2009 |
United Arab Emirates | Lowest tax rate as percentage of GDP, 1.4% | Finance | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Best performance at Eventing World Championship (equestrian), 8 gold medals, 19 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Most Formula One Grand Prix wins, 208 by 19 drivers | Sports | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Most Formula One Grand Prix wins (constructors), 494 by 12 constructors | Sports | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Best performance at equestrian Mounted games, 22 wins (including separate England and Wales wins) | Sports | 2009 |
United Kingdom | Best performance at ITU Triathlon World Championships (men), 8 gold medals, 13 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Largest maize producer, output of 332,092,180 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
United States | Largest sorghum producer, output of 9.8 million tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
United States | Largest grapefruit and pummelo producer, output of 1,580,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
United States | Largest strawberry producer, output of 1,115,000 tons | Agriculture | 2007 |
United States | Largest soybean producer, output of 87.7 million metric tons | Agriculture | 2006 |
United States | Largest almond producer, output of 715,620 tons | Agriculture | 2005 |
United States | Largest area of cultivated land, 1,669,302 km² | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
United States | Largest area of arable land, 1,650,062 km² | Agriculture Geography |
2005 |
United States | Largest electricity consumer, 3,816,000,000 MWh/year | Consumption Energy |
2005 |
United States | Largest electricity importer, 51,400 million kWh | Consumption Energy |
2007 |
United States | Largest natural gas consumer, 652,900,000,000 cu m | Consumption Energy |
2007 |
United States | Largest natural gas importer, 130,300,000,000 cu m | Consumption Energy |
2007 |
United States | Largest oil consumer, 20,680,000 bbl/d (3,288,000 m3/d) [40] | Consumption Energy |
2007 |
United States | Largest oil importer, 13,710,000 bbl\day [41] | Consumption Energy |
2005 |
United States | Largest consumer market, Annual market size of ~US $ 10 trillion | Consumption Household |
2008 |
United States | Most books published per year (new titles), 275,232 | Culture | 2008 |
United States | Highest annual prevalence of cocaine use, 2.8% of population | Demographics | 2004 |
United States | Highest incarceration rate, 760 prisoners per 100000 people | Demographics | 2008 |
United States | Most people in prison, 2,310,984 prisoners | Demographics | 2008 |
United States | Most privately-owned firearms per capita, 90 per 100 population [42] | Demographics | 2007 |
United States | Most privately-owned firearms in total, 270 million [43] | Demographics | 2007 |
United States | Largest number of immigrants, 38,355,000 | Demographics | 2005 |
United States | Most billionaires, 359 | Demographics Economy |
2009 |
United States | Highest GDP (nominal) | Economy | 2008 |
United States | Highest GDP (PPP) | Economy | 2008 |
United States | Largest electricity producer, 4,367,874,939,000 kWh | Energy | 2007 |
United States | Largest wind power producer, 25,237 MWh | Energy | 2008 |
United States | Largest nuclear power producer, 101,119 MWh | Energy | 2008 |
United States | Most nuclear reactors for electricity generation, 104 | Energy | 2008 |
United States | Largest proven coal reserves, 246,643 million tons | Energy | 2006 |
United States | Largest external debt, $13,773,000,000,000 | Finance | 2009 |
United States | Largest government budget revenues, $2,524,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Largest government budget expenditures, $2,979,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Highest government budget deficit, $-455,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Largest official gold reserves, 8,133.5 tons | Finance | 2009 |
United States | Largest stock of foreign direct investment abroad, $2,751,000,000,000.00 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Largest stock of received foreign direct investment, $2,220,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Largest importer, $2,190,000,000,000 | Finance | 2008 |
United States | Worst current account balance, -$664,125,000,000 | Finance | 2007 |
United States | Largest Exclusive Economic Zone, 11,351,000 km2 | Geography | 2009 |
United States | Largest bentonite producer, 4,620,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
United States | Largest molybdenum producer, 58,900 tons | Industry | 2005 |
United States | Largest salt producer, 46,500,000 tons | Industry | 2006 |
United States | Largest arms exporter, $7,454,000,000 | Industry Military |
2007 |
United States | Largest military budget, $ 518,100,000,000 | Military | 2005 |
United States | Most aircraft carriers in operation, 11 | Military | 2009 |
United States | Most cruisers in operation, 22 | Military | |
United States | Most destroyers in operation, 53 | Military | |
United States | Most nuclear submarines in operation, 71 | Military | |
United States | Largest airforce, 4000 units | Military | |
United States | Most Olympic Games hosted, 8 ( 1904 Summer Olympics, 1932 Summer Olympics, 1984 Summer Olympics, 1996 Summer Olympics, 1932 Winter Olympics, 1960 Winter Olympics, 1980 Winter Olympics, 2002 Winter Olympics) | Sports | 2008 |
United States | Most Olympic medals, 1017 gold, 2551 total | Sports | 2010 |
United States | Most Summer Olympic medals, 2298 total, 930 gold | Sports | 2008 |
United States | Winner of most Basketball World Championships for Women, 7 (1953, 1957, 1979, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002) [44] | Sports | 2006 |
United States | Best performance at World Aquatics Championships, 182 gold medals, 434 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at World Championships in Athletics, 120 gold medals, 250 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at World Backgammon Championship, 18 wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at Women's Baseball World Cup, 2 times winner (2004, 2006) | Sports | 2008 |
United States | Best performance at WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championships, (women) 16 gold medals, 51 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at UCI BMX World Championships, 24 gold medals, 69 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at Golf World Cup (men), 23 wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at World Lacrosse Championship (men), 8 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at Women's Lacrosse World Cup, 6 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at Racquetball World Championships | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at ISF Women's World Championship (softball), 8 gold medals, 10 total medals | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at tennis Davis Cup (men), 32 team wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at tennis Fed Cup (women), 17 team wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at tennis Hopman Cup (mixed pairs), 5 team wins | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Best performance at FINA World Water Polo Championship (women), 3 times winner | Sports | 2009 |
United States | Highest E-readiness, 8.95 out of 10 | Technology | 2008 |
United States | Longest total length of railways, 227,736 km [45] | Transport | 2003 |
United States | Longest total length of roadways, 6,407,637 km [46] | Transport | 2004 |
United States | Most airports, 15,095 [47] | Transport | 2005 |
United States | Largest total length of pipelines, 793,285 km | Transport | 2006 |
United States | Largest total length of rapid transit systems, 1224.9 km | Transport | 2008 |
United States | Most motor vehicles per capita, 765 per 1000 population | Transport Consumption |
2009 |
Uruguay | Most southernmost northernmost point on land, 30°05'S | Geography | 2009 |
Vatican City | Smallest population, 800 | Demographics | 2008 |
Vatican City | Largest percentage of immigrant population, 100% | Demographics | 2005 |
Vatican City | Smallest total area, 0,44 km² | Geography | 2009 |
Vietnam | Smallest percentage of immigrant population, 0.0249% | Demographics | 2005 |
Vietnam | Largest paramilitary, 5,080,000 | Military | 2006 |
Yemen | Lowest prosperity according to Legatum Prosperity Index | Quality of life | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Highest unemployment rate, 90% of population | Demographics Economy |
2009 |
Zimbabwe | Lowest GDP (PPP) per capita, 200 Int. $ ( CIA World Factbook est.) | Economy | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Worst GDP (real) decline, -14.10% ( CIA World Factbook est.) [7] | Economy | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Lowest environmental happiness according to Happy Planet Index, score of 16.6 | Environment Quality of life |
2009 |
Zimbabwe | Highest annual inflation rate, 11,200,000.00% | Finance | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Highest central bank interest rate, 975.00% | Finance | 2007 |
Zimbabwe | Highest commercial bank prime lending rate, 578.96% | Finance | 2007 |
Zimbabwe | Highest public debt as percentage of GDP, 241.20% | Finance | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Worst industrial production decline, -14.70% ( CIA World Factbook est.) [3] | Industry | 2008 |
Zimbabwe | Lowest level of innovation according to Global Innovation Index, score of -1.63 | Technology | 2009 |
The following fully recognized countries miss from the list above:
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