List of top international rankings by country

This list of top international rankings by country includes global-scale lists of countries with rankings, sorted by country that is placed top or bottom in the respective ranking. 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:

  • A list of countries with the corresponding ranking;
  • An article, which contains the corresponding ranking in one of its sections;
  • A global-scale map reflecting the corresponding ranking.

Country

Achievement

Field

Date <!--|-

Largest illegal opium producer, 95% of world's market ($64 billion), with 2.9 million opium farmers

Illicit Drugs

2008--> <!--|-

World's largest producer of [...], up to 3,500 tonnes of hashish in annual production

Illicit Drugs

2010-->

Highest overall life expectancy, 83.53 years

Demographics
Quality of life

2009

Most tourist arrivals per capita, 121

Economy

2008

Highest infant mortality rate, 180.21 deaths per 1000 live births

Demographics

2009

Highest industrial production growth rate, 14.30% (CIA World Factbook est.)

Industry

2008

Largest exporter of pears, 490,000 tonnes

Agriculture

2009 <!--|-

Largest exporter of vegetable oil, US$2,715,890,000

Agriculture

2009--> <!--|-

Highest consumption of beef per capita, 65.2 kilograms / year

Consumption

2006--> <!--|-

Best performance at Paddle Tennis World Championship (men), 7 gold medals, 9 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Paddle Tennis World Championship (women), 7 gold medals, 9 total medals

Sports

2009

Largest wool producer, output of 475,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest sheep meat producer

Agriculture

2005

Largest uranium reserves, 1,243,000 tons

Energy

2007

Largest aluminium oxide producer, 18,312,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest bauxite producer, 63,000,000 tons

Industry

2008

Largest titanium producer, 1,291,000 tons

Industry

2003

Largest zirconium producer, 426,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest thorium reserves, 300,000 tons

Industry

2006

Best performance at Rugby World Cups (men), 2 times winner (1991, 1999), 1 time runner-up (2003)

Sports

2008

Best performance at Rugby League World Cups (men), 9 times winner (1957, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1988, 1992, 1995, 2000)

Sports

2008

Winner of most Cricket World Cups (men), 4 (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007)

Sports

2007

Winner of most Women's Cricket World Cups, 5 (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005)

Sports

2009

Best performance at ICF Canoe Polo World Championships (men), 3 gold medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Netball World Championshipss, 9 times winner

Sports

2009

Best performance at World International Doubles Squash Championships

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Team Squash Championships

Sports

2009

Best performance at Touch Football World Cups

Sports

2009

Best performance at ITU Triathlon World Championships (women), 11 gold medals, 26 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, 74 gold medals, 233 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at FIS Ski Flying World Championships, 5 gold medals, 7 silver medals, 3 bronze medals

Sports

2009

Highest nominal GDP year to year growth rate, 48.23%

Economy

2008

Largest percentage of arable land, 55.39%

Agriculture
Geography

2005

Lowest annual energy consumption per capita, 160.9 kgoe per person per year

Energy

2003

Largest contributor to UN peacekeeper forces, 10,736

Military
Politics

2010

Lowest level of property rights according to International Property Rights Index, score of 2.9

Politics

2008

Most globalized country according to Globalization Index, score of 91.96

Politics

2007

Best performance at UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Men, 25 gold medals, 52 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at UCI Road World Championships (Men's Road Race), 25 gold medals, 47 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Motocross World Championship

Sports

2009

Highest GDP (real) annual growth rate, 21.40% (CIA World Factbook est.)

Economy

2008

Largest citrus producer, output of 20,682,309 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest orange producer, output of 17.8 million tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest dry bean producer, output of 3,330,435 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest CoFFEE producer, output of 2,249,010 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest sugarcane producer, output of 514,079,729 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest sisal producer, output of 113,300 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest renewable freshwater resources, 8,233 km³/year

Geography

2000

Largest niobium producer, 40,000 tons

Industry

2007

Winner of most FIFA World Cups, 5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

Sports

2006

Winner of most FIFA Club World Cups, 3 (2000, 2005, 2006)

Sports

2008

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

Best performance at FIFA Futsal World Cup, 4 times winner (1989, 1992, 1996, 2008)

Sports

2008

Best performance at Beach Handball World Championships, 2 gold medals, 4 total medals

Sports

2008

Best performance at Beach Volleyball World Championships, 7 gold medals, 19 total medals

Sports

2008

Best performance at World Polo Championship, 3 times winner (1995, 2001, 2004), 2 times runner-up (1998, 2008)

Sports

2008

Largest electronic spam producer, 7.7 trillion messages per year

Technology

2007

Worst situation with education according to Education Index, score of 0.274

Demographics
Quality of life

2009

Lowest literacy rate, 23.6% of population

Demographics
Quality of life

2009

Highest rate of urbanisation, +6.8% of urban population per year

Demographics

2008

Lowest GDP (nominal) per capita

Economy

2007

Least globalized country according to Globalization Index, score of 25.75

Politics

2007

Lowest satisfaction with life according to Satisfaction with Life Index, 100

Quality of life

2006

Largest flax producer, output of 633,500 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest canary seed producer, output of 117,300 tons

Agriculture

2005 <!--|-

Largest producer of maple syrup, output of 14,890 kilolitres

Agriculture

1995-->

Largest uranium producer, 9,862 tons

Energy
Industry

2006

Largest water area, 891,163 km²

Geography

2009

Longest coastline, 243,792 km

Geography

2009 <!--|-

Most years attaining the highest Human Development Index (HDI), 10 out of 19 years

Quality of life

2009-->

Best performance at World Curling Men's Championships, 31 gold medals, 45 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Curling Women's Championships, 15 gold medals, 26 total medals

Sports

2009

Winner of most Women's Ice Hockey World Championships, 9 times winner

Sports

2009

Least easy business doing according to Ease of Doing Business Index

Economy
Politics

2009

Largest copper producer, 5,360,800 tons

Industry

2006

Largest iodine producer, 15,346 tons

Industry

2005

Largest lithium producer, 12,000 tons

Industry

2008

Largest lithium reserves, 300,000 tons

Industry

2008 <!--|-

Largest rhenium producer tons

Industry

2005--> <!--|-

Largest rhenium reserves tons

Industry

2005-->

Largest rice producer, output of 182,042,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest wheat producer, output of 109.9 million metric tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest fruit and vegetable producer, output of 506,634,000 tons

Agriculture

2004

Largest apple producer, output of 26,065,500 tons

Agriculture

2006

Largest garlic producer, output of 12,088,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest pear and quince producer, output of 11,537,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest tangerine producer, output of 14,152,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest peach and nectarine producer, output of 6,030,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest plum and sloe producer, output of 4,635,500 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest persimmon producer, output of 1,987,000 tons

Agriculture

2006

Largest tomato producer, output of 32,540,040 tons

Agriculture

2006

Largest watermelon producer, output of 69,315,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest chestnut producer, output of 825,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest walnut producer, output of 499,070 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest peanut producer, output of 13,090,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest eggplant producer, output of 18,033,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest carrot and turnip producer, output of 8,395,500 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest potato producer, output of 70 million metric tons

Agriculture

2006

Largest cabbage producer, output of 36,335,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest cauliflowers and broccoli producer, output of 8,585,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest spinach producer, output of 11,011,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest lettuce and chicory producer, output of 11,005,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest asparagus producer, output of 5,906,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest onion and shallot producer, output of 17,793,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest cucumber and gherkin producer, output of 26,000,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest fish producer, output of 49,467,275 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest aquatic plants producer, output of 11,163,675 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest honey producer, output of 298,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest mushroom and truffle producer, output of 1,410,540 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest cotton producer, output of 11,400,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest silk producer, output of 290,003 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest rapeseed producer, output of 10.3 million metric tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest tea producer, output of 1,183,502 million tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest tobacco producer, output of 2,298,800 tons

Agriculture

2000

Largest livestock of domestic sheep, 157,900,000 heads

Agriculture

2004

Largest livestock of domestic pig, 488,800,000 heads

Agriculture

2005

Largest livestock of mules, 4,194,000 heads

Agriculture

2003

Largest livestock of donkeys, 8,499,000 heads

Agriculture

2003

Largest livestock of horses, 8,088,000 heads

Agriculture

2003

Largest rice consumer, 135 million metric tons per year

Consumption

2004 <!--|-

Largest car market, 13.64 million vehicles

Consumption
Transport

2009-->

Largest population, 1,315,844,000

Demographics

2006

Largest labour force, 807,700,000

Demographics
Economy

2008

Largest renewable energy producer, 576.1 TW·h per year

Energy

2006

Largest hydroelectricity producer, 585.2 TW·h per year

Energy

2007

Largest coal producer, 2,536.7 million tons

Energy
Industry

2007 <!--|-

Largest wind turbine producer

Energy
Industry

2009--> <!--|-

Largest solar panel producer

Energy
Industry

2009-->

Most carbon dioxide emissions, 6,103,493,000 metric tons

Environment

2006

Largest forex reserves, $2,273,000,000,000

Finance

2009

Largest exporter, $1,200,000,000,000

Finance

2009

Highest current account balance, $371,833,000,000

Finance

2007

Highest elevation above the sea level, 8,848 m (29,029 ft) at Mount Everest (shared with Nepal)

Geography

2009

Longest land border length, 22,117 km (22,147 km if Hong Kong and Macao, the two special administrative regions are counted)

Geography

2009

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

Largest gold producer, 276 tonnes

Industry

2007

Largest aluminium producer, 5,896,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest antimony producer, 126,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest arsenic producer

Industry

2006

Largest bismuth producer, 1,900 tons

Industry

2006

Largest cadmium producer, 3,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest cement producer, 1,038,000,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest fluorite producer, 3,000,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest iron producer, 588,000,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest manganese producer, 6,000,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest mercury producer, 1,150 tons

Industry

2005

Largest mica producer, 89,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest steel producer, 500,500,000 tons

Industry

2008

Largest strontium producer, 700,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest tin producer, 120,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest tin reserves, 1,700,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest tungsten producer, 46,900 tons

Industry

2005

Largest zinc producer, 2,600,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest motor vehicle producer, 13,790,000 vehicles

Industry
Transport

2009

Largest army by number of ACTIVE troops, 2.25 million troops{{cite news|title=China's Armed Forces, CSIS (Page 24) |date=2006-07-25

format=PDF}}

Military

2005

Largest police force, 1,780,000 officers

Military

2010

Most frigates in operation, 49

Military

Best performance at women's badminton Uber Cup, 11 times winner

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Badminton Championships, 43 gold medals won

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Amateur Go Championship, 18 wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Table Tennis Championships, 35 team wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Weightlifting Championships (women), 314 gold medals, 423 total medals

Sports

2007 <!--|-

Highest rate of execution per year,officially not released.at least 1700 (estimated)

Demographics

2009-->

Leading surveillance society according to the Privacy International

Surveillance

2007

Most internet users, 298,000,000

Technology

2009

Most main line phones, 368,000,000

Technology

2006

Most mobile cellular phones, 703,000,000

Technology

2009

Largest total length of waterways, 110,000 km

Transport

2008

Largest total length of high-speed railways, 6,003 km

Transport

2009

Largest total length of rapid transit systems, 1400.6 km

Transport

2010

Lowest energy intensity, 30.5 toe per 1 million dollars of GDP

Energy

2003 <!--|-

Largest emerald producer

Industry

2009-->

Highest environmental happiness according to Happy Planet Index, score of 76.1

Environment
Quality of life

2009

Largest cacao producer, output of 1,330,000 metric tons

Agriculture

2005

Winner of most Baseball World Cup (men), 25 gold medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Boxing World Cup, 2 times winner (2006, 2008)

Sports

2008

Winner of most Volleyball World Cups (women), 4 (1989, 1991, 1995, 1999)

Sports

2009

Highest consumption of beer per capita, 156.9 liters / year

Consumption

2004

Highest percentage of population suffering from undernourishment, 75%

Demographics

2006

Highest energy intensity, 4746.3 toe per 1 million dollars of GDP

Energy

2003

Largest cobalt producer, 22,000 tons

Industry

2005

Most equal income distribution according to UN

Demographics
Economy

1997

Highest minimum wage, 22,713 (Intl. dollars)

Finance

2008

Most northernmost point on land, 83°40'N at Kaffeklubben Island,

Geography

2009

Highest E-readiness, 8.87 out of 10

Technology

2009

Highest satisfaction with life according to Satisfaction with Life Index, 273.4

Quality of life

2006

Largest date producer, output of 1,313,690 tons

Agriculture

2007

Highest prevalence of females in population, 0.84 males per female

Demographics

2009

Earliest human settlement, 195,000 years ago

Demographics

2010

Best performance at World Cross Country Running Championships, 27 wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at Rugby World Cup Sevens (men), 2 times winner (1997, 2005)

Sports

2008

Highest consumption of coffee per capita, 11.4 kg / year

Consumption

Best student performance in science according to Programme for International Student Assessment

Demographics
Quality of life

2006

Most property rights according to International Property Rights Index, score of 8.6

Politics

2008

Highest prosperity according to Legatum Prosperity Index

Quality of life

2009

Best performance at Drivers' World Rally Championship, 14 wins by 7 drivers

Sports

2009 <!--|-

Most technologically advanced according to the UN's Technology Achievement Index, 0.744

Technology

2001-->

Largest sugar beet producer, output of 29 million metric tons

Agriculture

2005 <!--|-

Largest indigenous duck meat producer

Agriculture

2005--> <!--|-

Largest producer of pharmaceutical products

Industry

2007--> <!--|-

Largest percentage of nuclear energy in total energy production, 76.2%

Energy

2008

Largest electricity exporter, 67,600 million kWh

Energy

2007

Most time zones (overseas territories included), 12

Geography

2009

Best performance at World Championships of Basque Pelota, 58 gold medals, 140 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at UCI Road World Championships (Women's Road Race), 9 gold medals, 15 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Endurance FIM World Championship (motorcycle racing)

Sports

2009

Most tourist visits per year, 81.9 million

Tourism

2007

Highest literacy rate, 100 %

Demographics

2009

Largest hop producer, output of 34,438 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest producer of lignite, 175,400,000 tons

Energy
Industry

2001

Largest installed solar power capacity, 9,799 MWh

Energy

2009

Most Winter Olympic medals, 128 gold medals, 358 total medals

Sports

2010

Best performance at FIBT World Championships (bobsleigh and skeleton), 58 gold medals, 146 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at ICF Canoe Polo World Championships (women), 3 gold medals, 7 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, 171 gold medals, 406 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, 92 gold medals, 252 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Women, 4 gold medals, 10 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships, 79 gold medals, 201 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at FEI World Equestrian Games, 25 gold medals, 58 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at equestrian Dressage World Championship, 18 gold medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Show Jumping World Championships (equestrian), 8 gold medals, 16 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Fistball World Cup (men), 9 gold medals, 13 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Fistball World Cup (women), 3 gold medals, 4 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Fistball World Games (men), 4 gold medals, 6 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at FIFA Women's World Cups, 2 times winner (2003, 2007), 1 time runner-up (1995)

Sports

2008

Best performance at FIL World Luge Championships, 85 gold medals, 215 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Sprint Speed Skating Championships for Women, 19 gold medals, 41 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Single Distance Championships for Women (speed skating), 35 gold medals, 74 total medals

Sports

2009 <!--|-

Highest consumption of olive oil per capita, 26.1 kg / year

Consumption

-->

Highest consumption of tobacco per capita, 4,313 cigarettes / year

Consumption

northernmost point and largest island on earth.

Largest bauxite reserves, 7,400,000,000 tons

Industry

2008

Highest intentional [...] rate, 58 per 100000 people per year

Demographics

2008

Best performance at FINA Water Polo World Cup (men), 3 times winner (1979, 1995, 1999), 3 times runner-up (1993, 2002, 2006)

Sports

2009

Highest electricity consumption per capita, 3,152W per person

Consumption
Energy

2005

Most northernmost southernmost point on land, 63°17'N at Surtsey island

Geography

2009

Highest percentage of Internet users, 92%{{cite web

url = http://mbl.is/mm/frettir/taekni/2009/10/07/90_prosent_heimila_med_nettengingu/

title = 90% heimila með nettengingu

publisher = Vísir.is

accessdate = 2009-10-20}}

Technology

2009

Most press freedom according to Freedom of the Press (report)

Politics

2009 <!--|-

Largest number of people living below global poverty line, 645 million

Demographics
Economy

2005--> <!--|-

Highest prevalence of child malnutrition, 60 million

Demographics
Economy

2005--> <!--|-

Largest millet producer, output of 10,610,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest banana producer, output of 21.77 million metric tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest lemon and lime producer, output of 2,060,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest mango producer, output of 13,501,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest areca nut producer, output of 483,100 tons

Agriculture

2006

Largest spice producer, output of 1,600,000 tons

Agriculture

2004

Largest ginger producer, output of 420,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest chickpea producer, output of 5,970,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest lentil producer, output of 1,400,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest jute producer, output of 2,140,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest milk producer, output of 59,210,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest livestock of water buffalos, 97,700,000 heads

Agriculture

2004

Largest total freshwater withdrawal, 645.84 km³/year

Agriculture
Consumption

2000

Largest area of irrigated land, 558,080 km²

Agriculture
Geography

2003

Largest tiger headcount, 3750 tigers

Environment

1990

Largest palm oil producer, output of 15,900,000 tons

Agriculture

2006

Largest cinnamon producer, output of 60,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest clove producer, output of 110,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest area of permanent crops, 128,581 km²

Agriculture
Geography

2005 <!--|-

Most islands, 17,508

Geography

2000-->

Best performance at men's badminton Thomas Cup, 13 times winner

Sports

2009

Largest pistachio producer, output of 230,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest saffron producer, 93.7% of world's total production

Agriculture

2009

Largest caviar producer

Agriculture

2009

Largest producer of berries

Agriculture

2007

Largest producer of stone fruits

Agriculture

2007

Largest producer of Berberis

Agriculture

2009

Hottest surface temperature ever recorded, 70.7 °C (159 °F) recorded at Dasht-e Lut

Climate

2005

Most number of people killed in a blizzard, 4000 people died in 1972 Iran blizzard

Climate

1972

Largest importer of wheat

Consumption

2009

Highest rate of brain drain in the world

Demographics

2003

Highest ratio of female to male school enrollment, 1.22 female per male student

Education

2005

Location with the highest natural background radiation, annual dose of 260 mSv

Geography

2010

Most number of major earthquakes, 5.5+ Richter Magnitude

Geology

2010

Most accurate calendar in use, Iranian calendar

Geophysics

2010

Highest annual prevalence of opiates use, 2.8% of population

Health

1999

Largest number of former national capitals, 31 former capital cities

History

2010

World's oldest country, Established ~3200 BC

History

2010

Host to the world's largest population of foreign refugees, Mostly Iraqi & Afghan refugees

Humanitarian

1999

Largest producer of Turquoise

Industry

2010

Largest reserves of Zinc

Industry

2010

World's largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets

Industry

2010

World's fastest growth rate in science and technology, 1000% increase of science & technology output in nine years

Science

2010

Least peaceful according to Global Peace Index

Military
Politics

2010

Best quality of life according to the Quality-of-life index, 8.333 out of 10

Quality of life

2005

Lowest depression below the sea level, -418 m at Dead Sea (shared with Jordan)

Geography

2009

Largest grape producer, output of 8,519,418 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest wine producer, output of 8,519,418 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest kiwifruit producer, output of 415,050 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest artichoke producer, output of 469,980 tons

Agriculture

2005

Highest number of World Heritage Sites, 44

Culture

2009

Best performance at FIVB World Leagues, 8 times winner, 3 times runner-up

Sports

2008

Best performance at Karting World Championship, 21 wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at F1 Powerboat World Championship, 13 wins

Sports

2008

Best performance at FIL World Luge Natural Track Championships, 27 gold medals, 80 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Championships of Ski Mountaineering, 2 times winner (2006, 2008)

Sports

2009

Lowest birth rate, 7.64 births per 1000 persons

Demographics

2009

Lowest central bank interest rate, 0.10%

Finance

2008

Lowest commercial bank prime lending rate, 1.68%

Finance

2008

Best performance at American Football World Cup, 2 times winner (1999, 2003)

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Judo Championships, 97 gold medals, 229 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Karate World Championships, 10 wins

Sports

2009

Most patents granted, 185,827

Technology

2007

Most patents in force, 1,613,776

Technology

2007

Most merchant ships owned, 3757

Transport

2008

Lowest depression below the sea level, -418 m at Dead Sea (shared with Israel)

Geography

2009

Smallest volume of carbon dioxide emissions, 29,000 metric tons

Environment

2006

Lowest level of economic freedom according to Index of Economic Freedom

Economy
Politics

2009

Largest military budget as % of GDP, 22.9%

Military

2003

Most diesel submarines in operation, 62

Military

Largest reserve force, 4,700,000

Military

2006

Most active troops per population, 46 per 1000 people

Military

2006

Lowest level of press freedom according to Freedom of the Press (report)

Politics

2009

Lowest level of democracy according to Democracy Index, score of 0.86

Politics

2008

Best student performance in reading according to Programme for International Student Assessment

Demographics
Quality of life

2006

Largest shipbuilder, 12,400,000 Gross Tonnage

Industry
Transport

2008

Best performance at World Short Track Speed Skating Team Championships, 12 gold medals, 30 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships, 29 gold medals, 66 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Taekwondo Championships, 142 gold medals, 186 total medals

Sports

2009

Highest Digital Opportunity Index, the score of 0.80

Technology

2007

Highest-valued currency unit, Kuwaiti dinar (KWD; 1 KWD = 3.72953 USD, 1 USD = 0.26813 KWD)

Economy

Highest lowest point among all countries, 1400 m

Geography

2009

Highest GDP (nominal) per capita, $145,734 (CIA World Factbook est.)

Economy

2007

Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 118,000 Int. $ (CIA World Factbook est.)

Economy

2007

Highest [...] rate, 38.6 per 100,000 people per year

Demographics

2005

Highest consumption of alcohol per capita, 15.56 litres / year

Consumption

2008

Highest GDP (nominal) per capita, $113,044 (IMF est.), $111,182 (World Bank est.)

Economy

2008

Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 78,559 Int. $ (World Bank est.)

Economy

2008 <!--|-

Hottest air temperature ever recorded, 57.8 °C (136 °F)

Climate

1922-->

Largest vanilla producer, output of 6,200 tons

Agriculture

2006

Highest annual population growth, 5.57%

Demographics

2008

Lowest highest point among all countries, 2 m (7 ft)

Geography

2009

Highest fertility rate, 7.34 births per woman

Demographics

2008 <!--|-

Most compact measured in circular ratio, 0.81425

Geography

2009-->

Largest avocado producer, output of 1,021,520 tons

Agriculture

2005

Worst net migration rate, -21.03 migrants per 1000 persons

Demographics

2009

Highest coastline to area ratio, 8,706.553 m/km²

Geography

2009

Highest percent of forest area, 90.31%

Geography

2007

Highest rate of deurbanisation, -1.5% of urban population per year

Demographics

2008

Most densely populated, 23,660 per km²

Demographics

2004

Highest median age of population, 45.7 years

Demographics

2008

Largest external debt per capita, $540,000

Finance

2000

Largest external debt as percentage of GDP, 1843.70%

Finance

2000

Highest nominal Gross National Income per capita, $203,900

Finance

2008

Least densely populated, 1.7 per km²

Demographics

2004

Largest annual population decline, -0.93%

Demographics

2008 <!--|-

World's youngest country, established in 2006

History

2010-->

Least equal income distribution

Demographics
Economy

2003

Highest elevation above the sea level, 8,848 m (29,029 ft) at Mount Everest (shared with China)

Geography

2009

Best performance at Field hockey World Cup (women), 6 times winner (1974, 1978, 1983, 1986*, 1990, 2006)

Sports

2009

Best performance at Korfball World Championship, 7 times winner

Sports

2007

Best performance at World Junior Speed Skating Championships, 22 gold medals, 62 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Single Distance Championships for Men (speed skating), 34 gold medals, 82 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at FINA Water Polo World Cup (women), 8 times winner (1980, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1999)

Sports

2009

Most peaceful according to Global Peace Index

Military
Politics

2009

Best performance at Women's Rugby World Cups, 3 times winner (1998, 2002, 2006)

Sports

2006

Best performance at Women's Rugby League World Cups, 3 times winner (2000, 2005, 2008)

Sports

2008

Highest birth rate, 51.60 births per 1000 persons

Demographics

2009

Lowest Human Development Index (HDI), 0.340

Quality of life

2007

Largest yam producer, output of 34,000,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest cassava producer, output of 41,565,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest taro producer, output of 4,000,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Highest level of gender equality in the economy according to Global Gender Gap Report

Demographics
Economy

2008

Highest government budget surplus, +37,300,000,000 USD

Finance

2009

Highest Human Development Index (HDI), 0.971

Quality of life

2007

Most stable country according to Failed States Index, score of 18.3

Politics

2009

Best performance at FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, 107 gold medals, 285 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Men, 36 gold medals, 97 total medals

Sports

2009

Lowest public debt as percentage of GDP, 2.40%

Finance

2008

Best performance at Field hockey World Cup (men), 4 times winner (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994)

Sports

2010

Most number of British Open Squash champions (men) , won 30 out of 73 championships

Sports

2010

Greatest number of World Open Squash champions (men) , won 14 out of 31 championships

Sports

2010

Most merchant ships registered, 6,323

Transport

2008

Highest annual prevalence of [...] use, 29.5% of population

Demographics

1995

Best performance at Australian Football International Cup, 1 time winner (2008), 2 times runner-up (2002, 2005)

Sports

2008

Largest quinoa producer, output of 32,600 metric tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest silver producer, 3,193 tons

Industry

2005

Largest Abacá (Manila Hemp) producer

Agriculture

2007

Largest coconut producer, output of 17,000,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Best performance at World Cup of Pool, 2 times winner (2006, 2009)

Sports

2009

Largest triticale producer, output of 3.7 million metric tons

Agriculture

2005

Best performance at motorcycle Speedway World Cup, 3 times winner

Sports

2009

Highest share of gold in total forex reserves, 92.8%

Finance

2009

Best performance at Roller Hockey World Championship (men), 15 gold medals, 36 total medals

Sports

2009

Largest cork producer, output of 17.7 metric tons

Agriculture

2009

Most carbon dioxide emissions per capita, 56.2 metric tons

Environment

2006

Highest GDP (PPP) per capita, 85,868 Int. $ (IMF est.)

Economy

2008

Highest annual energy consumption per capita, 21395.8 kgoe per person per year

Energy

2003

Largest barley producer, output of 15.7 million metric tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest buckwheat producer, output of 1 004 850 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest oats producer, output of 5.1 million metric tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest rye producer, output of 3.6 million metric tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest sunflower seed producer, output of 6.3 million metric tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest currant and gooseberry producer, output of 463,500 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest raspberry producer, output of 110,000 tons

Agriculture

2004

Largest vetches producer, output of 377,750 tons

Agriculture

2008 <!--|-

Largest livestock of domesticated reindeer, about two-thirds of the world's

Agriculture

2007--> <!--|-

Coldest temperature in the world, Russian Vostok Station, −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F)

Climate

1983--> <!--|-

Highest crude divorce rate, 4.42 per 1000 population

Demographics

2004

Largest proven natural gas reserves, 44,650,000,000,000 m³

Energy

2008

Largest natural gas producer, 654,000,000,000 m³

Energy
Industry

2007

Largest natural gas exporter, 173,000,000,000 cu m

Energy

2007

Largest oil producer,

Energy
Industry

2009

Largest forest area, 8,087,900 km²

Geography

2007

Largest land area, 17,075,200 km²

Geography

2009

Largest total area, 17,098,242 km²

Geography

2009

Largest EEZ continental shelf area, 3,817,843 km2

Geography

2009 <!--|-

Largest unfrozen freshwater reserves, approximately one-quarter of the world's

Geography

2010-->

Most countries bordered, 14 (16 if Abkhazia and South Ossetia are counted), the same number as with China

Geography

2009

Most time zones (contiguous territory), 9

Geography

2009

Largest asbestos producer, 925,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest diamond producer,

Industry

2005

Largest nickel producer, 300,000 tons

Industry

2005

Largest palladium producer, 143 tons

Industry

2005

Largest nuclear arsenal, 5,200 / 8,800 active/total warheads (2005 est)

Military

2009

Largest tank army, 22,800 tanks

Military

Most corvettes in operation, 85

Military

Top position at World Chess Rankings (men), top 10 players average score of 2724

Sports

2009

Top position at World Chess Rankings (women), top 10 players average score of 2469

Sports

2009

Best performance at the World Sambo Championships, 58 gold medals, 99 total medals

Sports

2009

Most television broadcast stations, 7,306

Technology

1998 <!--|-

Most space launches per year, 32

Technology

2009--> <!--|-

Largest total length of electrified railways, over 44,000 km

Transport

2009-->


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


Most World Chess Champions, 10

Sports

2009


Best performance at UCI Track World Championships, Women (cycling), 48 gold medals, 111 total medals

Sports

2009


Best performance at FIE World Championships in Fencing, 121 gold medals, 257 total medals

Sports

2009


Best performance at World Figure Skating Championships, 74 gold medals, 178 total medals

Sports

2009


Best performance at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, 140 gold medals, 341 total medals

Sports

2009


Best performance at World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, 23 gold medals, 58 total medals

Sports

2009


Best performance at gymnastics Trampoline World Championships, 21 gold medals

Sports

2009


Best performance at World Women's Handball Championship, 7 gold medals, 10 total medals

Sports

2009


Winner of most Ice Hockey World Championships (men), 25 times winner

Sports

2009


Best performance at Team Ice Racing World Championship, 26 times winner

Sports

2009


Best performance at World Shooting Championships, 307 gold medals, 656 total medals

Sports

2009


Best performance at World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Women, 24 gold medals, 69 total medals

Sports

2009


Best performance at World Sprint Speed Skating Championships for Men, 11 gold medals, 24 total medals

Sports

2009


Winner of most Volleyball World Championships (men), 6 (1949, 1952, 1960, 1962, 1978, 1982)

Sports

2006


Winner of most Volleyball World Championships (women), 6 (1952, 1956, 1960, 1970, 1990, 2006)

Sports

2006


Winner of most Volleyball World Cups (men), 5 (1965, 1977, 1981, 1991, 1999)

Sports

2009


Best performance at World Weightlifting Championships (men), 350 gold medals, 746 total medals

Sports

2007


Best performance at FILA Wrestling World Championships, 64 times winner in three team tournaments

Sports

2009


Longest total human spaceflight time by country, over 20,000 person-days

Technology

2010

Highest annual deflation, -3.50%

Finance

2008

Largest proven oil reserves,

Energy

2008

Largest oil exporter, 8,200,000 (bbl/day)

Energy

2007



Winner of most Basketball World Championships, 5 (1970, 1978, 1990, 1998, 2002)

Sports

2006



Best performance at FINA World Water Polo Championship (men), 4 times winner

Sports

2009

Lowest fertility rate, 1.08 births per woman

Demographics

2008

Lowest infant mortality rate, 2.31 deaths per 1000 live births

Demographics

2009

Most economic freedom according to Index of Economic Freedom, 87.1 points

Economy
Politics

2009

Most trade freedom according to Global Enabling Trade Report, 5.71 points

Economy
Politics

2008

Easiest business doing according to Ease of Doing Business Index

Economy
Politics

2009

Highest gross fixed investment as percentage of GDP, 45.00%

Finance

2008

Most exports per capita, $49,100 per person

Finance

2005

Highest level of innovation according to Global Innovation Index, score of 2.26

Technology

2009

Largest livestock of camels, 7,000,000 heads

Agriculture

2003

Most unstable country according to Failed States Index, score of 114.7

Politics

2009

Most people living with HIV/AIDS, 5,700,000

Demographics

2003

Most HIV/AIDS deaths, 350,000

Demographics

2007

Largest chromium producer

Industry

2000

Largest platinum producer, 168 tonnes

Industry

2005 <!--|-

Largest rhodium producer, 60% of world production

Industry

-->

Largest olive producer, output of 6,160,100 tons

Agriculture

2003

Largest carob producer, output of 70,000 tons

Agriculture

2006

Best performance at Roller Hockey World Championship (women), 4 gold medals, 7 total medals

Sports

2009

Highest death rate, 30.83 deaths per 1000 persons

Demographics

2009

Highest HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate, 26.01 of population

Demographics

2008

Lowest overall life expectancy, 31.88 years

Demographics
Quality of life

2009

Most equal income distribution according to CIA World Factbook

Demographics
Economy

2005

Highest level of democracy according to Democracy Index, score of 9.88

Politics

2008

Winner of most Bandy World Championships (women), 4 (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008)

Sports

2009

Best performance at WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championships, (men) 18 gold medals, 38 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Floorball Championship

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Men's Handball Championship, 4 gold medals, 11 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Synchronized Skating Championships, 5 gold medals, 10 total medals

Sports

2009

Lowest level of business corruption according to Bribe Payers Index, score of 7.81

Economy
Politics

2006

Highest economic competitiveness according to Global Competitiveness Report, score of 5.60

Economy
Politics

2009

Best environmental performance according to Environmental Performance Index, 95.5

Environment

2008 <!--|-

Highest impact country, 13.24 average citations per paper, 1993-2003

Science

2004-->

Best performance at UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships, 5 gold medals, 12 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Sidecarcross World Championship

Sports

2009

Highest tourist competitiveness according to Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, 5.68

Tourism

2009

Largest fennel producer, output of 115,000 tons

Agriculture

2008

Best student performance in mathematics according to Programme for International Student Assessment

Demographics
Quality of life

2006

Highest poverty, 96.6% of population living under 2 dollar (PPP) a day

Demographics
Economy

2006 <!--|-

Largest rice exporter

Agriculture

2009-->

Highest tax rate as percentage of GDP, 109.7%

Finance

2009

Highest current account balance as a percentage of GDP, 44.52%

Finance

2008

Largest apricot producer, output of 716,415 tons

Agriculture

2008

Largest cherry producer, output of 398,100 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest fig producer, output of 280,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest hazelnut producer, output of 500,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Highest consumption of tea per capita, 2.5 kg (88 oz) / year

Consumption

Largest feldspar producer, 2,500,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest freshwater withdrawal per capita, 5,104 m³/year

Agriculture
Consumption

2000

Smallest number of immigrants, 300

Demographics

2005

Lowest GDP (nominal), 14.94 million USD

Economy

2008

Lowest GDP (PPP), 15 million USD

Economy

2008

Worst current account balance as a percentage of GDP, -78.17%

Finance

2008

Largest percentage of cultivated land, 66.67%

Agriculture
Geography

2005

Largest percentage of permanent crops area, 66.67%

Agriculture
Geography

2005

Largest plantain producer, output of 9,045,000 tons

Agriculture

2005

Lowest median age of population, 15 years

Demographics

2008

Lowest death rate, 2.11 deaths per 1000 persons

Demographics

2009

Highest net migration rate, 22.98 migrants per 1000 persons

Demographics

2009

Highest prevalence of males in population, 2.19 males per female

Demographics

2009

Highest ecological footprint

Environment

2009

Lowest tax rate as percentage of GDP, 1.4%

Finance

2009

Best performance at Eventing World Championship (equestrian), 8 gold medals, 19 total medals

Sports

2009

Most Formula One Grand Prix wins, 208 by 19 drivers

Sports

2009

Most Formula One Grand Prix wins (constructors), 494 by 12 constructors

Sports

2009

Best performance at equestrian Mounted games, 22 wins (including separate England and Wales wins)

Sports

2009

Best performance at ITU Triathlon World Championships (men), 8 gold medals, 13 total medals

Sports

2009

Largest maize producer, output of 332,092,180 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest sorghum producer, output of 9.8 million tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest grapefruit and pummelo producer, output of 1,580,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest strawberry producer, output of 1,115,000 tons

Agriculture

2007

Largest soybean producer, output of 87.7 million metric tons

Agriculture

2006

Largest almond producer, output of 715,620 tons

Agriculture

2005

Largest area of cultivated land, 1,669,302 km²

Agriculture
Geography

2005

Largest area of arable land, 1,650,062 km²

Agriculture
Geography

2005

Largest electricity consumer, 3,816,000,000 MWh/year

Consumption
Energy

2005

Largest electricity importer, 51,400 million kWh

Consumption
Energy

2007

Largest natural gas consumer, 652,900,000,000 cu m

Consumption
Energy

2007

Largest natural gas importer, 130,300,000,000 cu m

Consumption
Energy

2007

Largest oil consumer,

Consumption
Energy

2007

Largest oil importer, 13,710,000 bbl\day

Consumption
Energy

2005

Largest consumer market, Annual market size of ~US $ 10 trillion

Consumption
Household

2008

Most books published per year (new titles), 275,232

Culture

2008

Highest annual prevalence of [...] use, 2.8% of population

Demographics

2004

Highest incarceration rate, 760 prisoners per 100000 people

Demographics

2008

Most people in prison, 2,310,984 prisoners

Demographics

2008

Most privately-owned firearms per capita, 90 per 100 population

Demographics

2007

Most privately-owned firearms in total, 270 million

Demographics

2007

Largest number of immigrants, 38,355,000

Demographics

2005

Most billionaires, 359

Demographics
Economy

2009

Highest GDP (nominal)

Economy

2008

Highest GDP (PPP)

Economy

2008 <!--|-

Most startup companies

Economy

-->

Largest electricity producer, 4,367,874,939,000 kWh

Energy

2007

Largest wind power producer, 25,237 MWh

Energy

2008

Largest nuclear power producer, 101,119 MWh

Energy

2008

Most nuclear reactors for electricity generation, 104

Energy

2008

Largest proven coal reserves, 246,643 million tons

Energy

2006

Largest external debt, $13,773,000,000,000

Finance

2009

Largest government budget revenues, $2,524,000,000,000

Finance

2008

Largest government budget expenditures, $2,979,000,000,000

Finance

2008

Highest government budget deficit, $-455,000,000,000

Finance

2008

Largest official gold reserves, 8,133.5 tons

Finance

2009

Largest stock of foreign direct investment abroad, $2,751,000,000,000.00

Finance

2008

Largest stock of received foreign direct investment, $2,220,000,000,000

Finance

2008

Largest importer, $2,190,000,000,000

Finance

2008

Worst current account balance, -$664,125,000,000

Finance

2007

Largest Exclusive Economic Zone, 11,351,000 km2

Geography

2009

Largest bentonite producer, 4,620,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest molybdenum producer, 58,900 tons

Industry

2005

Largest salt producer, 46,500,000 tons

Industry

2006

Largest arms exporter, $7,454,000,000

Industry
Military

2007

Largest military budget, $ 518,100,000,000

Military

2005

Most aircraft carriers in operation, 11

Military

2009

Most cruisers in operation, 22

Military

Most destroyers in operation, 53

Military

Most nuclear submarines in operation, 71

Military

Largest airforce, 4000 units

Military

<!--|-

Highest science papers output, 2,798,448 journal papers published between 1998-2008

Science

2008--> <!--|-

Most cited country, 35,368,367 citations between 1993-2003

Science

2004-->

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

Most Olympic medals, 1017 gold, 2551 total

Sports

2010

Most Summer Olympic medals, 2298 total, 930 gold

Sports

2008

Winner of most Basketball World Championships for Women, 7 (1953, 1957, 1979, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002)

Sports

2006

Best performance at World Aquatics Championships, 182 gold medals, 434 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Championships in Athletics, 120 gold medals, 250 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Backgammon Championship, 18 wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at Women's Baseball World Cup, 2 times winner (2004, 2006)

Sports

2008

Best performance at WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championships, (women) 16 gold medals, 51 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at UCI BMX World Championships, 24 gold medals, 69 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at Golf World Cup (men), 23 wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at World Lacrosse Championship (men), 8 times winner

Sports

2009

Best performance at Women's Lacrosse World Cup, 6 times winner

Sports

2009

Best performance at Racquetball World Championships

Sports

2009

Best performance at ISF Women's World Championship (softball), 8 gold medals, 10 total medals

Sports

2009

Best performance at tennis Davis Cup (men), 32 team wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at tennis Fed Cup (women), 17 team wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at tennis Hopman Cup (mixed pairs), 5 team wins

Sports

2009

Best performance at FINA World Water Polo Championship (women), 3 times winner

Sports

2009

Longest total length of railways, 227,736 km

Transport

2003

Longest total length of roadways, 6,407,637 km

Transport

2004

Most airports, 15,095

Transport

2005

Largest total length of pipelines, 793,285 km

Transport

2006

Most motor vehicles per capita, 765 per 1000 population

Transport
Consumption

2009

Most southernmost northernmost point on land, 30°05'S

Geography

2009

Smallest population, 800

Demographics

2008

Largest percentage of immigrant population, 100%

Demographics

2005

Smallest total area, 0,44 km²

Geography

2009

Smallest percentage of immigrant population, 0.0249%

Demographics

2005

Largest paramilitary, 5,080,000

Military

2006

Lowest prosperity according to Legatum Prosperity Index

Quality of life

2008

Highest unemployment rate, 90% of population

Demographics
Economy

2009

Lowest GDP (PPP) per capita, 200 Int. $ (CIA World Factbook est.)

Economy

2008

Worst GDP (real) decline, -14.10% (CIA World Factbook est.)

Economy

2008

Lowest environmental happiness according to Happy Planet Index, score of 16.6

Environment
Quality of life

2009

Highest annual inflation rate, 11,200,000.00%

Finance

2008

Highest central bank interest rate, 975.00%

Finance

2007

Highest commercial bank prime lending rate, 578.96%

Finance

2007

Highest public debt as percentage of GDP, 241.20%

Finance

2008

Worst industrial production decline, -14.70% (CIA World Factbook est.)

Industry

2008

Lowest level of innovation according to Global Innovation Index, score of -1.63

Technology

2009

The following fully recognized countries have no entries in the above list:

See also

  • Lists of countries
  • List of statistically superlative objects by country

fa:فهرست آماری ترین‌های کشورها nl:Lijst van superlatieven van landen