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Ranked: How Much People Save Around the World
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Ranked: How Much People Save Around the World
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Key Takeaways
Sweden has the highest savings rate in OECD economies at 16%, more than 3x the U.S. rate.
Americans save just 4.9% of income, about half of Mexico’s rate.
Some countries, including New Zealand and South Africa, have negative savings rates.
How much of your income do people actually save, and how does your country compare?
This chart ranks household savings rates across major economies using the latest OECD data. It reveals a wide gap between top savers and those struggling to set money aside. In countries like Sweden and Hungary, households save more than 10% of their income. In the U.S., that figure is just 4.9%.
In some cases, the gap is even more striking. Americans save roughly half as much as households in Mexico, highlighting how cost pressures and consumption patterns differ across economies.
How Much People Save by Country
Sweden ranks as the most disciplined saver, with net household savings rates rising nearly eightfold from 2.3% to 16% over the past two decades.
Many European countries also rank at the top of the list. Households continue to set aside a relatively large share of their income, including Hungary (14.3%) and France (12.8%). These elevated rates are often linked to structural factors such as pension systems and aging populations.
The table below shows savings rates by country in 2024, or the latest available data:
CountryNet Saving Rate (% of net disposable income)
Sweden16.0%
Hungary14.3%
Czechia13.7%
France12.8%
Austria11.7%
Germany11.2%
Netherlands9.5%
Spain9.2%
Ireland9.0%
Denmark8.5%
Mexico8.1%
Belgium6.6%
Poland6.1%
Australia6.1%
Luxembourg5.0%
Canada5.0%
United States4.9%
South Korea4.8%
United Kingdom4.7%
Portugal4.5%
Finland4.3%
Italy4.2%
Norway4.2%
Lithuania3.8%
Estonia3.0%
Japan0.9%
Latvia0.0%
South Africa-1.0%
New Zealand-1.3%
In the middle of the pack, savings rates drop off quickly. The U.S., Canada, and the UK all cluster around 5% or lower, far behind top European savers. The gap is particularly striking when compared globally. U.S. households save about half as much as those in Mexico, and less than one-third of what households in Sweden set aside each year.
At the bottom of the ranking, the picture flips entirely. In countries like New Zealand and South Africa, households are not saving at all. Instead, they are spending more than they earn.
Negative savings rates typically mean people are dipping into past savings or taking on debt to cover everyday expenses, a sign of financial strain rather than choice.
What It Means Going Forward
Savings rates are a key signal of financial resilience.
Countries where households consistently save more tend to have a stronger buffer against inflation, job losses, or economic shocks. Higher savings can also support long-term investment and stability.
On the other hand, persistently low or negative savings rates can point to underlying pressure. When households have little margin to save, economies may become more vulnerable to downturns, rising debt levels, and weaker consumer spending over time.
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To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the global cost of living index in 2026.
Mapped: Only One Country Can Feed Itself Fully
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Mapped: Only One Country Can Feed Itself Fully
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Key Takeaways
Only one country—Guyana—can produce all seven essential food groups domestically.
Most countries, including the U.S. and China, fall short in at least one category.
Wealth doesn’t guarantee food independence, with many rich nations relying on imports.
Food security isn’t just about producing enough calories—it’s about covering the full range of nutrients needed for a balanced diet.
This map shows how many of seven essential food groups each country can supply domestically, based on data from a Nature Food study. The result reveals a striking gap: just one country can meet all its food needs on its own.
The analysis covers key categories including starchy staples, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, and legumes—offering a more complete picture of national food independence. Even major agricultural producers like the United States and China still depend on imports for at least one of these groups.
Only One Country Covers All Food Groups
Guyana is the only country that can produce enough of all seven essential food groups to meet domestic demand. It not only covers every category, but exceeds needs in starchy staples and fruit—making it a clear global outlier in food independence.
China and Vietnam come close, each covering six out of seven groups. However, both fall short in dairy production, reflecting structural constraints in key sectors. Even top performers still rely on imports for at least one essential category.
CountrySelf-Sufficient Food Groups (of 7)
Guyana7
China6
Vietnam6
Paraguay5
New Zealand5
Uruguay5
Vanuatu5
Argentina5
Brazil5
Lithuania5
Estonia5
Australia5
Latvia5
Spain5
Serbia5
Kazakhstan5
Croatia5
Ukraine5
Peru5
Türkiye5
Romania5
Uzbekistan5
Russia5
Lao PDR5
Kyrgyzstan5
Oman5
Philippines5
Canada4
Denmark4
United States4
Belarus4
Netherlands4
Poland4
Chile4
Belgium4
Moldova4
France4
Hungary4
Papua New Guinea4
Myanmar4
Ecuador4
Dominican Republic4
Senegal4
Greece4
Albania4
Nicaragua4
Portugal4
Niger4
Italy4
Israel4
Cameroon4
Malawi4
Bolivia4
Armenia4
Mexico4
Thailand4
Mali4
Azerbaijan4
Slovakia4
Tunisia4
South Sudan4
Guatemala4
Iran4
Turkmenistan4
Tonga4
Bosnia and Herzegovina4
Indonesia4
Morocco4
Nepal4
Syrian Arab Republic4
Suriname4
Iceland3
Tuvalu3
Ireland3
Norway3
Costa Rica3
Samoa3
Central African Republic3
Belize3
Finland3
Guinea-Bissau3
Burkina Faso3
Germany3
Sudan3
Dominica3
Czechia3
North Macedonia3
Guinea3
Ghana3
Panama3
Tanzania3
Sweden3
Colombia3
Chad3
Uganda3
Rwanda3
India3
Bulgaria3
South Africa3
Côte d'Ivoire3
Cyprus3
Tajikistan3
Solomon Islands3
South Korea3
Jamaica3
Egypt3
Lebanon3
Burundi3
Kenya3
Angola3
Pakistan3
Algeria3
Venezuela3
Gabon3
Sierra Leone3
Saudi Arabia3
Kiribati2
Micronesia2
Seychelles2
Mongolia2
Luxembourg2
Austria2
Comoros2
Namibia2
Mauritania2
Switzerland2
Slovenia2
Sri Lanka2
Benin2
United Kingdom2
Nauru2
Cambodia2
Nigeria2
Georgia2
Montenegro2
Fiji2
Malaysia2
St. Vincent and the Grenadines2
Honduras2
Mozambique2
Cuba2
Bhutan2
Sao Tome and Principe2
Ethiopia2
Zambia2
Bangladesh2
Botswana2
Grenada2
Barbados2
St. Lucia2
Eswatini2
El Salvador2
Libya2
Togo2
New Caledonia2
Haiti2
Jordan2
Maldives1
Zimbabwe1
DR Congo1
Bahamas, The1
Republic of the Congo1
Japan1
Cabo Verde1
Madagascar1
Timor-Leste1
Trinidad and Tobago1
Somalia1
Mauritius1
The Gambia1
Liberia1
French Polynesia1
Kuwait1
St. Kitts and Nevis1
Malta1
Djibouti1
Antigua and Barbuda1
Lesotho1
Bahrain1
Hong Kong1
Afghanistan0
Iraq0
Yemen0
United Arab Emirates0
Qatar0
Macao0
Wealth Doesn’t Guarantee Food Independence
High-income countries often rank lower than expected. For example, Canada and the United States each cover only four out of seven food groups. Despite strong production in meat, dairy, and grains, both countries depend heavily on imports for fruits and vegetables.
This pattern reflects geography and climate. Northern countries face shorter growing seasons, limiting domestic output of fresh produce. As a result, even advanced agricultural systems cannot fully produce a balanced diet domestically.
Structural Constraints Shape Regional Gaps
The Middle East and North Africa consistently rank among the least self-sufficient regions. Limited water resources play a major role. The region holds roughly 6% of the global population but less than 2% of renewable water supply, restricting agricultural expansion.
Fish production is another major constraint globally. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia accounts for 91% of aquaculture output. This concentration leaves many countries dependent on seafood imports, even when they can produce meat or crops domestically.
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If you enjoyed today’s post, check out this graphic about how 30% of food produced worldwide goes to waste.
Mapped: The Cost of Living Across America
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Mapped: The Cost of Living Across America
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Key Takeaways
Hawaii is the most expensive state, with annual household costs reaching $141,127.
Oklahoma is the cheapest at $66,284, creating a gap of roughly $75,000 per year.
Most states cluster between roughly $70,000 and $90,000, while coastal and remote states tend to cost far more.
Living in one U.S. state versus another can change your annual costs by as much as $75,000.
Using GOBankingRate’s analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 Consumer Expenditure Survey and Missouri Economic Research and Information Center data as of Q3 2025, this map shows how annual household costs vary across all 50 states.
From $141,127 in Hawaii to $66,284 in Oklahoma, the difference is stark. For many households, location alone can be one of the biggest drivers of overall cost.
The Most Expensive States to Live In
Hawaii tops the list at $141,127 per year, making it the most expensive state by a wide margin. That is about $75,000 more than Oklahoma and roughly $63,000 above the U.S. average.
In many cases, paying off a home in the Aloha State requires multi-generational efforts due to steep housing costs. Residents also pay 28% more for healthcare and 33% more for groceries than the national average.
This table shows average household expenditures by state, based on cost-of-living indexes and consumer spending across groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare:
RankStateAnnual Average ExpendituresCost-of-Living Index
1Hawaii$141,127179.7
2Massachusetts$118,431150.8
3California$107,357136.7
4Alaska$100,289127.7
5New York$99,425126.6
6Maryland$93,378118.9
7New Jersey$90,001114.6
8Maine$89,687114.2
9Connecticut$89,608114.1
10Washington$89,451113.9
11Vermont$89,294113.7
12Rhode Island$89,059113.4
13Oregon$87,231111.8
14Montana$86,231109.8
15New Hampshire$85,760109.2
16Arizona$85,446108.8
17Delaware$80,734102.8
18Colorado$80,655102.7
19Virginia$78,614100.1
20Florida$78,14299.5
21Utah$77,82899.1
22Idaho$77,75099.0
23Nevada$77,43698.6
24Wisconsin$76,72997.7
25North Carolina$76,49397.4
26Pennsylvania$76,25797.1
27Illinois$75,31595.9
28Wyoming$74,84495.3
29Michigan$74,37394.7
30Minnesota$73,98094.2
31Ohio$72,88092.8
32Louisiana$72,80292.7
33New Mexico$72,64592.5
34South Carolina$72,64592.5
35Kentucky$72,17491.9
36Georgia$72,09591.8
37South Dakota$72,09591.8
38Nebraska$71,93891.6
39North Dakota$71,70291.3
40Texas$71,31090.8
41Indiana$71,15390.6
42Iowa$70,91790.3
43Tennessee$70,91790.3
44Arkansas$70,13289.3
45Missouri$69,89689.0
46Kansas$69,81888.9
47West Virginia$69,18988.1
48Alabama$69,03287.9
49Mississippi$67,14785.5
50Oklahoma$66,28484.4
Massachusetts ($118,431), California ($107,357), Alaska ($100,289), and New York ($99,425) round out the top five, reflecting a mix of housing pressure, geographic isolation, and higher overall costs.
The Cheapest States to Live In
In Oklahoma, average annual household spending is $66,284, making it the most affordable state overall.
With the median home sale price in Oklahoma City at $240,000, housing remains relatively affordable, with prices rising just 1% year over year as of December 2025. By contrast, the U.S. median stood at nearly $359,000.
Meanwhile, the state benefits from lower gas prices than Texas due to lower taxes and regional supply advantages, along with some of the most affordable groceries in the country.
Mississippi ranks second at $67,147, where annual living costs are more than $10,000 lower than in Florida.
Texas ranks 11th, with average spending of $71,310. Despite strong interstate migration, robust home construction has helped ease pressure on prices. Notably, home prices in Houston fell 2.2% annually last year to about $302,000.
The map highlights a clear reality: in the U.S., location alone can shift annual living costs by tens of thousands of dollars. For households considering a move, that difference can rival the impact of income itself.
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To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the global cost of living index in 2026.
Ranked: The Most Polite Countries in the World
Ranked: The Most Polite Countries in the World
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Key Takeaways
Japan is considered the most polite country in the world, receiving over 35% of votes cast globally.
Canada secured more votes (13.4%) than any other country in the Western Hemisphere.
European countries dominate the ranking of the 25 most polite countries worldwide.
What makes a country “polite”—and which ones stand out globally?
A new survey of over 4,600 respondents by Remitly reveals a clear frontrunner. Japan alone captured more than 35% of all votes, far ahead of every other country on the list.
The ranking highlights how perceptions of politeness vary worldwide, while also revealing strong regional patterns across Europe and Asia.
Perceptions of politeness can shape everything from tourism experiences to international business relationships. For travelers, these rankings often influence expectations around etiquette, hospitality, and day-to-day interactions abroad.
Japan: The World’s Clear Favorite
Japan stands far ahead of every other country, capturing 35.2% of all votes—nearly three times more than second-place Canada. No other country breaks even 15%, underscoring just how dominant Japan’s reputation is globally.
Japanese culture is famous for its high emphasis on respect, etiquette, and social harmony. The country’s blend of tradition and recognizable cultural exports has helped it become well-regarded nearly everywhere.
The following data table lists the 25 most polite countries worldwide.
RankCountryMost Polite Nations (%)
1 Japan35.2%
2 Canada13.4%
3 United Kingdom6.2%
4 China3.1%
5 Germany2.8%
6 Philippines2.3%
7 Sweden2.3%
8 Denmark2.1%
9 Finland1.9%
10 South Africa1.8%
11 Australia1.7%
11 Switzerland1.7%
13 United States1.6%
14 India1.5%
15 Ireland1.5%
16 New Zealand1.4%
17 Norway1.2%
18 Netherlands1.2%
19 Thailand1.2%
19 France1.2%
21 Brazil1.1%
22 Spain1.1%
23 Belgium1.0%
24 Italy1.0%
25 Austria1.0%
Certain traits associated with local culture no doubt contribute to the Japanese people’s reputation of politeness, including the value placed on cleanliness and punctuality.
Beyond this, citizens of other countries may be surprised when encountering Japanese bowing, a way of conveying respect, as well as other unique elements such as relative silence on public transit within the country.
Canada’s High Respect Premium
Canada ranks second with 13.4% of the vote—less than half of Japan’s total, highlighting the gap between first place and the rest of the field.
The sprawling North American country has been deemed the most respected country worldwide by one measure, while Canadians have long been known as some of the friendliest people on the globe.
Canada’s hospitality and civility has boosted the country’s reputation for politeness, both in dealings with each other and with people from other countries. This has been reinforced in some corners by the country’s relative contrasts with its southern neighbor, the United States, which obtained just over a tenth of the share of votes (1.6%) of Canada.
Europe’s High Prevalence of Politeness
After Canada, the United Kingdom ranks third at 6.2%, leading a strong European showing. In total, European countries make up more than half of the top 25—suggesting that politeness, as perceived globally, is strongly associated with the region.
Northern Europeans appear to fare better than their peers across the Old Continent, with the UK joined in the top 10 by Germany (2.8%) and Nordic countries like Sweden (2.3%), Denmark (2.1%), and Finland (1.9%).
In contrast, Asian countries nabbed a fifth of the spots on the list, while Africa was home to only one country in the top 25: South Africa, which at 1.8% of all votes cast landed at the 10th position worldwide.
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If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The Best Countries For Culture & Heritage, As Determined by the People on Voronoi.Use This Visualization
Mapped: The Highest Point in Every U.S. State
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Mapped: The Highest Point in Every U.S. State
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Key Takeaways
Alaska’s highest point reaches 20,320 ft, towering 5,826 ft above second-place California.
All 13 states above 10,000 ft are west of the Mississippi River.
Just five states peak below 1,000 ft, all in low-lying coastal regions.
The gap between the highest and lowest state peaks spans nearly 20,000 ft.
From Denali in Alaska to Britton Hill in Florida, the highest points in each U.S. state reveal a dramatic divide in elevation across the country.
This map shows the tallest natural point in every state, measured in feet above sea level, using data from the USGS via the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistical Abstract.
The differences are stark: Alaska rises above 20,000 feet, while several coastal states don’t even reach 1,000 feet.
Alaska Towers Above All Other U.S. States
Alaska dominates the ranking. Its highest point, Denali, reaches 20,320 ft—5,826 ft higher than California’s Mount Whitney in second place. This single gap is larger than the entire elevation range of many eastern states, highlighting just how extreme Alaska’s terrain is.
That makes Denali nearly 59 times taller than Florida’s highest point, underscoring the extreme range in U.S. elevation.
The data table below ranks all 50 U.S. states by their highest elevation measured in feet above sea level:
RankStateHighest Elevation (in feet)
1Alaska20,320
2California14,494
3Colorado14,433
4Washington14,411
5Wyoming13,804
6Hawaii13,796
7Utah13,528
8New Mexico13,161
9Nevada13,140
10Montana12,799
11Idaho12,662
12Arizona12,633
13Oregon11,239
14Texas8,749
15South Dakota7,242
16North Carolina6,684
17Tennessee6,643
18New Hampshire6,288
19Virginia5,729
20Nebraska5,424
21New York5,344
22Maine5,268
23Oklahoma4,973
24West Virginia4,863
25Georgia4,784
26Vermont4,393
27Kentucky4,145
28Kansas4,039
29South Carolina3,560
30North Dakota3,506
31Massachusetts3,491
32Maryland3,360
33Pennsylvania3,213
34Arkansas2,753
35Alabama2,407
36Connecticut2,380
37Minnesota2,301
38Michigan1,979
39Wisconsin1,951
40New Jersey1,803
41Missouri1,772
42Iowa1,670
43Ohio1,550
44Indiana1,257
45Illinois1,235
46Rhode Island812
47Mississippi806
48Louisiana535
49Delaware448
50Florida345
A clear geographic pattern emerges: every state above 10,000 ft lies west of the Mississippi River. These peaks cluster in major mountain systems like the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades, while the eastern half of the country is defined by much older, lower ranges.
After Oregon at 11,239 ft, elevations drop sharply—falling more than 2,400 ft to Texas and continuing downward across much of the central United States.
From there, the list tapers into the Appalachians and the interior East, where states like North Carolina, Tennessee, and New Hampshire still reach above 6,000 ft, but far below the tallest peaks in the Rockies, Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Alaska Range.
Only Five States Top Out Below 1,000 Feet
At the other end of the spectrum, five states never reach 1,000 feet.
Florida ranks last at just 345 ft—meaning Alaska’s highest point is nearly 59 times taller. These low peaks are concentrated in flat, coastal regions, where elevation changes are minimal compared to the mountainous West.
Those states are mostly coastal and low-lying, which helps explain why their peaks sit far below the national median of states’ highest points of 4,588.5 ft.
In total, 37 states rise above 2,000 ft, and 22 exceed 5,000 ft, highlighting how much of the country still reaches significant elevation despite the dominance of the West.
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If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Fourteeners, the Highest Mountains of the U.S. on Voronoi.
Mapped: Where Does Eastern Europe Begin and End?
Mapped: Where Does Eastern Europe Begin and End?
Key Takeaways
There is no single definition of Eastern Europe. Its borders vary depending on historical, political, and cultural context.
Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are almost always included, forming the region’s “core.”
The eastern boundary is widely agreed upon, but the western edge shifts significantly across definitions.
The animated map above uses data from various organizations to highlight interpretations of Eastern Europe’s geographical extent.
At a glance, the visualization shows a tight core centered on Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, with boundaries stretching eastward into Russia and stopping along a debated western frontier that cuts through Central Europe.
Eastern Europe’s Borders, Defined
Below are major groupings from the UN, CIA World Factbook, StAGN (Germany’s committee on geographical names), and The European Correspondent, the creator of the map.
CountryUN (Regional)UN (M49)CIA World FactbookEuro. CorrespondentStAGN
Belarus✓✓✓✓✓
Russia✓✓✓✓✓
Ukraine✓✓✓✓✓
Moldova✓✓✓✓
Bulgaria✓✓
Czechia✓✓
Hungary✓✓
Poland✓✓
Romania✓✓
Slovakia✓✓
Estonia✓✓
Latvia✓✓
Lithuania✓✓
Albania✓✓
Azerbaijan✓✓
Georgia✓✓
Albania✓
Bosnia & Herz.✓
Croatia✓
Montenegro✓
N. Macedonia✓
Serbia✓
Slovenia✓
A Region Defined by Perspective
Unlike continents or countries, Eastern Europe is not a fixed geographic entity. Instead, its definition has evolved over time, shaped by empires, ideology, and institutions. According to various modern definitions, the region can include anywhere from a handful of countries to over a dozen.
Historically, the term gained prominence during the Cold War, when it often referred to Soviet-aligned nations. This political framing still influences perceptions today.
The Core vs. the Fringe
Despite disagreements, some countries are almost always included:
Russia
Ukraine
Belarus
These nations form the “core” of Eastern Europe across most academic and institutional definitions. Beyond them, the picture becomes less clear. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are sometimes included, but are often classified as Central Europe instead.
Research from institutions like the University of Basel highlights how these shifting classifications reflect cultural identity as much as geography.
How Far Does It Stretch?
At its maximum extent, Eastern Europe can span from Germany’s eastern border all the way to the Ural Mountains in Russia. This broader definition may include the Balkans and parts of Central Europe.
At its minimum, however, the region shrinks to just a few countries in Eastern Slavic territory. That these narrower definitions often reflect cultural or linguistic commonalities.
Ultimately, where Eastern Europe “begins” and “ends” depends on who you ask, which makes it less of a place on a map and more of an idea shaped by history and geopolitics.
Ranked: The World’s Fastest-Growing and Shrinking Populations (2000-2025)
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The Fastest-Growing and Shrinking Populations (2000-2025)
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Key Takeaways
Qatar’s population grew by over 400%, the fastest increase globally since 2000.
Ukraine’s population fell by roughly one-third, the steepest decline.
A clear divide is emerging: rapid growth in the Gulf and Africa vs. shrinking populations in Eastern Europe.
Over the past 25 years, some countries have more than tripled their populations, while others have seen sharp declines that are reshaping their economies and societies.
This graphic uses IMF data to rank the 24 countries with the fastest population growth and decline since 2000, measured by total percentage change.
Gulf States Lead the World in Population Growth
The Persian Gulf dominates the growth rankings—but not because of high birth rates.
Qatar leads the world with a staggering 423% population increase, growing from roughly 594,000 to 3.1 million. The UAE follows at 250%, while Bahrain (+154%), Kuwait (+139%), and Oman (+129%) also rank among the top 10.
The data table below shows the top 24 countries by population growth from 2000 to 2025:
RankCountryPopulation Growth 2000–2025
1 Qatar423.4%
2 United Arab Emirates249.7%
3 Equatorial Guinea166.6%
4 Niger157.0%
5 Bahrain153.9%
6 Papua New Guinea149.6%
7 Angola139.7%
8 Kuwait139.1%
9 Oman129.1%
10 Chad126.9%
11 Jordan126.3%
12 Burundi123.6%
13 Democratic Republic of the Congo121.8%
14 Uganda120.1%
15 Zambia119.5%
16 Mali118.4%
17 Yemen112.9%
18 Gambia112.8%
19 Madagascar108.7%
20 Republic of Congo107.0%
21 Benin106.6%
22 Tanzania106.4%
23 Mozambique102.3%
24 Ivory Coast102.3%
These surges are almost entirely driven by imported labor migration. Massive construction projects, oil and gas expansion, and broader economic diversification efforts drew millions of foreign workers to the region over the past two decades.
Outside the Gulf, the fastest-growing populations are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. Equatorial Guinea (+167%), Niger (+157%), and Papua New Guinea (+150%) round out the top five.
Angola (+140%), Chad (+127%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (+122%), Burundi (+124%), Uganda (+120%), and Zambia (+120%) all more than doubled their populations. High fertility rates and gradually improving healthcare have sustained rapid growth across the region.
Eastern Europe’s Population Collapse
In contrast, much of Eastern Europe is experiencing sustained population decline. Bulgaria (-23%), Latvia (-22%), Moldova (-19%), and Lithuania (-18%) have all lost roughly a fifth or more of their populations since 2000.
Ukraine stands apart with the steepest decline at -33%, losing roughly 16 million people—from 48.7 million in 2000 to an estimated 32.9 million in 2025. Along with long-term economic factors, the war with Russia has accelerated Ukraine’s population decline.
The data table below shows the top 24 countries by population decline from 2000 to 2025:
RankCountry/TerritoryPopulation Decline 2000–2025
1 Ukraine-32.5%
2 Marshall Islands-29.4%
3 Bulgaria-23.2%
4 Latvia-21.6%
5 Moldova-18.8%
6 Lithuania-17.5%
7 Puerto Rico-16.7%
8 Romania-16.1%
9 Serbia-13.1%
10 Albania-12.8%
11 Croatia-12.0%
12 Micronesia-11.2%
13 Georgia-10.3%
14 North Macedonia-10.0%
15 Belarus-9.0%
16 Bosnia and Herzegovina-8.2%
17 Hungary-6.5%
18 Palau-5.3%
19 Poland-4.6%
20 Greece-3.7%
21 Armenia-3.3%
22 Japan-2.8%
23 Estonia-1.6%
24 Russia-0.7%
The pattern is consistent: after EU accession opened borders to higher-wage Western European economies, working-age emigration accelerated. This compounded an already-low birth rate across the region, creating a demographic squeeze that has left many of these countries with aging, shrinking populations.
Puerto Rico (-17%), Romania (-16%), and Serbia (-13%) follow a similar trajectory. Even larger countries like Poland (-5%) and Japan (-3%) saw population declines, though at more modest rates relative to their size. Russia rounds out the list, with its population falling by just under 1% since 2000.
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Mapped: How the Euro Spread Across Europe Since 1999
Mapped: How the Euro Spread Across Europe Since 1999
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Key Takeaways
The eurozone has grown from 12 countries in 1999 to 21 in 2026.
Bulgaria became the latest member in 2026, adopting the euro.
Five EU countries have yet to join, despite being expected to eventually adopt the currency.
Since its launch in 1999, the euro has spread across much of Europe, becoming one of the world’s most widely used currencies.
This map highlights how the eurozone has expanded since its founding in 1999, utilizing official 2026 European Union statistics.
In January 2026, Bulgaria became the 21st eurozone member—marking the first expansion of the currency bloc since Croatia joined in 2023.
Eurozone: Growth Snapshot
1999: 12 founding members
2001–2015: Gradual expansion across Southern and Eastern Europe
2023–2026: Two new members (Croatia and Bulgaria)
Today: 21 total countries using the euro
The Eurozone as of 2026
The eurozone was formed in 1999 by 12 founding members in Northern and Western Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Since then, nine more countries have joined, including most recently Croatia in 2023 and Bulgaria in 2026.
Per monetary agreements with the European Union, four European microstates can also use the euro despite not being eurozone members: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.
The following data table lists European countries alongside the year they began to use the euro.
CountryEuro Adopted in Year
Austria1999
Belgium1999
Finland1999
France1999
Germany1999
Ireland1999
Italy1999
Luxembourg1999
Netherlands1999
Portugal1999
Spain1999
Andorra1999
Monaco1999
San Marino1999
Vatican City1999
Greece2001
Kosovo2002
Montenegro2002
Slovenia2007
Cyprus2008
Malta2008
Slovakia2009
Estonia2011
Latvia2014
Lithuania2015
Croatia2023
Bulgaria2026
The eurozone is the largest currency union in the world, and has its monetary policy set by the European Central Bank, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. Currencies on other continents, such as the West African CFA franc, are pegged to the euro as a legacy of their historical relationship to the French franc.
In total, 21 of the European Union’s current 27 member countries have joined, including the bloc’s five largest economies and all of its founding members. The union famously came into crisis in the late 2000s and early 2010s as multiple eurozone members, including Italy, Greece, and Spain, suffered simultaneous financial crises.
The Future of the Eurozone
All EU member countries are expected to adopt the euro upon reaching certain monetary criteria. The only exception to this rule is Denmark, which negotiated a permanent opt-out in the 1990s allowing it to legally avoid euro adoption as long as it wanted. Prior to leaving the EU in 2020, the United Kingdom had also obtained this opt-out.
Five EU countries—Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden—still don’t use the euro, despite being expected to adopt it eventually.
However, progress has been uneven. Joining the euro requires meeting strict economic criteria, and participation in the ERM II system remains voluntary—slowing the path to adoption for several countries.
Unilateral Euro Adoption
In addition to the 21 members of the eurozone and the four microstates with monetary agreements, there are two European countries which have unilaterally adopted the euro: Kosovo and Montenegro.
These two countries, which each broke away from Serbia in the 2000s, adopted the euro in 2002 after having previously used the German mark instead of the Yugoslav dinar. At the transition from the mark to the euro, both switched to the new currency, despite no authorization to do so by the European Union and subsequently no ability to mint their own banknotes.
The EU generally frowns upon this practice of non-EU countries adopting the euro unilaterally. In fact, EU officials have even indicated that unilateral euro adoption could jeopardize a country’s eventual accession to the European Union.
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Ranked: The Countries Building the Most Nuclear Power
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Ranked: The Countries Building the Most Nuclear Power
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Key Takeaways
China is on track to more than double U.S. nuclear capacity, reaching nearly 186 GW.
The U.S. leads today but ranks second when planned projects are included.
Emerging players like India and Uganda are rapidly scaling nuclear capacity from near zero.
China is set to become the world’s dominant nuclear power producer.
Based on existing and planned projects, its total capacity could reach nearly 186 gigawatts, far surpassing the U.S., which currently leads globally. This shift reflects a broader push to secure reliable, low-carbon energy as electricity demand rises.
This chart ranks countries by current and prospective nuclear capacity, using data from Global Energy Monitor.
How Nuclear Energy Is Set to Scale by Country
The U.S. currently leads nuclear energy production with a capacity of 102,475 megawatts, exceeding France by more than 35,000 MW.
China ranks third today at 60,898 MW, but that is set to change as new plants come online.
Dive into the data, which includes sites of any capacity as of September 2025, below:
CountryOperating Nuclear Power (GW)Prospective Nuclear Power (GW)Total Future Nuclear Power (GW)
China60.9124.9185.8
United States102.515.4117.9
France65.79.975.6
Russia28.632.260.7
India8.231.539.7
South Korea27.15.632.7
Ukraine13.88.422.3
Japan13.36.619.8
Uganda0.018.018.0
Canada14.62.517.2
Poland0.015.615.6
United Kingdom6.58.915.4
Türkiye0.014.714.7
Czechia4.25.79.9
Kazakhstan0.09.69.6
Iran1.07.48.4
Spain7.40.07.4
Sweden7.20.07.2
United Arab Emirates5.70.05.7
Kenya0.05.05.0
This shift has major geopolitical implications. Countries that expand nuclear capacity can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while strengthening energy security and grid stability.
If all planned projects are completed, China will lead with 185,812 MW, followed by the U.S. at 117,910 MW and France at 75,590 MW.
France remains a historic leader in nuclear energy, with around 69% of its electricity generated from the technology.
The UK was home to the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant, which came online in 1956, but later scaled back its use of nuclear. The government is now aiming for a “golden age of nuclear,” though current commitments totaling 15,394 MW would rank the country just 12th globally.
Of the 17 countries with zero installed capacity today, Uganda is set to scale up the most to 18,000 MW, followed by Poland with 15,612 MW and Türkiye with 14,700 MW.
Betting on Nuclear Fusion and Fission
Today’s nuclear expansion is centered on fission, the technology that powers all existing reactors and accounts for about 10% of global electricity generation. While mature, it is evolving through smaller, modular designs that aim to reduce costs, improve safety, and speed up deployment.
This helps explain why much of the prospective capacity in the chart includes not only large-scale plants, but also a growing wave of smaller reactors backed by governments and private capital.
At the same time, nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun, remains a long-term ambition. Despite rising investment and recent technical progress, it has yet to reach commercial scale.
For now, the global nuclear buildout is firmly rooted in fission, as countries prioritize reliable, low-carbon power that can be deployed within the next decade.
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To learn more about nuclear, check out this graphic ranking the countries building the most reactors.
Mapped: Tax Burden by State in America
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Mapped: Tax Burden by State in the U.S.
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Key Takeaways
Hawaii and New York have the highest tax burdens, both exceeding 12% of income.
Alaska and New Hampshire rank lowest, with total tax burdens below 6%.
Despite very different tax systems, most states fall between 8% and 10%.
How much you pay in taxes can vary dramatically depending on where you live. Across the U.S., total state and local tax burdens range from under 5% to over 13% of income.
This map ranks all 50 states by total tax burden, combining income, property, and sales taxes into a single measure.
The data for this visualization comes from a WalletHub analysis of Tax Policy Center data. Federal income taxes are excluded.
The Highest-Tax States Stand Out
Hawaii ranks first with a total tax burden of 13.3%, the highest in the country. A key driver is its heavy reliance on sales and excise taxes, which account for 7.48% of personal income, the highest share among all states.
RankStateTotal Tax Burden (%)
1Hawaii13.3
2New York12.4
3Vermont11.1
4New Mexico10.8
5Maine10.0
6Illinois9.9
7Maryland9.7
8New Jersey9.5
9Oregon9.5
10Rhode Island9.3
11California9.2
12Iowa9.2
13Kansas9.2
14Indiana9.1
15Minnesota9.1
16Ohio9.1
17Connecticut9.0
18West Virginia8.9
19Utah8.9
20Mississippi8.8
21Massachusetts8.8
22Louisiana8.8
23Kentucky8.8
24Pennsylvania8.5
25Washington8.5
26Arkansas8.4
27Nevada8.4
28Virginia8.3
29Nebraska8.2
30Georgia8.2
31Wisconsin8.1
32Michigan8.0
33Alabama7.9
34Missouri7.8
35North Carolina7.8
36Texas7.7
37Colorado7.6
38South Carolina7.5
39Montana7.3
40Arizona7.2
41Oklahoma7.1
42Idaho7.0
43North Dakota7.0
44Wyoming6.7
45South Dakota6.4
46Delaware6.3
47Florida6.3
48Tennessee6.2
49New Hampshire5.4
50Alaska4.9
New York follows at 12.4%, driven by a combination of relatively high income and property taxes. Vermont, New Mexico, and Maine round out the top five, with each above a 10% total tax burden.
Most States Fall in a Narrow Range
For most Americans, tax burdens are far less extreme. The majority of states fall between roughly 8% and 10% of income, including Illinois, Maryland, California, and Minnesota.
That clustering reflects trade-offs. States with lower income taxes often make up the difference through higher property or sales taxes, leading to similar overall burdens.
No Income Tax Doesn’t Always Mean a Low Burden
At the bottom of the ranking are states with significantly lower tax burdens, led by Alaska at 4.9% and New Hampshire at 5.4%. Several states, including Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, do not levy a state income tax.
However, no income tax does not always translate into the lowest overall burden. Many of these states rely more heavily on sales taxes or alternative revenue sources such as tourism or natural resources.
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SpaceX’s IPO Would Make It a Top 10 Company Globally
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SpaceX’s IPO Would Make It a Top 10 Company Globally
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Key Takeaways
At a reported valuation of $1.75 trillion, SpaceX’s IPO would place it among the world’s 10 largest companies by market value.
If it lists near that level, SpaceX would surpass Saudi Aramco as the largest IPO by valuation in history.
Elon Musk owns about 42% of SpaceX, meaning a blockbuster listing could put him on track to become the first trillionaire.
SpaceX is still private, but its reported IPO valuation target already puts it in rare territory.
At $1.75 trillion, Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite company would enter the public markets as the eighth-largest company in the world.
This visualization compares SpaceX’s targeted IPO valuation with those of the world’s largest public companies, ranked by market capitalization using data from CompaniesMarketCap and Bloomberg as of April 1, 2026.
SpaceX Valuation Big Enough for Wall Street
At a targeted valuation of $1.75 trillion, SpaceX would be worth more than all but seven of the world’s largest public companies.
The table below shows the biggest companies globally by market cap and where SpaceX would rank among them:
RankCompanyMarket Cap (billions, USD)
1NVIDIA4,280
2Apple3,760
3Alphabet (Google)3,580
4Microsoft2,750
5Amazon2,270
6TSMC1,780
7Saudi Aramco1,780
8SpaceX1,750
9Broadcom1,490
10Meta Platforms (Facebook)1,470
11Tesla1,430
12Berkshire Hathaway1,030
13Walmart996
14Eli Lilly858
15Samsung838
16JPMorgan Chase797
The largest U.S. companies include Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon, alongside international giants like TSMC and Saudi Aramco.
If SpaceX lists near $1.75 trillion, it would surpass Saudi Aramco’s roughly $1.7 trillion debut in 2019, making it the largest IPO by valuation in history.
For context, that valuation would be more than double the size of JPMorgan, the largest U.S. bank, and Eli Lilly, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company.
SpaceX already handles over half of all global orbital launches. In addition to its reusable rockets, it operates Starlink, the world’s largest satellite internet network.
Elon Musk: The First Trillionaire?
Musk’s path to becoming a trillionaire depends largely on his stakes in SpaceX (42%) and Tesla (12%).
A public listing near $1.75 trillion would significantly increase the value of his holdings, potentially putting him within reach of a $1 trillion net worth, depending on Tesla’s share price.
Musk is already the world’s richest person, but crossing the trillion-dollar threshold would mark a first in history—roughly equivalent to Switzerland’s annual GDP.
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To learn more about how big the space economy is, check out this graphic, which visualizes its size.
Mapped: Where Wealth Is Moving in America
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Mapped: Where Wealth Is Moving in America
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Key Takeaways
Florida gained $21B in wealth from interstate moves in 2023—more than the next five states combined.
California (-$12B) and New York (-$10B) saw the largest outflows.
Sun Belt states dominate inflows, driven by lower costs and population growth.
Americans aren’t just moving, they’re bringing billions in wealth with them.
This map visualizes net wealth migration by state in 2023, based on Realtor.com’s analysis of the latest data from the Internal Revenue Service.
Florida alone gained tens of billions in income from out-of-state residents. Meanwhile, states like California and New York saw massive outflows, highlighting how affordability is playing a central role in domestic migration trends.
Ranked: States With the Highest Inflows of Wealth
Between 2019 and 2023, Florida saw $137 billion in net income flows from interstate moves, exceeding the GDP of Hawaii.
The annual adjusted gross income from these flows reached nearly $21 billion in 2023, more than the next five states combined.
These inflows aren’t just large—they’re high-income. Florida’s incoming residents had an average annual income of $122,530, meaning the state isn’t just gaining people, but higher-earning taxpayers who can significantly boost local economies.
This table shows net income flows from domestic migration in 2023 by state:
RankStateNet Interstate Income Flows 2023
1Florida$21B
2Texas$6B
3North Carolina$4B
4South Carolina$4B
5Arizona$3B
6Tennessee$3B
7Nevada$2B
8Idaho$988M
9Georgia$746M
10Colorado$715M
11Alabama$540M
12Maine$502M
13Montana$500M
14Utah$477M
15Arkansas$447M
16Oklahoma$261M
17South Dakota$256M
18Wyoming$149M
19Vermont$93M
20West Virginia$11M
21Hawaii-$3M
22Mississippi-$66M
23Wisconsin-$76M
24New Mexico-$93M
25Kentucky-$112M
26North Dakota-$144M
27Alaska-$210M
28Missouri-$215M
29Nebraska-$244M
30Washington-$265M
31Iowa-$266M
32Indiana-$326M
33Kansas-$361M
34Connecticut-$460M
35Oregon-$476M
36Louisiana-$799M
37Virginia-$912M
38Michigan-$956M
39Minnesota-$1B
40Pennsylvania-$2B
41Ohio-$2B
42New Jersey-$3B
43Massachusetts-$4B
44Illinois-$6B
45New York-$10B
46California-$12B
--Delawaren/a
--New Hampshiren/a
--Marylandn/a
--Rhode Islandn/a
Texas followed with $6 billion in inflows, while other Sun Belt states like North Carolina and South Carolina each gained $4 billion.
Arizona and Tennessee, meanwhile, each brought in $3 billion. Not only do many of these states lead in new home construction per capita, they are known for their lower cost of living compared to states like California and New York.
States Losing the Most Wealth
California lost $12 billion in wealth in 2023 alone, the largest outflow of any state. This highlights how high housing costs and taxes are pushing even high-income households to relocate.
From 2019 to 2023, wealth outflows totaled a staggering $91 billion. Both high housing costs and tax burdens have pushed many residents to seek more affordable destinations.
New York experienced $10 billion in net outflows, while Illinois (-$6 billion) and Massachusetts (-$4 billion) also saw sharp declines.
The Broader Shift in U.S. Wealth
Overall, wealth migration trends point to a sustained shift toward lower-cost, high-growth states.
As income flows concentrate in regions like the Sun Belt, these movements are influencing housing demand, state tax revenues, and local economic activity. In many cases, states gaining wealth are also seeing stronger population growth and increased housing construction.
At the same time, continued outflows from high-cost states highlight the growing role of affordability in shaping where Americans choose to live, and where capital ultimately follows.
If these trends continue, the shift in wealth could reshape state economies for years to come. Tax revenue, housing demand, and economic influence may increasingly concentrate in faster-growing, lower-cost regions.
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To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on America’s fastest-growing states from 2025-2050.
Ranked: The World’s Largest Air Forces in 2026
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Ranked: The World’s Largest Air Forces in 2026
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Key Takeaways
The U.S. operates over 13,000 aircraft, more than the next three countries combined.
China ranks third in total aircraft but has one of the largest fighter fleets globally.
Six of the top eight air forces are in Asia, highlighting the region’s growing military focus.
Air power remains one of the clearest signals of military reach, and a key measure of how militaries project power globally.
This chart ranks the world’s largest air forces in 2026 by total aircraft, revealing a massive gap between the United States and every other country. It also breaks out fighter and interceptor fleets, offering a closer look at frontline combat strength.
The data for this visualization comes from GlobalFirepower, as of March 2026.
The U.S. Stands in a Class of Its Own
The most striking takeaway is the scale gap at the top.
The United States leads with 13,032 aircraft, more than the next three countries combined, putting it in a class of its own.
Russia ranks second with 4,237 aircraft, while China is third with 3,529.
RankCountryTotal AircraftFighters / Interceptors
1 United States13,0321,791
2 Russia4,237861
3 China3,5291,443
4 India2,183476
5 South Korea1,540242
6 Japan1,429217
7 Pakistan1,397331
8 Türkiye1,101201
9 Egypt1,088242
10 France974223
11 Saudi Arabia917283
12 North Korea837341
13 Taiwan720258
14 Italy71488
15 United Kingdom625103
16 Algeria620111
17 Israel597239
18 United Arab Emirates58199
19 Germany569127
20 Greece560178
The United States has long prioritized air dominance, and the size of its fleet reflects that strategy.
In fact, its 1,791 fighters and interceptors alone exceed the total aircraft inventories of many countries on this list.
Fighters vs. All Other Aircraft
Most aircraft in an air force aren’t combat jets. Instead, they are support systems that enable operations.
These include transport planes for moving troops and equipment, helicopters for mobility and logistics, training aircraft for pilot development, and specialized planes for refueling, surveillance, and electronic warfare. Together, these fleets determine how far, how fast, and how effectively a military can project air power.
Asia Commands Much of the Top 10
Air power is increasingly centered in Asia and the Middle East.
China, India, South Korea, Japan, Pakistan, and Türkiye all place in the top eight, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia also rank in the top 11.
Top Countries by Fighter Strength
Looking only at fighters and interceptors reveals a different balance of power.
China’s 1,443 fighter aircraft bring it closer to the U.S. in frontline combat aviation than total fleet size alone would suggest.
In addition, North Korea stands out, ranking 12th in total aircraft but fielding 341 fighters and interceptors, more than several countries with larger overall fleets. Meanwhile, nations like France, Israel, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia show how relatively smaller air forces can still maintain substantial combat capability through a high share of fighter aircraft.
In modern warfare, total fleet size shows scale—but fighter strength and support capabilities together determine how that power is actually used.
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Mapped: U.S. States Moving to Restrict Data Centers
Mapped: U.S. States Moving to Restrict Data Centers
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Key Takeaways
There are 11 U.S. states considering bans and restrictions on data centers, with some calling for studies on their impact.
Virginia is a data center hotspot with 498 facilities planned, but lawmakers are hoping to apply conditional restrictions on new sites.
No new data centers are slated for Vermont and New Hampshire, but both states are taking preemptive action on construction.
The rapid expansion of data centers is being met with a growing number of possible restrictions across U.S. states.
This visualization charts which U.S. states have proposed restrictions on new data centers, and the number of announced projects in each. The data comes from Stateline and Aterio, respectively.
Where Data Center Restrictions Are Being Considered in the U.S.
When it comes to the U.S. states looking to restrict or ban data centers, the majority are looking at temporary bans, while three are looking at conditional restrictions.
The data table below shows the 11 states considering restrictions or bans, the potential length of time of the ban, and the number of currently announced data center projects in each state:
StateType of Restrictions DurationNumber of Announced Data Centers
GeorgiaTemporary banUntil March 2027340
MarylandConditional restrictionsNot fixed10
MichiganTemporary banNot specified21
New HampshireTemporary ban1 year0
New YorkTemporary ban3 years72
OklahomaTemporary banUntil Nov 202934
South CarolinaTemporary banUntil Jan 20288
South DakotaTemporary ban1 year6
VermontTemporary banUntil July 20300
VirginiaConditional restrictionsNot fixed498
WisconsinConditional restrictionsNot fixed28
Virginia is a hotspot for data center development, given 70% of the world’s internet traffic passes through its northern territory. This number is set to explode as a further 498 data centers are slated for construction in the state.
This rapid growth has been met with backlash from some policymakers as Virginia looks to apply conditional restrictions to data centers — potentially putting those announced data centers at risk. Restrictions would be tied to energy usage.
Georgia, where 340 projects have been announced, has proposed a ban on new projects until March 2027.
New York, with 72 announced data centers, and Oklahoma, which has 34, are looking to pause new constructions while they conduct studies to better understand data center energy demand, land use, and broader impact. New York’s pause could last three years, while Oklahoma’s could stretch as far as November 2029.
Wisconsin is also seeking a ban on data centers unless lawmakers introduce consumer protections, for instance regulation that ensures water and energy costs don’t fall onto residents. Some 28 data centers have been announced in the state.
Meanwhile proposals in Michigan, which has 21 announced projects, would block data centers and industry-related discretionary incentives.
Maryland would block the construction of new data centers without specific legislation first requiring sites to co-locate with power generation. Maryland has 10 announced data centers.
States Are Taking Preemptive Action Against Data Centers
States without a large pipeline of new projects are also taking preemptive action.
South Dakota, with six projects announced, has tabled a one-year temporary ban on the construction and expansion of data centers.
South Carolina, with eight announced data centers, is looking to halt permits and incentives until January 2028.
Vermont has one of the longest proposed bans, which would run until 2030 and apply specifically to AI data centers, while New Hampshire is looking at a temporary one-year ban beginning when the policy is implemented. Neither state has any announced data centers, but both would conduct impact studies.
These restrictions are all currently being considered by states but none have yet been passed.
Impacts of the Data Center Boom Are Mounting
Many of the proposed restrictions involve stopping to take stock of the impacts of data centers, from energy use to rising costs for consumers. It follows increasing backlash from communities affected by or living close to such facilities.
Where states are not acting, local leaders have also taken action. For instance, Indiana’s White County introduced its own moratorium on new data centers back in October.
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Ranked: Top 10 Countries With the Most U.S. Troops in 2025
Published 4 hours ago on April 7, 2026
By Julia Wendling
Graphics & Design
Zack Aboulazm
Athul Alexander
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The following content is sponsored by Inigo
Ranked: Top 10 Countries With the Most U.S. Troops in 2025
Key Takeaways
Japan and Germany host the largest amounts of U.S. troops presence with 61.7k and 49.3k personnel respectively.The top 10 host countries account for roughly 200k U.S. military and civilian personnel.U.S. deployments remain concentrated in regions tied to Russia and China security priorities.
The global footprint of U.S. troops remains extensive. The data shows a small group of strategic host countries concentrate most deployments.
This visualization, created in partnership with Inigo, provides visual context to where U.S. forces are stationed and how that footprint reflects shifting geopolitical priorities. These placements highlight enduring alliances and evolving security concerns.
Where Are U.S. Troops Deployed?
Japan hosts the largest U.S. presence with 61.7k personnel. Germany follows with 49.3k. South Korea ranks third at 26.7k.
CountryTotal Military & Civilian Personnel (2025)
Japan61,684
Germany49,338
South Korea26,722
Italy15,365
United Kingdom11,592
Spain4,331
Bahrain3,813
Belgium1,832
Turkey1,728
Cuba771
Italy and the United Kingdom host 15.4k and 11.6k personnel respectively. These locations form the backbone of U.S. military positioning in Europe.
This distribution is not new. U.S. troop levels across these top host countries have hovered around 200k for the past decade. The consistency reflects long standing defense agreements and established infrastructure.
Strategic Priorities Shape Deployment
Beyond the top hosts, smaller but strategic deployments remain important. Spain has 4.3k personnel. Bahrain has 3.8k. Turkey hosts 1.8k. Cuba rounds out the top 10 with 0.8k.
These placements support key operational hubs and regional missions. Many are tied to naval access, logistics, and rapid response capabilities.
Overall, deployments align closely with major security priorities. Forces are concentrated in regions linked to Russia and China. This reflects a continued focus on deterrence and alliance support in critical theaters.
A Persistent Global Footprint
The U.S. military presence abroad remains highly concentrated and strategically aligned. Japan and Germany anchor this network, while other host countries support regional operations.
The data shows stability in overall troop levels. It also highlights how geography continues to shape military strategy. As global tensions evolve, this footprint is likely to remain a key tool of U.S. power projection.
Explore a Data-Driven View of Risk.
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Ranked: The Biggest Arms Importers in 2025
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Ranked: The Biggest Arms Importers in 2025
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Key Takeaways
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest arms importer, accounting for 9.1% of global demand.
Europe now makes up nearly 40% of global arms imports amid rising security concerns.
India, Ukraine, and Poland rank among the top buyers, reflecting ongoing regional tensions.
Global demand for military equipment is rising as countries respond to conflict, uncertainty, and shifting alliances.
This chart ranks the world’s largest arms importers in 2025, based on data from the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database (March 2026). It shows which nations are driving the surge in defense spending and where demand is accelerating fastest.
Middle East and Asia Lead Demand
Saudi Arabia leads global arms imports by a wide margin, accounting for 9.1% of total demand, more than any other country. Its sustained spending highlights a broader trend. Nations are accelerating military upgrades in response to prolonged regional instability.
RankCountry % of Global Arms Imports
1 Saudi Arabia9.1%
2 India8.6%
3 Ukraine6.8%
4 Poland6.5%
5 Japan5.1%
6 Germany4.9%
7 Indonesia3.8%
8 Qatar3.1%
9 United Arab Emirates2.6%
10 Philippines2.5%
11 Australia2.5%
12 Netherlands2.5%
13 United States2.2%
14 Pakistan2.1%
15 Egypt2.1%
16 United Kingdom1.8%
17 Greece1.7%
18 Italy1.7%
19 Bulgaria1.6%
20 Israel1.6%
21 Belarus1.4%
22 Azerbaijan1.4%
23 Brazil1.4%
24 Slovakia1.3%
25 Belgium1.3%
26 Romania1.3%
27 Norway1.2%
28 Hungary1.2%
29 Taiwan1.2%
30 Morocco1.2%
31 Turkiye1.1%
32 Kuwait0.9%
33 Denmark0.8%
34 Spain0.7%
35 France0.7%
36 South Korea0.7%
37 China0.6%
38 Estonia0.6%
39 Viet Nam0.5%
40 Sweden0.4%
41 Serbia0.4%
42 Croatia0.4%
43 Russia0.4%
44 Kenya0.3%
45 Algeria0.3%
46 Argentina0.3%
47 Peru0.3%
48 Portugal0.3%
49 Angola0.3%
-- Other4.3%
India follows closely at 8.6%, maintaining its position as a top importer due to ongoing regional tensions and the need to upgrade military capabilities. Meanwhile, countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates remain major buyers, reinforcing the Middle East’s strong presence in global arms demand.
Europe’s Rapid Expansion
Europe now accounts for 39.9% of global arms imports, the largest regional share by far. This sharp increase reflects a rapid buildup in defense capabilities following the war in Ukraine and a broader shift toward rearmament across the continent.
Ukraine ranks third globally with a 6.8% share, reflecting urgent military needs due to the war with Russia.
Broad Global Participation
While the top importers dominate headlines, arms demand is spread across dozens of countries, underscoring how widespread military investment has become in today’s geopolitical climate.
Nations like Japan, Germany, and Indonesia each hold significant shares. Smaller importers also represent a meaningful portion of the market, with the “Other” category accounting for 4.3% of global imports.
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Ranked: Wages by Country and Growth Since 2010
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Ranked: Wages by Country and Growth Since 2010
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Key Takeaways
Real wage growth in the OECD ranges from +77% in Latvia to -21% in Greece since 2010.
Eastern European countries dominate the fastest growth rates, many posting gains above 30%.
Several advanced economies—including Italy, Ireland, and the Netherlands—saw real wages decline despite high income levels.
Since 2010, real wage growth has varied widely—even among the world’s highest-income economies.
Based on OECD data and adjusted for purchasing power, this graphic compares average annual wages in 2024 alongside their real growth since 2010.
The gap is striking: Latvia’s wages have risen 77%, while Greece’s have fallen 21%, highlighting a wide divergence in how workers have benefited from economic growth.
Top Earners vs. Fastest Growers
Higher-income countries have generally posted slower wage gains since 2010.
Luxembourg leads with average annual wages of $94.4K, up 16% since 2010. Iceland follows at roughly $90K, but stands out for its much stronger 40% increase, well above the OECD average.
The table below compares average annual wages in 2010 and 2024, along with real growth over the period using purchasing power parity adjustments.
CountryAnnual Salaries 2024,PPP inflation-adjustedAnnual Salaries 2010,PPP inflation-adjustedChange 2010-2024
Luxembourg$94.4K$81.7K15.5%
Iceland$89.9K$64.1K40.4%
Switzerland$87.5K$80.8K8.2%
United States$82.9K$71.4K16.1%
Belgium$76.1K$72.3K5.3%
Austria$75.8K$72.1K5.1%
Netherlands$75.4K$79.4K-5.1%
Norway$74.9K$67.5K11.0%
Denmark$74.0K$67.5K9.7%
Australia$70.7K$66.7K6.0%
Germany$69.4K$61.2K13.5%
Canada$69.4K$62.4K11.2%
United Kingdom$63.7K$61.2K4.0%
New Zealand$62.4K$51.7K20.7%
Slovenia$61.8K$49.3K25.4%
France$60.6K$57.9K4.7%
Sweden$60.4K$53.8K12.3%
Ireland$60.4K$64.3K-6.1%
Finland$59.6K$58.4K2.1%
Israel$54.7K$46.1K18.9%
Spain$54.6K$56.1K-2.8%
Lithuania$52.9K$31.8K66.6%
Italy$51.0K$54.9K-7.1%
Korea$50.9K$43.0K18.4%
Japan$49.4K$49.4K0.1%
Latvia$45.6K$25.8K76.8%
Poland$44.2K$32.1K37.9%
Portugal$40.0K$37.8K5.9%
Estonia$39.0K$27.8K40.1%
Czechia$38.5K$31.7K21.4%
Slovak Rep.$36.1K$29.9K20.7%
Hungary$35.0K$26.8K30.6%
Greece$32.3K$40.9K-21.2%
Mexico$20.4K$19.3K5.7%
OECD$61.1K$55.1K11.0%
The United States ranks fourth at $82.9K, with wages rising 16% over the period. While this exceeds growth in countries like Germany and Canada, it still trails several faster-growing European economies.
Overall, the pattern is clear: higher-income countries tend to see slower wage growth, while lower-income economies are catching up more quickly.
Eastern Europe Is Catching Up Fast
Eastern Europe stands out as the fastest-growing region for real wages since 2010.
Latvia (+77%) and Lithuania (+67%) lead the OECD, with Poland (+38%) and Hungary (+31%) also posting strong gains.
While absolute wages remain lower than in Western Europe, the pace of growth points to meaningful convergence, supported by rising productivity and a shift toward more value-added industries.
Where Real Wages Declined
Not all countries have shared in this growth.
Greece (-21%) saw the steepest drop in real wages, followed by Italy (-7%), Ireland (-6%), the Netherlands (-5%), and Spain (-3%).
In Southern Europe, these declines reflect the long-lasting effects of the Eurozone debt crisis and uneven recoveries. Ireland presents a different case, where strong GDP growth has not translated into rising real wages for workers.
A Growing Divide in Wage Growth
The data highlights a widening gap between countries where wages are rising quickly and those where they are stagnating or falling.
Much of this divide reflects differences in economic structure, productivity growth, and recovery paths after major shocks.
As a result, where you live continues to play a major role in whether your wages are actually increasing in real terms.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on average salaries by state in 2025.
Ranked: The World’s Biggest EV Makers
Ranked: The World’s Biggest EV Makers
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Key Takeaways
BYD delivered 2.56 million EVs from August 2024 to August 2025, more than any other automaker in the world.
Chinese companies make up five of the top 10 EV manufacturers in this ranking, including BYD, Geely, and SAIC.
Tesla ranks third globally, behind both BYD and Geely.
BYD is now the world’s biggest EV maker, with 2.56 million deliveries between August 2024 and August 2025. That put the Chinese automaker well ahead of Geely and Tesla, underscoring how quickly the global EV leaderboard is changing.
This graphic, created by Iswardi Ishak using data from SNE Research, ranks the world’s largest EV manufacturers by deliveries between August 2024 and August 2025.
The figures include both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The Top Global EV Manufacturers, Ranked
Here’s the full ranking of the world’s top EV manufacturers:
RankManufacturerHQGlobal Deliveries
1BYD2,556,000
2Geely1,315,000
3Tesla985,000
4Volkswagen854,000
5SAIC720,000
6Changan563,000
7Hyundai416,000
8Chery395,000
9BMW389,000
10Stellantis342,000
BYD stands alone at the top, delivering more than 2.5 million EVs over the period. Geely ranks second, while Tesla sits in third, showing that the global EV race is no longer a two-horse contest.
How BYD Became the World’s Largest EV Manufacturer
BYD’s lead over the rest of the field is sizable. Its 2.56 million deliveries were nearly double Geely’s total and well above Tesla’s 985,000, cementing its position as the global EV leader over the past year.
The ranking also highlights China’s manufacturing depth. In addition to BYD and Geely, SAIC, Changan, and Chery all made the top 10. Strong domestic demand, large-scale production, and close supply-chain integration have helped Chinese automakers expand faster than many Western rivals.
China’s EV Strength Goes Global
China’s dominant position in the ranking goes beyond domestic success. Chinese EV makers are increasingly exporting to markets around the world, deepening the country’s clean-tech footprint. Their presence is especially strong across parts of Latin America and Asia.
As well, global trade dynamics are beginning to shift in China’s favor. While some regions have historically imposed tariffs or restrictions on Chinese EV imports, several markets are gradually loosening these barriers to accelerate their own clean energy transitions.
Emerging economies in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe are increasingly welcoming affordable Chinese EVs, prioritizing cost and availability over protectionist policies. This easing of restrictions is helping Chinese automakers expand their global footprint even faster, reinforcing their growing influence in the international EV market.
Western Automakers Face a Tougher Road
Tesla remains the highest-ranked U.S. automaker, but its third-place position underscores how crowded the field has become. Volkswagen, BMW, and Stellantis are all in the top 10, yet their delivery volumes trail the top Chinese brands by a considerable margin.
In other words, the EV market is starting to look less like a Silicon Valley disruption story and more like a manufacturing scale story. Right now, China is winning that contest.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
For more on the supply chains powering the EV transition, check out Next-Gen Battery Capacity by Country on Voronoi.
Ranked: Currencies Soaring Against the U.S. Dollar
Published 2 hours ago on April 6, 2026
By Jenna Ross
Article & Editing
Julia Wendling
Graphics & Design
Jennifer West
Zack Aboulazm
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The following content is sponsored by Terzo
Ranked: Currencies Soaring Against the U.S. Dollar
Key Takeaways When comparing the currencies of large countries against the U.S. dollar, the Israeli shekel has risen the most, soaring 20.2% higher in the last year. The Colombian peso ranks second, rising 19.70% against the U.S. dollar, followed by the South African rand at 16.4%.
Over the past year, several global currencies have posted double-digit gains against the U.S. dollar. Shifting capital flows, changing monetary policy expectations, and improving domestic fundamentals have all played a role.
Created in partnership with Terzo, this graphic shows which currencies have seen the largest gains against the U.S. dollar. It’s part of our Markets in a Minute series, which delivers quick economic insights for executives.
Currencies Seeing the Biggest Gains
We analyzed countries with annual GDP of $250 billion or more, and ranked the performers of their currencies against the U.S. dollar in the last year.
Leading the pack is the Israeli shekel, up 20.2% year-over-year versus the dollar. The Bank of Israel governor attributes this to the resilience of the Israeli economy amid conflict and solid export performance. Israel has also seen strong foreign direct investment, driving demand for the shekel.
CurrencyYear-Over-Year Performance
Israeli shekel20.2%
Colombian peso19.7%
South African rand16.4%
Mexican peso16.4%
Australian Dollar14.8%
Brazilian real14.5%
Nigerian naira13.5%
Norwegian krone12.7%
Kazakhstani tenge12.3%
Malaysian ringgit11.2%
Source: Trading Economics. Year-over-year performance as of April 6, 2026.
The Colombian peso and South African rand have also posted strong gains, rising 19.7% and 16.4% respectively against the U.S. dollar over the past year. The Mexican peso follows closely behind, up 16.4%, supported by higher rates relative to the U.S., record foreign direct investment, and a booming tourism sector.
A Weaker U.S. Dollar vs. Global Currencies
Of course, a major reason currencies across the globe are gaining value against the U.S. dollar is because the American currency itself is weakening.
Analysts say the drop is partly due to market concern about the U.S. administration’s unpredictable policies. Earlier in 2025, the anticipation of more Federal Reserve rate cuts, which caused investors to look for higher returns elsewhere, also pushed the dollar lower.
What It Means for Global Markets
When the U.S. dollar gets weaker, it changes how money and trade flow around the world.
For example, U.S. products become cheaper for other countries to buy, which can help American exporters. At the same time, companies in other countries (with stronger currencies) may find it harder to compete with U.S. goods.
For investors, a weaker dollar can boost the value of investments in other countries. Even if those investments don’t grow much, they can still be worth more when converted back into U.S. dollars simply because the currency exchange rate improved.
When markets move fast, timely access to the right data makes all the difference. NirvanAI is an all-in-one AI system that helps finance leaders turn complex contracts into clear, actionable insights—so they can make smarter decisions with confidence.
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Ranked: The Biggest Arms Exporters in 2025
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Ranked: The Biggest Arms Exporters in 2025
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. accounts for 42% of global arms exports in 2025, over four times France’s 10% share in second place.
Israel and South Korea are among the fastest-growing exporters, rapidly climbing the global rankings.
One country towers over the global arms trade in 2025: the United States. With a 42% share of global exports, it ships more arms than the next four exporters combined.
This visualization ranks the biggest arms-exporting countries in 2025 by share of global exports, highlighting both America’s lead and the rise of newer defense suppliers like Israel and South Korea. The data for this visualization comes from the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database.
U.S. Dominance Remains Unchallenged
The United States leads global arms exports by a wide margin, with a gap over the second-ranked country that no other exporter comes close to matching.
RankCountry% of Global Arms Exports
1 United States42.0%
2 France10.0%
3 Israel7.8%
4 South Korea6.0%
5 Russia5.8%
6 Italy5.7%
7 Germany5.1%
8 China2.6%
9 United Kingdom2.1%
10 Netherlands1.8%
11 Turkiye1.6%
12 Norway1.2%
13 Spain1.0%
14 Canada0.9%
15 Sweden0.7%
16 Denmark0.5%
17 Brazil0.5%
18 Czechia0.4%
19 Romania0.4%
20 Switzerland0.4%
21 Pakistan0.4%
22 Ukraine0.4%
23 South Africa0.3%
24 Finland0.3%
25 Australia0.3%
26 Belgium0.3%
27 India0.2%
28 Iran0.2%
29 Singapore0.2%
30 Poland0.2%
31 North Korea0.1%
32 Kyrgyzstan0.1%
33 United Arab Emirates0.1%
34 Japan0.1%
35 Ireland0.1%
The U.S. has six of the top 10 arms exporting companies by revenue.
U.S. exports span advanced fighter jets, missile systems, and defense technologies supplied to allies worldwide. Even at this scale, America’s share of exports still grew 2.4% year-over-year in 2025.
Rising Exporters Gain Ground
Several countries are rapidly expanding their presence in the global arms market. France ranks second with a 10% share and saw its export share surge by 36%, fueled by strong demand for its Rafale fighter jets and naval systems.
Israel and South Korea stand out even more, with export share growth of 126% and 83%, respectively. These countries are becoming key suppliers of advanced technologies, including drones, missile systems, and artillery.
Traditional Powers Face Declines
At the same time, several established exporters are losing ground. Russia, once a dominant supplier, now holds just 5.8% of global exports and saw its share shrink by 2.7%. Ongoing geopolitical challenges and shifting alliances have impacted its export capacity.
European exporters like Germany and the United Kingdom also recorded declines, with export shares falling 20% and 21%, respectively. Meanwhile, China’s share dropped sharply by 32%.
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