See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. The Energy Mix of the World’s 10 Largest Economies 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 Oil is the largest energy source in six of the world’s 10 biggest economies, including the U.S., Germany, Japan, the UK, and Italy. Coal dominates energy supply in China and India, accounting for nearly 60% of their energy mixes. France stands out for nuclear power, which provides over 46% of its energy mix, the highest share among the group. This graphic compares the energy mix of the world’s 10 largest economies, showing how much of their total energy supply comes from oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, and other renewables. The data for this visualization comes from the Energy Institute’s 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy, representing the most recent full-year data (2024). Oil Still Dominates Many Advanced Economies Oil remains the largest energy source in six of the 10 biggest economies, including the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy. In these countries, oil plays a major role in transportation and industrial sectors. Italy has the highest reliance on oil among the group, with nearly 46% of its energy coming from petroleum. Germany and the UK also depend heavily on oil, though both have been expanding renewable energy capacity in recent years. The table below shows the energy mix of each of the world’s 10 largest economies. CountryOilNat. GasCoalNuclearHydroRenewables U.S.39.0%35.4%8.6%9.8%0.9%6.3% China20.3%9.8%58.0%3.1%3.1%5.7% Germany41.8%27.9%15.6%0.0%0.8%13.9% Japan39.0%19.9%27.6%5.7%1.8%6.1% India28.1%6.5%59.3%1.5%1.4%3.1% UK41.7%34.7%2.6%6.8%0.3%13.8% France31.0%12.8%2.0%46.1%2.9%5.3% Italy45.9%37.9%1.8%0.0%3.6%10.9% Russia24.1%54.0%11.8%7.4%2.4%0.2% Canada36.6%39.0%2.4%7.8%10.4%3.6% Even in highly developed economies with strong climate targets, oil remains difficult to replace due to its central role in global transport systems. Coal Remains Critical for China and India Coal continues to dominate the energy mix in the world’s two most populous countries. In China, coal accounts for 58% of total energy supply, while India relies on coal for roughly 59%. This reliance reflects both countries’ large industrial bases and the availability of domestic coal resources. Coal remains a relatively cheap and reliable energy source for powering manufacturing and electricity generation. However, both China and India are also investing heavily in renewable energy and nuclear power as they attempt to balance economic growth with emissions reductions. Different Paths to Low-Carbon Energy Some economies rely more heavily on nuclear or hydropower rather than renewables alone. France stands out for its heavy dependence on nuclear power, which provides more than 46% of its total energy mix. Canada, meanwhile, benefits from abundant hydropower resources, with hydro accounting for over 10% of its energy supply. The country also maintains a relatively balanced mix between oil and natural gas. Russia shows the lowest share of renewables in the group at just 0.2%, reflecting its vast reserves of fossil fuels and heavy reliance on natural gas, which makes up more than half of its energy mix. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Countries With the Most Oil Reserves on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Ranked: The U.S. Jobs Losing the Most Workers by 2034 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 Cashiers could lose 313,600 jobs by 2034, the largest projected decline of any U.S. occupation. Administrative roles dominate the list, including office assistants, bookkeepers, and data entry clerks. Some occupations are shrinking fastest in percentage terms, including clerical typists (-36%) and phone operators (-27%). Automation, software, and self-service technologies are driving many of these declines. Some of the most common jobs in America could shrink sharply over the next decade. According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations like cashiers, office assistants, and customer service representatives are expected to lose hundreds of thousands of roles between 2024 and 2034 as automation and digital tools reshape the workforce. This graphic shows the 20 occupations projected to lose the most jobs overall, along with those expected to see the fastest percentage declines. Cashiers Could Lose Over 313,000 Jobs by 2034 Cashiers stand as the hardest-hit occupation in absolute terms, with 313,600 roles set to disappear by 2034, a 10% decline. This follows an already entrenched trend, with full-time cashier roles falling from 1.3 million in 2014 to 1 million in 2025. At the same time, self-checkouts account for 38% of U.S. grocery lanes. RankOccupationEmployment Change2024-2034PMedian Annual Wage2024 1Cashier-313.6K$31,190 2Office Assistant-177.8K$43,630 3Customer Service Rep-153.7K$42,830 4Bookkeeper-94.3K$49,210 5Fast Food Cook-90.3K$30,160 6Retail Supervisor-72.3K$47,320 7Inventory Clerk-66.3K$43,190 8Bank Teller-44.9K$39,340 9Data Entry-36.7K$39,850 10Packer-32.2K$35,580 11Food Prep-30.9K$34,220 12Admin Assistant*-30.8K$46,290 13Corrections Officer-30.1K$57,970 14Childcare Provider-29.2K$32,050 15Elementary School Teacher-27.9K$62,340 16Payroll Clerk-27.0K$55,290 17IT Support-27.0K$60,340 18Machine Operator-21.1K$45,590 19Teacher's Aide-21.1K$35,240 20Sales Associate-19.6K$34,580 Office assistant roles follow next in line, with 177,800 roles expected to vanish by 2034. Overall, administrative-related positions account for six of the top 20 largest declines, spanning from bookkeepers (-94,300) to payroll clerks (-27,000). Many of these roles are highly exposed to AI, along with retail supervisors and customer service representatives. Bank tellers, meanwhile, are projected to decline by 44,900 positions, ranking eighth-highest overall. Outside office roles, only two jobs—packers and machine operators—appear among the top 20 largest projected declines. The Jobs Facing the Steepest Percentage Declines Many of the fastest-declining occupations are administrative or clerical roles, which involve routine tasks that can now be handled by software. While some large occupations are losing the most workers overall, smaller occupations are shrinking much faster in percentage terms. RankOccupationEmployment Change2024-2034P Median Annual Wage2024 1Clerical Typist-36.1%$47,850 2Roof Bolter-34.2%$76,640 3Phone Operator-27.5%$39,130 4Receptionist/Switchboard Operator-26.3%$38,370 5Data Entry-25.9%$39,850 6Foundry Mold Maker-25.9%$45,700 7Patternmaker-24.4%$54,540 8Underground Machine Operator-22.3%$68,860 9Telemarketers-22.1%$34,410 10Hand Finisher-21.2%$41,690 11Mechanical Assembler-21.1%$52,540 12Drill Press Operator-19.6%$46,630 13Forge Operator-18.9%$49,240 14Model Maker-18.2%$62,700 15Manual Cutter-18.1%$38,800 16Precision Assembler-17.5%$40,790 17Order Clerk-17.2%$44,660 18Refractory Technician-16.9%$58,540 19Payroll Clerk-16.7%$55,290 20Metal Fabricator-16.3%$49,900 Clerical typists are projected to see the steepest decline (-36.1%) between 2024 and 2034, while phone operators (-27.5%), receptionists (-26.3%), and data entry roles (-25.9%) fall in the top five. Outside office-based occupations, the list also includes several industrial and production roles, such as roof bolters, foundry mold makers, and underground machine operators. In many cases, advances in automation and productivity-enhancing technologies are reducing the need for these positions across the economy. Telemarketers (-22.1%) also appear among the fastest-declining occupations, reflecting the growing use of automated marketing platforms and AI-driven customer outreach tools among U.S. firms. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the world’s fastest-growing jobs by 2030.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Brands That Gained the Most Value Last Year 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 Microsoft added $104 billion in brand value year-over-year, the largest increase among the world’s most valuable brands. Nvidia saw one of the biggest jumps, adding $96 billion in brand value amid strong demand for AI chips and data center infrastructure. A handful of companies added tens of billions to their brand value in a single year, highlighting how quickly intangible assets like brand power can scale in the AI and platform economy. According to Brand Finance’s 2026 Global 500 Report, Microsoft recorded the largest brand value gain over the last year, adding $104 billion. Close behind was Nvidia, whose brand value jumped $96 billion as its chips became the backbone of the rapidly expanding AI industry. This visualization ranks the brands that gained the most value year-over-year as social platforms and tech giants posted major gains, including TikTok (+$48 billion) and Apple (+$33 billion). Microsoft and Nvidia Lead in Brans Value Growth Last year, Microsoft recorded the largest increase in brand value among the world’s 50 largest brands. In particular, the company continues to benefit from strong growth in cloud computing and AI services integrated across its product ecosystem. Today, its brand is valued at $565 billion. The table below shows the largest gains in brand value across leading global firms, based on marketing investment, brand strength, and financial performance. RankCompanyBrand Value 2025Brand Value 2026Annual Increase 1Microsoft$461B$565B$104B 2Nvidia$88B$184B$96B 3TikTok$106B$154B$48B 4Apple$575B$608B$33B 5Google$413B$433B$20B 6American Express$40B$57B$18B 7State Grid (China)$86B$102B$17B 8Facebook$91B$107B$16B 9WeChat$33B$48B$15B 10Amazon$356B$370B$13B Meanwhile, Nvidia’s brand value more than doubled, reflecting the market dominance of its AI chips. Not only is it the world’s most valuable company by market cap, but demand continues to outstrip supply. TikTok posted one of the biggest brand value jumps of the year, rising from $106 billion to $154 billion to rank third overall in brand value growth. The short-form video platform’s surge indicates its massive global reach and high user engagement, which continue to attract advertisers and creators alike. TikTok’s brand value now exceeds several global giants, including Walmart ($141 billion), Samsung ($119 billion), and Facebook ($107 billion). Big Tech Dominates the Rankings Technology companies account for eight of the 10 biggest brand value gains in the ranking. Apple added $33 billion, pushing its brand value to $608 billion in 2026, the highest overall valuation on the list. Meanwhile, Google gained $20 billion, supported by the continued strength of its search and advertising businesses, along with growing momentum around its Gemini AI platform. Meanwhile, Amazon rounds out the tech giants on the list, gaining $13 billion. Finance and Global Infrastructure Brands Rise Outside of Big Tech, select finance and utility brands also saw strong gains. American Express added $18 billion in brand value amid record-breaking quarterly earnings. Going further, the company’s market valuation has doubled in five years. China’s State Grid Corporation ranked seventh overall, adding $17 billion in brand value. As the world’s most valuable utility brand, State Grid’s growth is closely tied to China’s expanding power infrastructure and its push toward cleaner energy systems. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Ranked: The World’s Top Startup Hubs on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Mapped: Gas Prices by State Right Now 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 California is the only state with average gas prices above $5 per gallon, at $5.34. Kansas has the cheapest gas in the country at $3.01, creating a $2.33 gap between the highest and lowest states. Most states remain below the U.S. average, but the priciest markets are heavily concentrated on the West Coast. Gas prices remain one of the most visible cost pressures for American households, and the latest state-level data shows just how uneven the burden is across the country. The national average for regular gasoline has risen to $3.58 per gallon, but that headline number hides a wide spread, with California well above $5 a gallon while other states have prices around $3.00 to $3.25. This graphic maps out the gas price by state using data from AAA Gas Prices as of March 11, 2026. California Is the Only State Above $5 per Gallon California remains the clear outlier at $5.34 per gallon, the highest average gas price in the country by a wide margin. That puts the state 55 cents above second-place Washington, where regular gas averages $4.72, and more than $1.75 above the national average. The data table below shows the price of regular gas per gallon as of March 11, 2026: StateRegular Gas Price (as of March 11, 2026) Alabama$3.21 Alaska$3.95 Arizona$4.02 Arkansas$3.10 California$5.34 Colorado$3.58 Connecticut$3.49 Delaware$3.38 District of Columbia$3.61 Florida$3.70 Georgia$3.41 Hawaii$4.69 Idaho$3.48 Illinois$3.65 Indiana$3.50 Iowa$3.19 Kansas$3.01 Kentucky$3.19 Louisiana$3.20 Maine$3.48 Maryland$3.52 Massachusetts$3.44 Michigan$3.61 Minnesota$3.25 Mississippi$3.12 Missouri$3.09 Montana$3.21 Nebraska$3.20 Nevada$4.36 New Hampshire$3.45 New Jersey$3.49 New Mexico$3.47 New York$3.51 North Carolina$3.32 North Dakota$3.09 Ohio$3.44 Oklahoma$3.04 Oregon$4.29 Pennsylvania$3.66 Rhode Island$3.43 South Carolina$3.26 South Dakota$3.14 Tennessee$3.20 Texas$3.25 Utah$3.44 Vermont$3.49 Virginia$3.35 Washington$4.72 West Virginia$3.42 Wisconsin$3.21 Wyoming$3.26 National average$3.58 At the other end of the spectrum, Kansas has the lowest average price at $3.01 per gallon. Oklahoma ($3.04), Missouri ($3.09), and North Dakota ($3.09) are also among the cheapest markets. Altogether, the spread between California and Kansas is $2.33 per gallon, underscoring how different the cost of driving can be depending on where Americans live. Why the West Has America’s Highest Gas Prices The most expensive gas markets are concentrated in the West. Along with California, Washington ($4.72), Hawaii ($4.69), Nevada ($4.36), Oregon ($4.29), and Arizona ($4.02) are the only states at or above $4 per gallon. Alaska also sits near that threshold at $3.95. That regional concentration is one of the clearest patterns on the map. While higher prices are not exclusive to the West, the upper tier is overwhelmingly western, especially along the Pacific corridor. By contrast, much of the central U.S. remains far cheaper, with many states in the Plains, South, and Midwest still sitting close to the low-$3 range. Why U.S. Gas Prices Jumped in March In a March 5 market update, AAA said the national average had jumped nearly 27 cents in one week as crude oil prices rose as conflict erupted between the U.S., Israel, and Iran in the Middle East. Two weeks since the start of the conflict, the U.S. national average gas price is now up 60 cents (or more than 20%). Iran’s recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in crude oil prices surging, with WTI crude oil prices spiking all the way up to $119 a barrel. At the start of 2025, WTI crude oil was just $57 per barrel. With more than 20% of the global oil supply halted, Americans are now feeling price pressures at the pump amidst the geopolitical uncertainty. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out the difference in gas prices around the world in this graphic on Voronoi.

Published 28 minutes ago on March 12, 2026 By Jenna Ross Article & Editing Julia Wendling Graphics & Design Abha Patil Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email The following content is sponsored by Plasma Where $2.6T in Daily Cross-Border Currency Trades Happen Key Takeaways Nearly $2.6 trillion in cross-border foreign exchange trades happen every day, according to the BIS. UK-based institutions execute almost 40% of these trades, making London the world’s largest FX hub. Every day, trillions of dollars move across borders as banks, corporations, and investors exchange currencies. Foreign exchange markets are the backbone of global trade and finance. They allow businesses to pay suppliers abroad, investors to move capital between countries, and financial institutions to manage currency risk. This graphic, created in partnership with Plasma, shows where $2.6 trillion in daily cross-border foreign exchange trades originate, based on the location of the institutions initiating the transactions. It’s part of our Money 2.0 series, where we highlight how finance is evolving into its next era. The Global Centers of Currency Trades Foreign exchange trading isn’t evenly distributed around the world. Instead, a handful of major financial hubs handle the bulk of global currency activity. Using data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the table below shows where cross-border FX trades are executed based on the location of the institutions initiating them. The UK dominates global FX markets, with institutions initiating roughly $957 billion in cross-border trades per day, about 40% of the global total. London’s leadership comes from several advantages, including its time zone, deep financial markets, and long-established trading infrastructure. CountryCross-Border FX Total ($ billions) UK957 U.S.653 Singapore336 Hong Kong149 Switzerland85 Germany74 Japan71 Australia40 France27 Canada24 Other154 The U.S. ranks second ($653 billion), followed by major Asian financial centers such as Singapore ($336 billion) and Hong Kong ($149 billion). In fact, the top four jurisdictions—the UK, U.S., Singapore, and Hong Kong—collectively account for 80% of global FX trading activity. The Rise of Borderless Finance Traditional cross-border payments often involve multiple intermediaries, high fees, and settlement delays. New financial technologies are changing that. By enabling faster and cheaper global transfers, digital money solutions are helping individuals and businesses move funds across borders more efficiently. Plasma One is the money app built for zero-fee transfers and borderless coverage in more than 150 countries. Instead of navigating complex international payment systems, users can send and spend money globally from a single app. Ready for 4% cash back and 10%+ yield? Get early access to Plasma One. You may also like Personal Finance4 months ago Inflation Watch: Countries Losing the Most Purchasing Power in 2025 When prices rise, money’s value melts away. See how inflation could shrink the value of $100 by the end of 2025 in the hardest-hit countries. Technology4 months ago Unbanked in a Connected World: Account Ownership vs Phone Ownership In many unbanked countries, fewer than one in three adults have a financial account, but most own a mobile phone. Technology5 months ago Ranked: The Biggest Buyers of U.S. Debt Stablecoin Week: See how stablecoin issuers stack up against countries like Japan and Singapore as major buyers of U.S. debt. Technology5 months ago Mapped: Stablecoin Regulation Globally Which countries have stablecoin regulation proposed or in place, and which have no tailored laws? Find out in this Stablecoin Week piece. Technology8 months ago Stablecoin Evolution: Milestones of the New Payment Rail The GENIUS Act marks a turning point for stablecoin. Explore 8 key milestones in the digital dollar’s rise to mainstream finance. Technology8 months ago Is the U.S. Dollar Primed for a Digital Rebound? U.S. dollar influence is shrinking in some spaces, but stablecoins could give the currency a new chapter of global dominance. Money9 months ago Ranked: The Biggest Currency Drops So Far in 2025 In the first half of 2025, one currency dropped over 50% against the U.S. dollar. What led to the decline? Technology9 months ago Ranked: Countries With the Highest Remittance Costs To send money across borders, workers can be charged high remittance fees—over 50% of the amount transferred in some cases. Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Mapped: Median Age by Region in 2026 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 Europe is projected to have the oldest population in 2026, with a median age of 43.1 years. Africa remains the youngest region globally, with a median age of just 19.5 years. This map shows the projected median age across major global regions in 2026, with Europe aging rapidly while Africa remains the youngest. The data highlights stark demographic differences that will shape economic growth, labor markets, and social systems in the decades ahead. The data for this visualization comes from the United Nations. Figures are based on population projections for 2026 and measure the median age—meaning half of the population is older and half is younger. Europe Has the Oldest Population Europe is projected to have the oldest population among major regions, with a median age of 43.1 years. Many European countries already face shrinking working-age populations and increasing pressure on pension and healthcare systems. RegionMedian Age (Years) Europe43.1 Northern America38.9 Oceania33.6 Latin America and the Caribbean 32.1 Asia32.8 Africa19.5 Several factors contribute to this trend. Fertility rates across Europe remain well below replacement levels, while life expectancy continues to increase. As a result, older adults make up a growing share of the population. Countries like Italy, Germany, and Spain are among the oldest globally, with median ages approaching or exceeding the mid-40s. The Americas and Oceania Sit in the Middle Northern America has a projected median age of 38.9 years, placing it among the older regions but still younger than Europe. Immigration and slightly higher fertility rates help moderate the pace of population aging. Meanwhile, Oceania—covering Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific island nations—has a median age of 33.6 years. South America follows closely behind at 33.5 years. Asia also sits near this middle range with a median age of 32.8 years. However, the region contains huge variation, from rapidly aging societies like Japan and South Korea to younger populations across parts of South and Southeast Asia. Africa Remains the Youngest Region Africa stands out as the youngest region by far, with a median age of just 19.5 years. This reflects high fertility rates and a rapidly growing population across much of the continent. Many African countries are expected to see substantial increases in their working-age populations over the coming decades. If accompanied by investments in education, infrastructure, and economic opportunity, this demographic momentum could support long-term growth. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Every Continent Ranked by Number of Countries on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: Income Growth in Every U.S. State Since 2010 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 Montana leads the U.S. with 42.9% growth in real median household income since 2010, nearly double the national average. Several Mountain West and Southern states rank among the fastest-growing, including Tennessee and Kansas. New Mexico (2.3%) and Mississippi (5.6%) saw the smallest gains over the period. Since 2010, real household incomes have risen significantly across the U.S., with some states seeing gains of more than 40%. Montana leads the nation with a 42.9% increase in real median household income over the period, followed by Tennessee and Kansas. This map shows how much incomes have grown in every U.S. state from 2010 to 2024, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Where Incomes Have Grown the Most Montana has seen one of the biggest income turnarounds in America. In 2010, the state ranked seventh-lowest in median household income, but today it sits closer to the middle of the national rankings. Over that period, real median household income climbed 42.9%, from $57,320 to $81,920. RankStateMedian Income 2010Median Income 2024 Change 2010-2024 1Montana$57,320$81,92042.9% 2Tennessee$53,580$75,86041.6% 3Kansas$63,950$87,69037.1% 4Maine$66,550$90,73036.3% 5Massachusetts$84,610$113,90034.6% 6California$75,370$100,60033.5% 7South Carolina$57,900$76,78032.6% 8District of Columbia$79,050$104,80032.6% 9Georgia$61,260$81,21032.6% 10Utah$78,730$104,00032.1% 11Arizona$65,120$84,70030.1% 12Rhode Island$71,680$92,29028.8% 13Oregon$70,260$89,70027.7% 14Colorado$83,640$106,50027.3% 15Minnesota$72,650$92,35027.1% 16South Dakota$62,970$79,85026.8% 17Ohio$63,710$80,52026.4% 18New York$69,120$86,83025.6% 19Iowa$68,060$85,48025.6% 20Washington$77,980$97,50025.0% 21Idaho$65,330$81,65025.0% 22North Dakota$70,820$88,08024.4% 23Texas$65,630$81,49024.2% 24Michigan$64,260$79,46023.7% 25Florida$61,190$75,63023.6% 26Missouri$63,620$78,39023.2% 27Maryland$89,150$109,70023.1% 28Arkansas$53,580$64,84021.0% 29New Hampshire$92,520$111,80020.8% 30Indiana$64,070$76,71019.7% 31Illinois$70,440$84,21019.5% 32Pennsylvania$67,090$80,06019.3% 33Hawaii$82,670$98,24018.8% 34New Jersey$87,430$103,50018.4% 35Nebraska$72,900$86,14018.2% 36Wisconsin$69,910$82,56018.1% 37Virginia$83,820$97,72016.6% 38Alabama$56,840$65,56015.3% 39Alaska$80,320$91,26013.6% 40Kentucky$57,070$64,79013.5% 41Nevada$71,090$80,59013.4% 42Delaware$76,670$85,86012.0% 43Louisiana$54,570$60,74011.3% 44North Carolina$60,860$67,22010.5% 45Vermont$77,660$85,2609.8% 46Oklahoma$59,850$65,3109.1% 47Wyoming$72,480$78,6808.6% 48Connecticut$91,640$99,2408.3% 49West Virginia$59,400$63,1506.3% 50Mississippi$52,990$55,9805.6% 51New Mexico$62,670$64,1402.3% Several factors have contributed to the surge of real incomes in Montana, including growth in the tech sector, an expanding tourism industry, and tight labor markets driven by an aging population. Tennessee and Kansas follow next in line, each seeing wage gains exceeding 37%. Back in 2010, Tennessee had the second-lowest median income of $53,580. Today, it stands above Florida, jumping nine spots to reach $75,860. In Kansas, meanwhile, median incomes are higher than in New York, at $87,690. Ranking in fifth is Massachusetts, with incomes rising 34.6% to reach $113,900, the highest nationwide. Looking over to large state economies, California (33.5%) outpaced New York (25.6%) and Texas (24.2%), likely driven by its concentration of tech workers. Florida, driven largely by services and tourism, saw 23.6% growth—slightly above the national average of 22.4%. Income Growth Laggards Many of the states with the slowest income growth since 2010 are concentrated in the South, though laggards appear across several regions. Mississippi (5.6%) and West Virginia (6.3%) saw some of the weakest gains in real median household income over the period, while Oklahoma (9.1%) and Louisiana (11.3%) also recorded relatively modest increases. Outside the region, New Mexico posted the smallest rise nationwide at just 2.3%. For many reasons, the geography of income growth in America has been quietly reshaped. As migration, demographics, and economic activity shift, how much Americans earn may increasingly depend on where they live. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the average salary by state in 2025.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization The World’s Top Economies Including U.S. States (1980–2025) 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 California is now the world’s 4th-largest economy, larger than Japan in 2025. Texas and New York also rank among the world’s top 15 economies. China rose from 13th place in 1990 to 2nd globally today. This visualization ranks the world’s largest economies from 1980 to 2025, comparing entire countries alongside major U.S. state economies. The results highlight the enormous scale of the American economy. California alone now ranks as the world’s fourth-largest economy, ahead of countries like Japan. Meanwhile, Texas and New York also rank among the world’s top 15 economies, reflecting the concentration of industries like technology, finance, and energy across America. The data for this visualization comes from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. It compares nominal GDP in current U.S. dollars, with U.S. state GDP figures for 2025 annualized based on Q3 estimates. How U.S. States Compare With National Economies The data highlights the economic scale of major U.S. states. California appears among the world’s largest economies as early as the 1980s and remains a consistent top contender. RankCountry/state2025 GDP% Change (since 1980) 1 United States$30.6T955% 2 China$19.4T6,282% 3 Germany$5.0T483% 4 California$4.3T1,227% 5 Japan$4.3T291% 6 India$4.1T2,104% 7 United Kingdom$4.0T561% 8 France$3.4T389% 9 Texas$2.9T1,315% 10 Italy$2.5T421% 11 Russia$2.5T— 12 New York$2.5T964% 13 Canada$2.3T733% 14 Brazil$2.3T1,475% 15 Spain$1.9T723% 16 Mexico$1.9T685% 17 South Korea$1.9T2,779% 18 Florida$1.9T1782% 19 Australia$1.8T1,004% 20 Türkiye$1.6T1,549% California ranks among the top five economies globally. Texas and New York also appear regularly among the world’s largest economies. This reflects the sheer size of the U.S. domestic market and the concentration of industries such as technology, finance, and energy in specific states. China’s Rapid Rise in the Global Economy One of the most significant trends over the period is China’s rapid economic ascent. In 1990, China ranked 13th globally. Today it is the world’s second-largest economy. This shift reflected decades of industrial expansion, export growth, and urbanization following China’s economic reforms. The Shifting Balance of Global Economic Power Over time, the composition of the world’s largest economies has gradually diversified. In the 1980s, most of the top economies were advanced Western nations. Since then, emerging markets such as China and India have climbed steadily up the rankings. Meanwhile, new economic players—including South Korea and Indonesia—have entered the global top tier. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out How Wealthy Are the Top 1% in Each Major Economy? on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Charted: Where the World’s Oil Comes From, by Region 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 North America is the world’s largest oil-producing region in 2025, generating over 31 million barrels per day, equal to nearly 30% of global supply. The Middle East produces over 29% of the world’s oil, led by Saudi Arabia and Iran. Europe, excluding Russia, produces less than 4% of total oil production, the smallest share by region. The world produced roughly 106 million barrels of oil per day in 2025, according to estimates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Just two regions dominate global supply. North America and the Middle East together produce nearly 60% of the world’s oil, underscoring their outsized influence on energy markets. This graphic breaks down global oil production by region in 2025, based on EIA data. North America Leads Global Oil Production The table below breaks down global oil production by region, including crude oil and other liquid fuels. RegionCrude Oil and Other Liquid Fuels(Million Barrels Per Day 2025)Global Share North America31.829.9% Middle East31.029.1% Eurasia (Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan)13.612.8% Asia-Pacific9.48.9% Central & South America8.98.4% Africa7.67.2% Europe4.03.7% Global Total106.3100.0% North America is the world’s largest oil-producing region, accounting for 29.9% of global output in 2025, averaging 31.8 million barrels per day. Much of this supply is driven by the U.S., where oil production reached record highs in 2025. Output has more than doubled over the past two decades, largely due to the expansion of shale drilling. Canada also hit record levels, producing 5.0 million barrels per day in December 2025. The Middle East’s Massive Oil Output The Middle East is the second-largest oil-producing region, generating 31 million barrels per day in 2025. Saudi Arabia remains the region’s largest producer at 9.6 million barrels per day. However, the country saw its active oil rig count fall to a 20-year low in 2025, as energy investment increasingly shifts toward natural gas production. By 2030, natural gas production is set to expand 60%. Iran produced 3.1 million barrels per day in 2025, still below its peak of 4.0 million in 2007. Even so, the Middle East remains a dominant force in global oil markets. In 2025, it produced more crude oil than Africa, Europe, Central and South America, and Asia-Pacific combined. Global Oil Trade and Strategic Stockpiles The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints, handling roughly 20% of global petroleum trade. While only 7% of U.S. crude exports pass through the corridor, Asian economies depend heavily on these shipments, accounting for nearly 90% of flows through the strait. To protect against supply disruptions, many countries maintain strategic petroleum reserves. Members of the International Energy Agency, including European importers, Japan, and South Korea, must hold reserves equal to at least 90 days of net imports. Meanwhile, China has built some of the world’s largest stockpiles. In short, the global oil market depends on a small number of regions—and a few critical trade routes—while strategic stockpiles help guard against supply shocks. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on all the world’s oil reserves by country.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization The Best Places to Work in America, According to Employees 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 Trader Joe’s ranks #1 among large U.S. employers, beating companies like Google (#3), Microsoft (#4), and Apple (#12). Major technology firms—including Nvidia, Adobe, and Salesforce—all appear in the top 20 large employers. Toll Brothers tops the midsize company ranking, with the homebuilder ahead of Patagonia and United Community. What makes a company one of the best places to work in America? Each year, Forbes surveys hundreds of thousands of employees across the U.S. to evaluate workplace satisfaction, compensation, culture, and career opportunities. The results reveal a mix of household-name corporations and mission-driven institutions. In the 2026 ranking, companies like Trader Joe’s, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia appear among the top large employers, while Toll Brothers and Patagonia lead the midsize category. This graphic shows the top-ranked large and midsize employers in the U.S., based on the latest data from Forbes. Ranked: The Top 20 Large Employers in 2026 Here are America’s best employers across companies with 5,000 or more employees: RankNameScoreIndustry 1Trader Joe's100.0Consumer Goods 2St. Jude Children's Research Hospital99.5Healthcare 3Google97.2Technology 4Microsoft97.1Technology 5Stanford University96.6Education 6In-N-Out Burger94.8Consumer Goods 7NVIDIA94.7Technology 8American Express93.6Financials 9hoag93.3Healthcare 10Houston Methodist93.1Healthcare 11Carhartt92.5Consumer Goods 12Apple92.3Technology 13Delta Air Lines92.2Transportation 14Washington University in Saint Louis92.2Education 15Adobe91.9Technology 16MD Anderson Cancer Center91.6Healthcare 17Navy Federal Credit Union91.5Financials 18Salesforce91.5Technology 19Boston Scientific91.1Healthcare 20Samsung Electronics91.1Technology With a score of 100, grocery chain Trader Joe’s ranks first nationally, a company known for its high employee satisfaction. Not only does it offer the potential for wage increases, averaging 7% annually, it also provides health and retirement plans. Along with prioritizing employee development and advancement opportunities, the chain refuses to use self-checkout systems in its stores. Following next in line are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Google, and Microsoft. Nvidia, ranked seventh, fell from fourth place in 2025. According to Glassdoor reviews, 90% of employees would recommend the company to a friend, with the highest scores in corporate values and culture. Among the lowest ratings were in work-life balance. Overall, technology companies accounted for seven of the top 20 large employers, followed by five in healthcare. America’s Top 20 Midsize Employers For employers with 1,000 to 5,000 employees, Pennsylvania-based homebuilder Toll Brothers ranked first. RankNameScoreIndustry 1Toll Brothers100.0Industrials 2Patagonia98.5Consumer Goods 3United Community97.1Financials 4Medical Mutual of Ohio95.6Financials 5Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation95.4Industrials 6Businessolver95.3Technology 7OPENLANE95.0Consumer Goods 8Spotify Technology94.9Technology 9Green Bay Packaging94.6Industrials 10New York Power Authority94.4Utilities 11Universal Music Group94.1Consumer Goods 121st Source Bank93.8Financials 13Vanderbilt University93.8Education 14Milton Hershey School93.4Education 15Maury Regional Medical Center93.3Healthcare 16ITT93.1Industrials 17Epic Games93.1Technology 18ABC Technologies93.1Industrials 19SoFi93.0Financials 20Vizient92.9Healthcare As a Fortune 500 company operating in over 60 markets, Toll Brothers employees report that they are given a significant amount of responsibility, while also reporting that management is ethical and honest. Patagonia ranks second and is known for its low turnover and emphasis on work-life balance. In addition to offering warehouse employees 15 different schedule options, it also offers on-site childcare and tuition reimbursement. Financial firms United Community and Medical Mutual of Ohio follow in the rankings, meanwhile, music-streaming platform Spotify Technologies ranks eighth. As we can see, the best large employers are dominated by the tech and health sectors, yet the top midsize companies represent a more diverse mix of industries—ranging from industrials and consumer goods to financials and education. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on revenue per employee in the world’s top 20 companies by sales.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Ranked: The Brands That Lost the Most Value Last Year 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 Tesla recorded the largest drop in brand value among the world’s top brands, falling by about $15 billion year-over-year. Automakers dominate the list, reflecting pressure on the global automotive sector and shifting consumer sentiment. This visualization ranks the brands that saw the largest year-over-year declines in brand value among the world’s top 100 brands. From automakers to banks and luxury houses, the list highlights which global giants lost billions in brand value over the past year. The data for this visualization comes from the 2026 Global 500 report from Brand Finance. The firm evaluates brand value using a combination of marketing investment, brand strength, and financial performance. Tesla Sees the Largest Brand Value Drop Tesla recorded the biggest drop in brand value in the 2026 rankings, dropping roughly $15 billion. The automaker’s brand value fell from about $43 billion in 2025 to roughly $28 billion in 2026. Ongoing controversies and trust concerns contributed to the decline. Brand perception plays a major role in valuation, and even market leaders can see sharp swings if consumer sentiment shifts. RankBrandSector2026 Value ($B)Change ($B) 1TeslaAutomobiles$28B-$15B 2Agricultural Bank of ChinaBanking$63B-$7B 3Mercedes-BenzAutomobiles$47B-$6B 4PorscheAutomobiles$35B-$6B 5XfinityTelecoms$25B-$5B 6Louis VuittonApparel$29B-$4B 7Mitsubishi GroupDiversified$36B-$4B 8ChanelApparel$34B-$4B 9CSCECEngineering$25B-$3B 10CVSRetail$25B-$3B Automakers Dominate the Declines Three automotive brands appear in the top five of the rankings: Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Together, they account for more than $27 billion in combined brand value losses. The industry is navigating a complex transition toward electric vehicles, while also facing economic uncertainty and supply chain pressures. Luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche continue to maintain strong global reputations, but the data shows that even premium brands are not immune to valuation swings. Banks and Consumer Brands Also Feel Pressure Outside of autos, several other sectors also experienced notable brand declines. Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) lost about $7 billion in brand value, the second-largest drop on the list. China’s decision to cut mortgage rates to support the economy weighed on bank profitability. Because ABC has a large retail and rural loan business, the policy shift had a significant impact on its financial outlook and brand valuation. Meanwhile, consumer-facing brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and CVS also saw multi-billion dollar declines. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Charted: Why U.S. Employers Are Cutting Jobs in 2025 on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Which U.S. States Gained the Most Residents 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 South Carolina saw the largest net migration gain per 10,000 residents in 2025. The South and Mountain West attracted the most new residents overall. Meanwhile, high-cost states like California and New York continued to see net population outflows. Nearly 15 million Americans moved in 2025, with many relocating across state lines in search of lower costs, job opportunities, and warmer climates. This map shows net migration per 10,000 residents across all 50 states in 2025, revealing where population inflows were strongest and which states saw the biggest outflows. The data comes from HireAHelper. Southern and Mountain West states dominated the rankings for inbound migration, while several high-cost coastal states continued to lose residents. The data reflects large-scale shifts happening in the country’s population distribution, both from the Eastern half to the Western half, as well as shifts away from more expensive states to cheaper, often inland ones. The Mountain West Over the West Coast In 2025, the Western half of the U.S. saw a continuation of post-COVID trends as people left behind coastal states like Washington (-10.7) and Oregon (-9.0) in favor of more inland Mountain West states like Wyoming (+26.0), Utah (+7.3), and especially Idaho (+63.2). The data table below highlights the net migration loss/gain per 10,000 inhabitants in 2025: RankStateNet migration (per 10,000 residents) 1South Carolina79.7 2Idaho63.2 3Delaware54.5 4Tennessee43.6 5Alabama36.6 6Maine35.7 7Arkansas33.3 8Oklahoma26.4 9Wyoming26.0 10Montana23.4 11Texas23.0 12West Virginia19.3 13New Hampshire18.8 14Mississippi17.9 15Georgia13.4 16Minnesota12.5 17South Dakota9.3 18Utah7.3 19Wisconsin7.2 20Arizona7.1 21Kentucky7.0 22Florida6.9 23Nevada6.5 24New Mexico6.0 25Indiana5.3 26Louisiana3.0 27North Dakota-0.1 28Vermont-1.7 29Hawaii-2.3 30Iowa-3.3 31Ohio-4.1 32Colorado-4.6 33Missouri-5.0 34Michigan-5.5 35Connecticut-7.9 36Oregon-9.0 37Washington-10.7 38Pennsylvania-11.1 39Nebraska-13.3 40Virginia-13.7 41Rhode Island-14.0 42Illinois-14.5 43Alaska-16.9 44New Jersey-17.6 45Kansas-19.6 46California-25.1 47Maryland-27.4 48New York-28.2 49North Carolina-29.2 50Massachusetts-37.9 The more populous coastal states, which have long been hubs for key economic sectors like tech and aviation, have seen a number of moves in recent years owing to jobs either relocating or shifting to remote work. Nowhere on the West Coast saw a bigger drop than California, which saw a net migration loss of -25.1, as nearly 100,000 residents left behind the increasingly unaffordable state in favor of cheaper neighboring states like Nevada, which lacks a state income tax. The Cost of Living Factor California is not alone in losing people over affordability issues. If net migration trends are any indication, other high cost of living states such as New York (-28.2) and Connecticut (-37.9) also increasingly shed residents. A majority of the Northeast fared similarly, with all states but Delaware, Maine, and New Hampshire seeing more people leave than arrive in 2025. And in the immediate region surrounding the nation’s capital, the states of Maryland (-27.4) and Virginia (-13.7) also saw negative net migration, likely reflecting in part the large reduction in the federal workforce seen over the course of the year. The Rise of the Sunbelt If one region is seeing across-the-board growth, it’s the South, led by states like South Carolina (+79.7), Tennessee (+43.6), and Alabama (+36.6). Long one of the more economically depressed regions of the country, a combination of lower costs of living and nicer weather has led to rapid growth for southern “Sun Belt” states such as Arkansas and Oklahoma, to say nothing of massive favorites like Texas and the Sunshine State of Florida. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The Decline of Housing Affordability in the U.S. on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Top Buyers of U.S. Oil 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 Netherlands imported 419 million barrels, making it the world’s largest buyer of American crude, ahead of much larger economies like China, India, and Japan. Mexico fell to second place, importing 398 million barrels. China’s imports of U.S. oil declined 34% in 2025, while India’s rose 35%, highlighting diverging demand trends between the world’s two most populous countries. The Netherlands became the world’s largest buyer of U.S. oil in 2025, importing more American crude than much larger economies such as China, India, and Japan. Nearly 4 billion barrels of U.S. oil were shipped abroad last year, underscoring the country’s growing role as a global energy exporter. Much of the Netherlands’ imported crude passes through the Port of Rotterdam, one of the world’s largest energy hubs, where oil is refined or redistributed across Europe. Using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration via USAFacts, this graphic ranks the largest buyers of U.S. oil in 2025. The World’s Biggest Buyers of U.S. Oil Below, we show the largest importers of U.S. crude oil and petroleum products: RankCountryRegionTotal Imports (Millions of Barrels 2025)Share of Total 1 NetherlandsEurope41910.7% 2 MexicoNorth America39810.2% 3 CanadaNorth America3248.3% 4 South KoreaAsia-Pacific2576.6% 5 JapanAsia-Pacific2476.3% 6 ChinaAsia-Pacific2386.1% 7 IndiaAsia-Pacific2215.7% 8 BrazilCentral & South America1333.4% 9 United KingdomEurope1243.2% 10 SpainEurope952.4% 11 TaiwanAsia-Pacific822.1% 12 FranceEurope711.8% 13 ChileCentral & South America691.8% 14 SingaporeAsia-Pacific651.7% 15 EcuadorCentral & South America631.6% 16 PeruCentral & South America631.6% 17 ThailandAsia-Pacific601.5% 18 IndonesiaAsia-Pacific571.5% 19 PanamaCentral & South America481.2% 20 ItalyEurope481.2% 21 NigeriaAfrica481.2% 22 ColombiaCentral & South America461.2% 23 GuatemalaCentral & South America451.2% 24 Dominican RepublicCentral & South America431.1% 25 SwedenEurope431.1% 26 GermanyEurope421.1% 27 BelgiumEurope411.0% 28 MoroccoAfrica381.0% 29 HondurasCentral & South America300.8% 30 NorwayEurope300.8% The Netherlands led global imports with 419 million barrels, after purchases surged by roughly 31 million barrels in 2025. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, U.S. crude has played a growing role in replacing Russian energy across Europe. A large share flows through the Port of Rotterdam, where roughly 1.1 million barrels of oil pass through each day. Canada ranked third, importing 324 million barrels, a modest increase from the previous year. Despite its vast oil reserves, Canada lacks sufficient refining capacity and east-west pipeline infrastructure, leading it to rely heavily on crude imports from the United States. Meanwhile, China’s imports of U.S. oil fell by 81 million barrels in 2025, pushing the country down to the sixth-largest buyer, from third place a year earlier. Amid escalating trade tensions, China increasingly turned to discounted sanctioned crude from Iran, Venezuela, and Russia. India, meanwhile, increased U.S. crude shipments in 2025. Overall, U.S. crude exports jumped by 57 million barrels, rising 35% over the year. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the world’s biggest oil producers.

Timeline: A Century of White House Renovation Costs This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Most White House renovations over the past century have cost under $10M (in 2025 dollars). The 2008 East & West Wings renovation ($561M) and the proposed ballroom addition ($200M–400M) stand out as major outliers. Major upgrades often followed structural concerns, modernization needs, or expanding media and security demands. The White House is both a family residence and the operational nerve center of the U.S. executive branch. Over the past century, it has undergone dozens of renovations, some cosmetic, others structural, and a few extraordinarily expensive. The visualization above, created by USAFacts using a wide variety of government records, tracks major renovation projects since 1920. All figures are adjusted to FY2025 dollars, offering a clearer comparison of how costs have evolved over time. YearProjectTypeFunding 2008East & West Wings renovationFederal$561M 2025Ballroom additionPrivate$200M - $400M 1949Residence renovationFederal$72M 1927Residence roof renovationFederal$6.9M 2004East & West Wings upgradesFederal$6M 2006Situation Room upgradesFederal$5.3M 1930West Wing reconstructionFederal$3.8M 1933Indoor swimming pool additionPrivate$561K 1973Bowling alley additionPrivate$299K 1948Truman balconyFederal$202K For most of the last 100 years, upgrades to America’s most famous address have remained relatively modest. But a small number of projects—particularly in 2008 and again in 2025—stand dramatically apart from the rest of the timeline. Early Structural and Functional Additions In the early 20th century, renovations focused on expansion and functionality. The 1930 West Wing reconstruction ($3.8 million) and the 1942 East Wing addition helped modernize operations as the executive branch grew. Other updates were smaller but culturally notable. Franklin D. Roosevelt added an indoor swimming pool in 1933 (about $561,000 in today’s dollars), while Harry Truman approved the Truman Balcony in 1948 for roughly $202,000. By 1949, however, structural deterioration forced a far more serious intervention. The residence renovation that year cost $72 million (in 2025 dollars), effectively gutting and rebuilding much of the interior to prevent collapse, serving as a reminder that even historic landmarks require periodic overhauls. Cold War to Late 20th Century: Media and Modernization As the presidency evolved, so did the building. The 1969 Press Room addition reflected the growing role of television media, while a bowling alley was installed in 1973 for about $299,000. Through the late 20th century, most projects remained relatively contained in scope and cost. Compared to today’s federal budget, now in the trillions annually, these upgrades were fiscal footnotes. 21st Century: Security and Scale The 2000s marked a turning point. In 2004 and 2006, East and West Wing upgrades and Situation Room improvements ranged from $5-6 million. Then came the 2008 East & West Wings renovation, totaling $561 million, which was the largest confirmed project in the past century. The scale reflected heightened security requirements, aging infrastructure, and expanded operational needs in the post-9/11 era. Most recently, a proposed 2025 ballroom addition is estimated at $200–400 million. If completed at the upper end, it would rank among the most expensive White House projects ever recorded. Over a century, the data suggests a clear pattern: while the White House regularly evolves with the presidency, only rare moments, such as structural crises or sweeping modernization efforts, produce nine-figure price tags. Learn More on the Voronoi App For more historical comparisons on federal outlays, check out Comparing U.S. Government Spending (1980 vs Today) on Voronoi, and explore how priorities and price tags have shifted over time.

Mapped: How Europe’s Economic Center Has Shifted Since 1950 This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Europe’s economic “center of gravity” has shifted steadily east since 1950, moving from Cologne toward Munich. The calculation tracks GDP-weighted locations of European economies, showing how regional economic power evolves over time. While Eastern Europe’s growth has pulled the center eastward, Germany continues to exert a strong economic pull. Europe’s economic balance point has been slowly drifting east for decades. This map traces the continent’s GDP-weighted “center of gravity” from 1950 to 2022, showing how Europe’s economic core has shifted from near Cologne toward Munich over time. The visualization, created by The European Correspondent using data from the Maddison Project Database, reveals how decades of growth in Central and Eastern Europe have gradually reshaped the continent’s economic geography. What Is an Economic “Center of Gravity”? The economic center of gravity is a geographic point calculated by averaging countries’ locations weighted by their GDP. In simple terms, it marks the location where Europe’s economic activity would balance if GDP were distributed like weight on a map. As economies grow or shrink relative to each other, the center moves accordingly. When western economies dominate, the center shifts west; when eastern or southern regions grow faster, the point moves in their direction. This method provides a simple but powerful way to visualize long-term changes in regional economic influence. Postwar Europe: Western Dominance In the decades following World War II, Europe’s economic core sat firmly in the northwest. Industrial powerhouses like Germany, France, the UK, and the Benelux countries drove most of the continent’s output. This concentration kept the center of gravity near Cologne in the mid-20th century. Western Europe’s rapid reconstruction and integration—through institutions like the European Economic Community—reinforced this geographic economic core. Germany in particular has long played an outsized role in Europe’s economy. In fact, the country’s output rivals that of dozens of its neighbors combined. The Rise of the East Since the end of the Cold War, the center has gradually shifted eastward. The collapse of the Soviet bloc opened Central and Eastern European economies to global trade and investment. Countries like Poland, Czechia, and Hungary integrated into EU supply chains and saw rapid economic expansion. More recently, fast-growing economies in Southeastern Europe and Türkiye have added additional pull. Together, these changes nudged Europe’s economic center toward Bavaria, landing near Munich by 2022. Germany Still Anchors Europe’s Economy Despite this eastward movement, the center remains firmly inside Germany. This reflects Germany’s continued role as Europe’s industrial engine. Its manufacturing sector, export strength, and central location keep it at the heart of the continent’s economic geography. In other words, while Eastern Europe is rising, Germany’s gravitational pull still holds the balance point nearby, at least for now. Learn More on the Voronoi App See where workers in Europe generate the most GDP per hour on the Voronoi app.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: U.S. States With the Highest Diabetes Rates 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 West Virginia has the highest diabetes prevalence in the U.S., with 15% of adults diagnosed. Vermont reports the lowest rate at 7.7%, nearly half the level of the highest states. Many Southern states report rates well above the national average of 10.3%. West Virginia has the highest diabetes prevalence in the U.S., with 15% of adults diagnosed, according to the latest data from the CDC. The map above shows how diabetes rates compare across all 50 states using the CDC U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System for 2023. Several Southern states rank among the highest in the country, while parts of the Mountain West and New England report some of the lowest prevalence levels. The South Has the Highest Diabetes Rates Many of the states with the highest diabetes prevalence are located in the U.S. South. West Virginia leads the nation, with 15% of adults diagnosed with diabetes, followed by Mississippi (14.7%) and Louisiana (14.5%). Other Southern states—including Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and South Carolina—also report rates well above the national average. These patterns are often linked to higher rates of obesity, lower physical activity levels, and socioeconomic disparities. StatePercentage (%) West Virginia15.0% Mississippi14.7% Louisiana14.5% Alabama13.7% Arkansas13.0% Tennessee12.7% South Carolina12.6% Texas12.0% Indiana11.5% Georgia11.4% Ohio11.3% Delaware11.1% Oklahoma11.1% Illinois10.8% Maryland10.8% North Carolina10.8% Michigan10.7% New Mexico10.7% Missouri10.6% Nevada10.6% California10.5% South Dakota10.5% Median of States10.3% Kansas10.3% Virginia10.3% Florida10.0% Rhode Island10.0% Arizona9.8% Iowa9.8% Nebraska9.6% Hawaii9.5% Oregon9.5% Wisconsin9.4% Wyoming9.4% Minnesota9.3% New York9.3% New Jersey9.1% Maine8.9% North Dakota8.8% Idaho8.7% Washington8.6% Massachusetts8.5% Alaska8.3% Connecticut8.3% District of Columbia8.2% Colorado8.0% Utah8.0% Montana7.9% New Hampshire7.9% Vermont7.7% KentuckyNo data PennsylvaniaNo data Texas also ranks among the higher-prevalence states, with 12% of adults diagnosed with diabetes. Most States Cluster Near the National Average Despite large differences at the extremes, many states fall close to the U.S. average of 10.3%. States such as Kansas and Virginia sit almost exactly at this level. Several populous states—including California, Illinois, and North Carolina—also report prevalence rates slightly above the national average. This clustering suggests that while regional trends exist, diabetes remains a widespread health challenge across the entire country. Public health initiatives focusing on prevention, early screening, and lifestyle changes remain central to reducing these rates. Lower Rates in the Mountain West and New England Some of the lowest diabetes prevalence rates appear in the Mountain West and parts of New England. Vermont reports the lowest rate at 7.7%, followed by Montana and New Hampshire at 7.9%. Colorado and Utah also report relatively low rates at around 8%, while several Northeastern states—including Massachusetts and Connecticut—remain below the national average. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Mapped: Alcohol Spending Per Capita, by U.S. State on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization The Countries Producing the Most Geothermal Power 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. produces the most geothermal power globally, with 3,734 MW of installed capacity. Indonesia and the Philippines rank second and third, highlighting Asia’s strong geothermal resources. Most leading geothermal producers sit along volcanic and tectonic zones, especially around the Pacific Ring of Fire. Electricity demand is rising as artificial intelligence, manufacturing reshoring, and electrification drive new power needs worldwide. That is putting renewed focus on geothermal power, a renewable energy source that can run around the clock. Unlike solar or wind, geothermal plants generate electricity using heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, making them a reliable source of always-on clean power. This treemap visualization ranks countries by installed geothermal power capacity, based on data from Global Energy Monitor, showing where this underground energy resource is most developed today. Geothermal Power By Country Dive into the data, which considered geothermal sites with one megawatt of operating capacity or more, below: RankCountryOperating Capacity (MW) 1 United States3,734 2 Indonesia2,432 3 Philippines1,937 4 Türkiye1,726 5 New Zealand1,377 6 Mexico941 7 Italy834 8 Kenya817 9 Iceland779 10 Japan618 11 Costa Rica253 12 El Salvador211 13 Nicaragua159 14 Chile81 15 Russia50 16 Guatemala46 17 Croatia36 18 Honduras35 19 Papua New Guinea30 20 Portugal24 21 Germany19 22 Guadeloupe15 23 Taiwan5 24 Canada5 25 Iran5 26 Hungary3 27 France2 The U.S. dominates geothermal production with a capacity of 3,734 megawatts, topping the next largest producer by 1,300 megawatts. That said, Asia as a region leads in production. While sitting in second and third place, Indonesia and the Philippines surpass the U.S. when counted together, at 2,432 and 1,937 megawatts, respectively. Their position on the “Ring of Fire,” where three tectonic plates collide and create volcanic activity, means they have vast geothermal potential. The Americas also sit on major geothermal resources, though many fields remain underdeveloped. Some countries have developed their resources more quickly. Mexico ranks sixth globally with 941 MW of capacity. Italy, the home of geothermal, and Iceland are Europe’s biggest producers at 834 megawatts and 779 megawatts respectively. Though Europe leads on renewables more broadly, geothermal is physically limited to these few volcanic countries. Iceland has a large capacity relative to its population and has one of the more developed geothermal industries globally, heating around 85% of houses in the country. Kenya is the only African country to make the list, with its 817 megawatts of power capacity. Appetite to exploit geothermal in the Great Rift Valley, a tectonic trench spanning several countries on the continent, has increased in recent years but the industry remains young. The Growing Potential of Geothermal Globally, geothermal makes up just 1% of global electricity demand, but more and more sites are becoming viable thanks to advances in technology. Existing geothermal plants harness energy from sites with highly permeable rocks, often under a thin layer of crust, making it easier to extract. Newer techniques, known as enhanced geothermal, include fracturing rock to unlock heat and push it to the surface by using a fluid. Next generation geothermal could account for 15% of global electricity demand growth to 2050, per the IEA. As re-shoring industries and the build out of AI continues at pace, the availability of energy will dictate where manufacturing hubs emerge. Geothermal can operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week, making it particularly compelling as a base load power that is currently serviced by fossil fuels. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more energy, check out this graphic which charts which countries generate the most electricity.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: The States With the Most U.S. Military Bases 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 There are 335 domestic military installations in the United States. Over a third of these facilities are housed in just six states: California, Virginia, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and New York. North Carolina is home to Fort Bragg, one of the world’s largest military bases. The United States operates 335 military installations across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., forming the domestic backbone of the world’s largest military force. This map shows how those bases are distributed across the country, revealing which states host the most U.S. military infrastructure. California leads the nation with 34 installations, while just six states account for more than one-third of all bases nationwide. Data comes from Military OneSource (2026). California and the San Diego Hub As the largest state in the country, California unsurprisingly hosts the most military installations (34) of the country, with close to 10% of all official U.S. bases being located in the state. San Diego County, in the southwestern corner of the state, houses 16 such installations for different military branches such as the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard, as well as the U.S. Marine Corps’ major West Coast base at Camp Pendleton. StateNumber of Military Bases California34 Virginia23 Texas19 Florida17 Maryland13 Georgia12 New York12 North Carolina9 Washington9 Alabama8 Arizona8 Illinois8 Ohio8 Oklahoma8 Pennsylvania8 Colorado7 Kentucky7 Mississippi7 New Jersey7 South Carolina7 Alaska6 Tennessee6 Kansas5 Louisiana5 Massachusetts5 Michigan5 Missouri5 Nevada5 New Mexico5 Arkansas4 Hawaii4 Indiana4 Utah4 Wisconsin4 DC3 Maine3 Minnesota3 North Dakota3 Oregon3 Connecticut2 Delaware2 Idaho2 Iowa2 Montana2 Nebraska2 Rhode Island2 South Dakota2 West Virginia2 Wyoming2 New Hampshire1 Vermont1 The Pacific Fleet of the U.S. Navy, while formally headquartered in Hawaii’s famous Pearl Harbor facility, also has as its principal homeport the Naval Base San Diego, which is the world’s second-largest surface ship naval base behind only Virginia’s Naval Station Norfolk. North Carolina’s Bragg Controversy Across the country, the far smaller state of North Carolina houses nine of its own military installations, with the most prominent being Fort Bragg. With over 50,000 soldiers of the U.S. Army, Fort Bragg is one of the world’s largest and most populous military bases. Fort Bragg was established in 1918 during the First World War and was initially named after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general. In 2023, the base was renamed Fort Liberty owing to controversy surrounding the legacy of Confederate military leaders. By 2025, however, the fort reverted to its original name, this time in honor of Roland Bragg, an Army paratrooper who took part in the Second World War. The various name changes were estimated to have cost the U.S. Department of Defense upwards of $12-14 million. Different Branches in Different States Across the United States, different branches of the military are concentrated in different states based around geographic and strategic needs. Colorado (7), for example, hosts three different Space Force bases, while to a lesser extent Nevada (5) serves as a hub for the U.S. Air Force. Some bases even have highly specialized missions. One of Georgia’s 12 military installations, for example, is the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, which sits on the state border with Florida. This base serves as home port for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet’s ballistic missile nuclear submarines, a core component of U.S. international power projection. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out How Much Land does the U.S. Military Control in Each State? on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

Mapped: Where Wild Bison Now Roam Across Europe This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways The European bison went extinct in the wild in 1927 after centuries of hunting and habitat loss. Today, reintroduction programs have established dozens of wild and semi-wild herds across Europe. The largest population lives in Poland’s Białowieża Forest, home to roughly 779 animals. Once roaming widely across Europe, the European bison, also known as the wisent, nearly vanished entirely due to centuries of hunting and habitat loss. By the early 1900s, the species had been driven to extinction in the wild. Today, however, conservationists are witnessing a remarkable comeback. Using the latest data from Białowieski Park Narodowy and visualized by The European Correspondent, the map above shows where free and semi-free bison populations now roam across Europe. Europe: Home Again to the Wild Bison Below is a look at the locations and herd sizes of European bison populations across the continent. CountryLocationIndividual Bison AzerbadijanSahdag national park20 BelarusAll locations2385 BulgariaNanovitsa12 BulgariaVoden55 Czech republicMolovice43 Czech republicRokycany3 Czech republicZidlov41 DenmarkBornholm10 DenmarkLille Vildmose11 FranceRéserve Biologique des Monts d'Azur51 GermanyBad Berleburg24 GermanyDöberitzer Heide100 Hungary0 Austria0 Italy0 LatviaLake Pape8 LithuaniaDzukija Region31 LithuaniaPanevezys and Kedainiai districts225 Moldova0 NetherlandsKraansvlak14 PolandBieszczady729 PolandLasy Janowskie9 PolandPuszcza Augustowska20 PolandPuszcza Bialowieska779 PolandPuszcza Borecka125 PolandPuszcza Knyszynska212 PolandPuszcza Romincka9 PolandStada w zachodniej polsce340 Portugal0 RomaniaArmenis102 RomaniaFagaras Mountains6 RomaniaNeagra Bucsani30 RomaniaPoieni4 RomaniaVanatori Neamt5 RomaniaVanatori Neamt50 Serbia0 SlovakiaNarodny Park Poloniny54 SpainEncinarejo17 SpainLa Serreta25 SpainVillaribia de los Ojos12 Sweden0 Switzerland0 UkraineBeregometske35 UkraineKhmilnytske107 UkraineKonotopske64 UkraineStorozhynetske13 UkraineStorozhynetske27 UkraineStyr84 UkraineZvirivske19 UkraineMaidan Myslyvskyi12 UkraineSkole Beskids39 UkraineZalissia21 United Kingdom0 Eastern Europe clearly dominates the map, with Poland, Belarus, and surrounding countries hosting the largest herds. The single biggest group lives in Poland’s Białowieża Forest with roughly 779 animals, making it one of the most important strongholds for the species. What Happened to Europe’s Original Wild Bison? The European bison once roamed forests and grasslands across nearly the entire continent. However, centuries of deforestation, agricultural expansion, and hunting drastically reduced their range. By 1927, the last wild European bison had been killed. The species survived only in zoos and private reserves, leaving conservationists with just a handful of individuals to rebuild the population. All modern European bison descend from a small captive group of only about a dozen founders. This bottleneck created genetic challenges that conservationists still manage today. The Conservation Effort That Brought Them Back The species’ survival is largely thanks to coordinated international conservation efforts. Breeding programs began in captivity during the 1920s before animals were gradually reintroduced into protected landscapes. Organizations such as Rewilding Europe have since helped restore herds in multiple regions, from the Carpathian Mountains to parts of Western Europe. Reintroductions often occur in large forest ecosystems where human disturbance is limited. Countries leading bison recovery efforts include: Poland: Home to the largest population and the historic Białowieża Forest herd Romania: Expanding rewilding programs in the Southern Carpathians Belarus: Hosting several large established populations Germany and the Netherlands: Smaller but symbolically important reintroductions These programs often work in tandem with protected areas. In fact, Europe has significantly expanded conservation zones in recent decades, with countries like Poland having a large share of protected land. Where Could Bison Expand Next? While populations remain concentrated in Eastern Europe, conservationists believe the continent could support far more bison than exist today. Large wilderness corridors—particularly in the Carpathians, Balkans, and parts of Scandinavia—offer suitable habitats for expansion. Even Western Europe is experimenting with smaller rewilding projects. For example, bison now graze in coastal dunes near Amsterdam in the Netherlands, while Spain reintroduced a small herd in the Encinares region in 2020. If these projects continue to succeed, the European bison’s story could become one of the continent’s most notable wildlife recoveries, offering proof that even species pushed to the brink can return with sustained conservation efforts. Learn More on the Voronoi App Explore how conservation projects are helping restore wildlife populations across the continent in Some Wildlife Conservation Efforts Are Working in Europe, available on the Voronoi app.

Charted: China’s Population Is Rapidly Aging (1950–2100) This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways China’s population has shifted from one of the world’s youngest in 1950 to one projected to be heavily skewed toward seniors by 2100. Falling fertility and the one-child policy accelerated China’s demographic aging before it reached high-income status. Beijing is trying to reverse record-low birth rates with subsidies, tax breaks, and pro-natalist messaging. China’s population is aging at a historic pace. The visualization above, created by Oscar Leo of DataCanvas using data from the UN World Population Prospects 2024, shows how the country’s age distribution has shifted from 1950 and how it is projected to change through 2100. In 1950, nearly a quarter of China’s population (24.5%) was aged 0–9. By 2024, that share has fallen to just 9.9%, and by 2100 it’s projected to shrink to 5%. Meanwhile, the population aged 80+ is expected to surge. From Baby Boom to Birth Drought In the mid-20th century, China was a young nation. High fertility rates, exceeding six births per woman in the 1950s, produced a broad-based population pyramid. The table below divides China’s population into three buckets—youth, working-age, and seniors—and shows how dramatically that balance is projected to shift over the 21st century. Year Total (Under-15s)Share (Under-15s)Total (15-64 years)Share (15-64 years)Total (65+ years)Share (65+ years) 195018926886534.8%32734108560.2%274338775.0% 196026410686440.3%36472597755.7%259687674.0% 197033585331640.8%45692889355.5%305265733.7% 198035489152436.1%58505900959.5%432128384.4% 199033220716428.8%75971474765.9%616600675.3% 200031160722724.5%86888139668.4%890879717.0% 201024968814318.5%98480824872.9%1170533428.7% 202025605503018.0%98971655869.4%18029984912.6% 203016974108312.1%97197821169.5%25636096518.3% 20401259015729.4%85947595364.0%35728613226.6% 20501253208289.9%74529085859.2%38929177630.9% 2060991803768.7%61313530254.1%42206494437.2% 2070758181577.6%52442873152.6%39661135039.8% 2080728822168.4%40513670446.7%38997752644.9% 2090623581048.4%33072329544.7%34753104646.9% 2100496319177.9%29347675346.6%28600896145.5% The introduction of the one-child policy in 1980 abruptly changed the country’s demographic trajectory. Intended to curb runaway population growth, the policy accelerated fertility decline well below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman. Even after the policy was scrapped in 2015, births continued to fall. China’s population declined for the third straight year in 2025, with new births hitting record lows. Growing Old Before Growing Rich Unlike many Western economies, China’s fertility rate fell to ultra-low levels before the country became fully developed. This means it is aging rapidly without the same per capita wealth cushion seen in places like Japan or Germany. By 2100, projections show that nearly 40% of China’s population could be aged 60 or older. The working-age population will shrink, while retirees expand, which is a dynamic that raises concerns about labor shortages, pension sustainability, and slower economic growth. Can Policy Reverse the Trend? Projections are not predictions. They assume current fertility, mortality, and migration patterns continue, and Beijing is working hard to shift those patterns. In recent years, authorities have rolled out subsidies for parents, tax breaks, housing incentives, and even framed childbirth as a “national duty”. Yet so far, financial incentives have struggled to overcome structural forces: high housing costs, competitive education, urbanization, and shifting social norms. Whether China can meaningfully alter its demographic course remains uncertain. What is clear from the data, however, is that the country’s age structure in 2100 will look radically different from the youthful nation it was in 1950.