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Definitions

  • Cost of living > Average monthly disposable salary > After tax: Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax). Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax)". Prices in current USD.
  • Crime > Crime levels: Level of crime. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How serious you feel the level of crime is?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Crime > Violent crime > Gun crime > Guns per 100 residents: Number of privately owned small firearms per 100 residents.
  • Crime > Violent crime > Intentional homicide rate: Homicides per 100’000 residents. Homicide is the death of a person purposefully inflicted by another person (it excludes suicides) outside of a state of war. Homicide is a broader category than murder, as it also includes manslaughter. The exact legal definition varies across countries, some of which include infanticide, assisted suicide, euthanasia and deaths caused by dangerous driving.
  • Economy > Budget surplus > + or deficit > -: This entry records the difference between national government revenues and expenditures, expressed as a percent of GDP. A positive (+) number indicates that revenues exceeded expenditures (a budget surplus), while a negative (-) number indicates the reverse (a budget deficit). Normalizing the data, by dividing the budget balance by GDP, enables easy comparisons across countries and indicates whether a national government saves or borrows money. Countries with high budget deficits (relative to their GDPs) generally have more difficulty raising funds to finance expenditures, than those with lower deficits.
  • Economy > Population below poverty line: National estimates of the percentage of the population lying below the poverty line are based on surveys of sub-groups, with the results weighted by the number of people in each group. Definitions of poverty vary considerably among nations. For example, rich nations generally employ more generous standards of poverty than poor nations.
  • Geography > Area > Comparative: The area of various small countries expressed in comparison to various areas within the United States of America.
  • Geography > Area > Land: Total land area in square kilometres
  • Geography > Climate: A brief description of typical weather regimes throughout the year.
  • Geography > Land area > Square miles: Country land area.
  • Government > Government type: A description of the basic form of government (e.g., republic, constitutional monarchy, federal republic, parliamentary democracy, military dictatorship).
  • Government > Legal system: A brief description of the legal system's historical roots, role in government, and acceptance of International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.
  • Government > Legislative branch: This entry contains information on the structure (unicameral, bicameral, tricameral), formal name, number of seats, and term of office. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote and/or number of seats held by each party in the last election.
  • Military > Air force > Combat aircraft: Number of fighter aircrafts (fixed wing aircrafts with combat capability).
  • People > Population: Population, total refers to the total population.
  • Geography > Geographic coordinates: This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the Gazetteer of Conventional Names, Third Edition, August 1988, US Board on Geographic Names and on other sources.
  • Religion > Religions: This entry includes a rank ordering of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population.
  • Cost of living > Local purchasing power: Local Purchasing Power shows relative purchasing power in buying goods and services in a given city for the average wage in that city. If domestic purchasing power is 40, this means that the inhabitants of that city with the average salary can afford to buy 60% less typical goods and services than New York City residents with an average salary.
  • Military > Army > Main battle tanks: Number of main battle tanks.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Cigarettes > Pack of Marlboro: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked about the price of a Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro). Prices in current USD.
  • Economy > Unemployment rate: This entry contains the percent of the labor force that is without jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted.
  • People > Ethnic groups: This entry provides a rank ordering of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population.
  • Government > Suffrage: The age at enfranchisement and whether the right to vote is universal or restricted
  • Geography > Area > Total: Total area in square kilometers
  • Government > Constitution: The dates of adoption, revisions, and major amendments to a nation's constitution
  • Crime > Drugs > Annual cannabis use: Estimate of percentage of 15-64 year old population who use Cannabis.
  • Labor > Salaries and benefits > Minimum wage: Minimum wage.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Government > Judicial branch: The name(s) of the highest court(s) and a brief description of the selection process for members.
  • Transport > Road > Motor vehicles per 1000 people: Motor vehicles per 1000 people.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • People > Birth rate: The average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 persons in the population at midyear; also known as crude birth rate. The birth rate is usually the dominant factor in determining the rate of population growth. It depends on both the level of fertility and the age structure of the population.
  • Crime > Drugs > Opiates use: Annual prevalence.
  • Economy > Budget > Revenues: Revenues calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms
  • Economy > GDP > Per capita > PPP: This entry shows GDP on a purchasing power parity basis divided by population as of 1 July for the same year.
  • Crime > Justice system > Punishment > Capital punishment (last execution year): Year of last use.
  • Government > Political parties and leaders: Significant political organizations and their leaders.
  • Economy > Economy > Overview: This entry briefly describes the type of economy, including the degree of market orientation, the level of economic development, the most important natural resources, and the unique areas of specialization. It also characterizes major economic events and policy changes in the most recent 12 months and may include a statement about one or two key future macroeconomic trends.
  • Economy > Exports: This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.
  • Government > Executive branch > Cabinet: Cabinet includes the official name for any body of high-ranking advisers roughly comparable to a U.S. Cabinet. Also notes the method for selection of members.
  • Military > Budget: Annual defense budget in billion USD.
  • Economy > GDP > Per capita: This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States. This is the measure most economists prefer when looking at per-capita welfare and when comparing living conditions or use of resources across countries. The measure is difficult to compute, as a US dollar value has to be assigned to all goods and services in the country regardless of whether these goods and services have a direct equivalent in the United States (for example, the value of an ox-cart or non-US military equipment); as a result, PPP estimates for some countries are based on a small and sometimes different set of goods and services. In addition, many countries do not formally participate in the World Bank's PPP project that calculates these measures, so the resulting GDP estimates for these countries may lack precision. For many developing countries, PPP-based GDP measures are multiples of the official exchange rate (OER) measure. The difference between the OER- and PPP-denominated GDP values for most of the weathly industrialized countries are generally much smaller. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Energy > Electricity > Consumption > Per capita: Total electricity consumed annually plus imports and minus exports, expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • People > Death rate: The average annual number of deaths during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate. The death rate, while only a rough indicator of the mortality situation in a country, accurately indicates the current mortality impact on population growth. This indicator is significantly affected by age distribution, and most countries will eventually show a rise in the overall death rate, in spite of continued decline in mortality at all ages, as declining fertility results in an aging population.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Water > 1.5 litre bottle: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked about the price of a bottle of water (1.5 liter). Prices in current USD.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Loaf of bread > Fresh, white: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked about the price of a Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g). Prices in current USD.
  • Government > Political pressure groups and leaders: Organizations with leaders involved in politics, but not standing for legislative election.
  • Geography > Natural resources: A country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and other resources of commercial importance.
  • Energy > Electricity > Consumption: Total electricity consumed annually plus imports and minus exports, expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution.
  • People > Population growth rate: The average annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative. The growth rate is a factor in determining how great a burden would be imposed on a country by the changing needs of its people for infrastructure (e.g., schools, hospitals, housing, roads), resources (e.g., food, water, electricity), and jobs. Rapid population growth can be seen as threatening by neighboring countries.
  • Geography > Area > Land > Per capita: Total land area in square kilometres Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Media > Telephones > Mobile cellular > Per capita: The total number of mobile cellular telephones in use. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Media > Internet > Internet users per thousand people: Internet users. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Cost of living > Basic utilities > Garbage, water, heating, electricity for 85 sqm apartment: Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment". Prices in current USD.
  • Crime > Believes crime increasing in the past 3 years: Crime increasing in the past 3 years. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "In the past three years would you say the level of crime in your community has increased, stayed about the same, or decreased?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Crime > Fear of crime > Violent hate crime: Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin colour, ethnic origin or religion. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How worried are you about)......being subject to a physical attack because of your skin colour, ethnic origin or religion?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Economy > Debt > Government debt > Public debt, share of GDP: Public debt as % of GDP (CIA).

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Economy > Public debt: This entry records the cumulatiive total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liabilities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign exchange earnings.
  • Economy > Inflation rate > Consumer prices: This entry furnishes the annual percent change in consumer prices compared with the previous year's consumer prices.
  • Crime > Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > At night: Safety walking alone during night. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How safe do you feel walking alone in this city during the night?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Language > Languages: A rank ordering of languages starting with the largest and sometimes includes the percent of total population speaking that language.
  • Transport > Road network length > Km: Length of road network in kilometers in European Union countries.
  • Economy > GDP > Composition, by sector of origin > Services: This entry is derived from Economy > GDP > Composition, by sector of origin, which shows where production takes place in an economy. The distribution gives the percentage contribution of agriculture, industry, and services to total GDP, and will total 100 percent of GDP if the data are complete. Agriculture includes farming, fishing, and forestry. Industry includes mining, manufacturing, energy production, and construction. Services cover government activities, communications, transportation, finance, and all other private economic activities that do not produce material goods.
  • Economy > Exports per capita: This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Milk > 1 litre: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked about the price of 1 liter of regular Milk. Prices in current USD.
  • Cost of living > Cinema ticket price > International release: Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat". Prices in current USD.
  • Cost of living > Clothing and shoe prices > Shoes > Pair of Nikes: 1 Pair of Nike Shoes. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "1 Pair of Nike Shoes". Prices in current USD.
  • Government > Administrative divisions: This entry generally gives the numbers, designatory terms, and first-order administrative divisions as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Changes that have been reported but not yet acted on by BGN are noted.
  • Cost of living > Real estate prices > Rent index: Rent Index is estimation of prices of renting apartments in the city compared to New York City. If Rent index is 80, Numbeo estimates that price for renting in that city is 80% of price in New York.
  • Education > Literacy > Total population: This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of our source. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons.
  • Health > Quality of health care system > Health care system index: Health Care Index is an estimation of the overall quality of the health care system, health care professionals, equipment, staff, doctors, cost, etc.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Egg > Dozen: Average prize of a dozen eggs. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked about the prize of a dozen eggs. Prices in current USD.
  • Cost of living > Real estate prices > Rent per month > 3 bedroom apartment > City centre: Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre". Prices in current USD.
  • Economy > Distribution of family income > Gini index: This index measures the degree of inequality in the distribution of family income in a country. The index is calculated from the Lorenz curve, in which cumulative family income is plotted against the number of families arranged from the poorest to the ric
  • Religion > Religions > All: This entry includes a rank ordering of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population.
  • Cost of living > Transport prices > New car > Volkswagen Golf 1.4 or similar: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car). Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)". Prices in current USD.
  • Military > Global Peace Index: The Global Peace Index is comprised of 22 indicators in the three categories ongoing domestic or international conflicts; societal safety; and security and militarization. A low index value indicates a peaceful and safe country.
  • Energy > Oil > Consumption > Per capita: This entry is the total oil consumed in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Geography > Terrain: A brief description of the topography
  • Health > Life expectancy at birth > Total population: The average number of years to be lived by a group of people born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future. Life expectancy at birth is also a measure of overall quality of life in a country and summarizes the mortality at all ages. It can also be thought of as indicating the potential return on investment in human capital and is necessary for the calculation of various actuarial measures.
  • Transport > Road > Motorway length: Total network length of all motorways in km.
  • Military > Service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of sevice obligation.
  • Geography > Location: The country's regional location, neighboring countries, and adjacent bodies of water.
  • Health > Quality of health care system > Cost: Cost to you. Based on 0-50 contributions for Albania, Argentina, Austria and 69 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Germany and 7 more countries and over 100 contributions for Canada, India, United Kingdom and 1 more country. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from October, 2010 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Cost to you". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Lifestyle > Quality of life index: Quality of Life Index is an estimation of overall quality of life by using empirical formula (the formula is an our opinion and it's based on experiments). The actual formula might be changed. Currently, we put the highest weight to pollution - if the environment is polluted too much, the economy or safety cannot fulfill it. We put the second highest importance to safety, since it is more important to feel safe rather than wealthy, in our opinion. etc. The number 65 is added so that the numbers are in such range so it rarely goes under zero (65 is a range modifier).
  • Labor > Labor force > By occupation: Component parts of the labor force by occupation.
  • Labor > Unemployment rate: The percent of the labor force that is without jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted.
  • Environment > Pollution perceptions > Air pollution: Air Pollution. Based on 0-50 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Argentina and 86 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Canada, China and 9 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Brazil, Bulgaria, Greece and 12 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from January, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How satisfied are you with the quality of air in this city?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Conflict > Terrorism > Global Terrorism Index: Score on Global Terrorism Index. A high value indicates that a country is affected by many terrorist incidents with a strong impact in terms of fatalities, injuries and damaged property.
  • Military > WMD > Nuclear: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of nuclear weapons
  • Culture > Happy Planet Index: The Happy Planet Index (HPI) is calculated from three components: Perceived well-being, life expectancy and ecological footprint. A higher value indicates a happier population.
  • Government > Executive branch > Head of government: Head of government includes the name and title of the top administrative leader who is designated to manage the day-to-day activities of the government. For example, in the UK, the monarch is the chief of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. In the US, the president is both the chief of state and the head of government.
  • Geography > Coastline: The total length of the boundary between the land area (including islands) and the sea.
  • Labor > Labor force: The total labor force figure
  • Environment > Current issues: This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry:
  • Energy > Oil > Consumption: This entry is the total oil consumed in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors.
  • Health > Life expectancy > Men: Life expectancy for men.
  • Military > Navy > Submarines: Number of patrol boats (includes minesweepers).
  • Media > Television > List of TV stations: List of TV stations.
  • Energy > Oil > Production > Per capita: This entry is the total oil produced in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Military > WMD > Missile: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of missile weapons of mass destruction
  • People > Total fertility rate: The average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their child-bearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. The total fertility rate is a more direct measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential for population growth in the country. High rates will also place some limits on the labor force participation rates for women. Large numbers of children born to women indicate large family sizes that might limit the ability of the families to feed and educate their children.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Rice > White, 1kg: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked about the price of 1 kg of White Rice. Prices in current USD.
  • Government > Executive branch > Chief of state: The name and title of any person or role roughly equivalent to a U.S. Chief of State. This means the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial functions but may not be involved with the day-to-day activities of the government
  • Agriculture > Grains > Rice > Consumption: Figures for 2003/2004
  • Economy > GDP > Purchasing power parity: This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States. This is the measure most economists prefer when looking at per-capita welfare and when comparing living conditions or use of resources across countries. The measure is difficult to compute, as a US dollar value has to be assigned to all goods and services in the country regardless of whether these goods and services have a direct equivalent in the United States (for example, the value of an ox-cart or non-US military equipment); as a result, PPP estimates for some countries are based on a small and sometimes different set of goods and services. In addition, many countries do not formally participate in the World Bank's PPP project that calculates these measures, so the resulting GDP estimates for these countries may lack precision. For many developing countries, PPP-based GDP measures are multiples of the official exchange rate (OER) measure. The difference between the OER- and PPP-denominated GDP values for most of the weathly industrialized countries are generally much smaller.
  • Labor > Salaries and benefits > Hourly minimum wage: Hourly minimum wage at international USD (this means that discrepancies in purchasing power have been compensated for).
  • Government > Capital city > Name: This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • Government > Capital city > Geographic coordinates: This entry gives the name of the seat of government, its geographic coordinates, the time difference relative to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and the time observed in Washington, DC, and, if applicable, information on daylight saving time (DST). Where appropriate, a special note has been added to highlight those countries that have multiple time zones.
  • Government > International organization participation: This entry lists in alphabetical order by abbreviation those international organizations in which the subject country is a member or participates in some other way.
  • Crime > Prisoners: Total persons incarcerated
  • Religion > Major religion(s): Country major religions.
  • Cost of living > Internet > Broadband 6Mpbs, uncapped data: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked abot the price of an Internet connection (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)". Prices in current USD.
  • Geography > Area > Water: Total water area in square kilometers
  • People > Age structure > 0-14 years: The distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest.
  • Military > Military service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.
  • Transport > Airports: Total number of airports. Runways must be useable, but may be unpaved. May not have facilities for refuelling, maintenance, or air traffic control.
  • Military > Navy > Aircraft carriers: Number of aircraft carriers.
  • Geography > Area > Comparative to US places: This entry provides an area comparison based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states based on area measurements (1990 revised) provided by the US Bureau of the Census. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 sq km, 69 sq mi) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 sq km, 0.23 sq mi, 146 acres).
  • Language > Major language(s): Country major languages.
  • Media > News Agencies > List of news agencies: List of news agencies.
  • Cost of living > Real estate prices > Apartment purchase price per sqm > City centre: Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre". Prices in current USD.
  • Economy > Fiscal year: The beginning and ending months for a country's accounting period of 12 months, which often is the calendar year but which may begin in any month. All yearly references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as a noncalendar fiscal year (FY).
  • Background > Overview: A geopolitical overview of every sovereign country in the world, briefly examining their recent history and place on the global stage. The texts are taken from the BBC News website.
  • People > Age structure > 65 years and over: The distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest."
  • Economy > GDP > Composition by sector > Industry: The gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods produced by the industrial sector within a nation in a given year. GDP dollar estimates in the Factbook are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations. See the CIA World Factbook for more information.
  • Crime > Perceived problems > Problem violent crimes including assault and armed robbery: Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How much of a problem are...) violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Labor > Hours worked > Standard workweek: Standard workweek (hours).
  • People > Nationality > Noun: The noun which identifies citizens of the nation
  • Media > Radio > List of radio stations: List of radio stations.
  • Crime > Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > During the day: Safety walking alone during daylight. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How safe do you feel walking alone in this city during the daylight?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Economy > Imports per capita: This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Education > Literacy > Female: This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of our source. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons.
  • Health > Infant mortality rate > Total: This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year; included is the total death rate, and deaths by sex, male and female. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country.
  • Cost of living > Clothing and shoe prices > Jeans > 1 pair of Levi 501s or equivalent: 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar). Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)". Prices in current USD.
  • Transport > Commute > Distance: Distance. Based on 0-50 contributions for Argentina, Armenia, Austria and 63 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Germany and 5 more countries and over 100 contributions for Canada, India, and United States. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from January, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Distance".
  • Geography > Elevation extremes > Highest point: Highest point above sea level
  • Economy > Technology index: The technology index denotes the country's technological readiness. This index is created with such indicators as companies spending on R&D, the creativity of its scientific community, personal computer and internet penetration rates.
  • Transport > Road > Expressway length: Expressway length (km).

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Military > Military expenditures: This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). For countries with no military forces, this figure can include expenditures on public security and police.
  • Agriculture > Products: Major agricultural crops and products
  • Cost of living > Consumer price index > Plus rent: Consumer Price Plus Rent Index is an estimation of consumer goods prices including rent in the city comparing to New York City. If a city has a an index of 120, it means Numbeo estimates it is 20% more expensive than New York (excluding rent).
  • Cost of living > Restaurant prices > McDonalds meal: Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar". Prices in current USD.
  • Environment > Pollution perceptions > Water pollution: Water Pollution. Based on 0-50 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Argentina and 86 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Canada, China and 9 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Brazil, Bulgaria, Greece and 12 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from January, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Are you concerned with the water pollution in this city?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Economy > Population below poverty line > Per capita: National estimates of the percentage of the population lying below the poverty line are based on surveys of sub-groups, with the results weighted by the number of people in each group. Definitions of poverty vary considerably among nations. For example, rich nations generally employ more generous standards of poverty than poor nations. Per capita figures expressed per 1 million population.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Chicken breasts > Skinless, boneless: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked about the price of 1 kg of Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless). Prices in current USD.
  • Economy > Big Mac Index: Price of a McDonald's Big Mac in US Dollars at current exchange rates. January 12th, 2006.
  • Military > Military branches: This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and marine forces).
  • Economy > GDP > Per capita > PPP per thousand people: This entry shows GDP on a purchasing power parity basis divided by population as of 1 July for the same year. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Energy > Electricity > Installed generating capacity per thousand people: This entry is the total capacity of currently installed generators, expressed in kilowatts (kW), to produce electricity. A 10-kilowatt (kW) generator will produce 10 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, if it runs continuously for one hour. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Economy > Exports > Commodities: This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued exported products; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.
  • Crime > Prisoners > Per capita: Data for 2003. Number of prisoners held per 100,000 population.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Groceries index: Groceries Index is an estimation of grocery prices in a given location compared to New York City. To calculate this section, Numbeo uses the "Markets" section of each city.
  • Religion > Seventh-day Adventist Membership: This entry lists Seventh-day Adventist membership worldwide as of 2004. Membership is defined as baptised and active.
  • Cost of living > Real estate prices > Rent per month > 1 bedroom apartment > City centre: Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre". Prices in current USD.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Apple > 1kg: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked about the price of 1 kg of apples. Prices in current USD.
  • Energy > Electricity > Production: The annual electricity generated expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution.
  • Government > Country name > Conventional long form: This entry is derived from Government > Country name, which includes all forms of the country's name approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example): conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form (Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form (Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation. Also see the Terminology note.
  • People > Cities > Urban population: Total population living in urban areas. The defition of an urban area differs for each country. Future estimates are from the UN Population Division.
  • Geography > Land use > Arable land: The percentage of used land that is arable. Arable land is land cultivated for crops that are replanted after each harvest like wheat, maize, and rice
  • Religion > Secularism and atheism > Population considering religion unimportant: Percentage of population who says religion is not important in their daily lives. The survey was carried out within the Gallup Poll.
  • Crime > Fear of crime > Worries about being attacked: Worries attacked. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How worried are you about)......being physically attacked by strangers?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Economy > Imports: This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.
  • People > Nationality > Adjective: This entry is derived from People > Nationality, which provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and adjective.
  • Media > Radio broadcast stations: The total number of AM, FM, and shortwave broadcast stations.
  • People > Sex ratio > Total population: The number of males for each female one of five age groups - at birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over, and for the total population. Sex ratio at birth has recently emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in some countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian countries are now attributed to sex-selective abortion and infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect future marriage patterns and fertility patterns. Eventually it could cause unrest among young adult males who are unable to find partners.
  • Environment > Pollution perceptions > Air quality: Air quality. Based on 0-50 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Argentina and 86 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Canada, China and 9 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Brazil, Bulgaria, Greece and 12 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from January, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How satisfied are you with the quality of air in this city?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Government > Executive branch > Elections: Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election
  • Crime > Software piracy rate: The piracy rate is the total number of units of pirated software deployed in 2007 divided by the total units of software installed.
  • Religion > Christian > Mormon > Congregations: Total Congregations.
  • Military > Expenditures > Percent of GDP: Current military expenditures as an estimated percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
  • Economy > Budget > Expenditures: Expenditures calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms
  • People > Sex ratio > At birth: The number of males for each female one of five age groups - at birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over, and for the total population. Sex ratio at birth has recently emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in some countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian countries are now attributed to sex-selective abortion and infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect future marriage patterns and fertility patterns. Eventually it could cause unrest among young adult males who are unable to find partners.
  • Energy > Crude oil > Production: This entry is the total amount of crude oil produced, in barrels per day (bbl/day).
  • Cost of living > Restaurant prices > Restaurant index: Restaurants Index is a comparison of prices of meals and drinks in restaurants and bars compared to NYC.
  • Crime > Perceived problems > Property crimes including vandalism and theft: Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How much of a problem are...) property crimes such as vandalism and theft?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Economy > Budget > Revenues > Per capita: Revenues calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Transport > Rail > Railway length: Railway length in kilometers.
  • Cost of living > Sports > Tennis court hire > 1 hour, weekend: Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend). Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)". Prices in current USD.
  • Environment > Transport CO2 emission index: CO2 Emission Index is an estimation of CO2 consumption due to traffic time. Measurement unit is grams for the return trip. To calculate an average estimation of emission in grams for one way commute to work, divide this value with 2.
  • Cost of living > Prices at markets > Potatoes > 1kg: Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014 (sample survey for the United States). Respondents were asked about the price of 1 kg of potatoes. Prices in current USD.
  • Cost of living > Real estate prices > Apartment purchase price per sqm > Outside city centre: Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre". Prices in current USD.
  • Culture > Food and drink > Fast food > McDonalds > First outlet notes: Facts and peculiarities regarding the opening of a McDonald's in each country.
  • Government > National symbol(s): A national symbol is a faunal, floral, or other abstract representation - or some distinctive object - that over time has come to be closely identified with a country or entity. Not all countries have national symbols; a few countries have more than one.
  • Religion > Muslim > Muslim percentage of total population: Muslim percentage (%) of total population 2014 Pew Report.
  • Media > Internet > Users > Per capita: This entry gives the number of users within a country that access the Internet. Statistics vary from country to country and may include users who access the Internet at least several times a week to those who access it only once within a period of several months. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Religion > Islam > Percentage Muslim: Percent of Muslims in each country.
  • Environment > Pollution perceptions > Drinking water pollution: Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility. Based on 0-50 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Argentina and 86 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Canada, China and 9 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Brazil, Bulgaria, Greece and 12 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from January, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How do you find quality and the accessibility of drinking water?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Cost of living > Restaurant prices > 3 course meal for 2: Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course". Prices in current USD.
  • Industry > Car > Production: OICA defines passenger cars as motor vehicles used for transporting passengers with at least four wheels and containing 8 seats or less.
  • Health > Life expectancy > Women: Life expectancy for women.
  • Economy > Exports > Main exports: Country main exports.
  • Geography > Natural hazards: Potential natural disasters.
  • Government > Flag description: A written flag description produced from actual flags or the best information available at the time the entry was written. The flags of independent states are used by their dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag. Some disputed and other areas do not have flags.
  • Culture > Food and drink > Fast food > McDonalds > First outlet date: The date when the first McDonald's outlet opened in each country.
  • Geography > Maritime claims > Territorial sea: territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal State extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the LOS Convention (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every State has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles. A full and definitive definition can be found in the Law of the Sea (LOS) Convention.
  • Environment > Pollution perceptions > Clean water: Water Quality. Based on 0-50 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Argentina and 86 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Canada, China and 9 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Brazil, Bulgaria, Greece and 12 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from January, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Are you concerned with the water pollution in this city?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Economy > Debt > External: Total public and private debt owed to non-residents repayable in foreign currency, goods, or services.
  • Cost of living > Real estate prices > Rent per month > 1 bedroom apartment > Outside city centre: Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Andorra and 81 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Albania, Algeria, Armenia and 19 more countries and over 100 contributions for Argentina, Australia, Austria and 82 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from May, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre". Prices in current USD.
  • Crime > Perceived problems > Illegal drugs: Problem people using or dealing drugs. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How much of a problem are...) people using or dealing drugs?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Media > Televisions: The total number of televisions
  • Media > Telephones > Main lines in use > Per capita: The total number of main telephone lines in use. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Economy > Debt > External > Per capita: Total public and private debt owed to non-residents repayable in foreign currency, goods, or services. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Crime > Perceived problems > Problem corruption and bribery: Problem corruption and bribery. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How much of a problem are...) corruption and bribery?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Economy > GDP > Composition by sector > Services: The gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final services produced within a nation in a given year. GDP dollar estimates in the Factbook are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations. See the CIA World Factbook for more information.
  • Energy > Electricity > Production > Per capita: The annual electricity generated expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Transport > Road > Motorway density: Meters of motorway per square kilometer.
STAT Taiwan United States HISTORY
Cost of living > Average monthly disposable salary > After tax $1,307.43
Ranked 50th.
$3,258.85
Ranked 12th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Crime > Crime levels 13.57
Ranked 91st.
55.84
Ranked 30th. 4 times more than Taiwan
Crime > Violent crime > Gun crime > Guns per 100 residents 4.6
Ranked 102nd.
88.8
Ranked 1st. 19 times more than Taiwan
Crime > Violent crime > Intentional homicide rate 2.7
Ranked 10th.
4.7
Ranked 7th. 74% more than Taiwan

Economy > Budget surplus > + or deficit > - -2.6% of GDP
Ranked 84th.
-6.8% of GDP
Ranked 157th. 3 times more than Taiwan

Economy > Population below poverty line 1.5%
Ranked 17th.
15.1%
Ranked 34th. 10 times more than Taiwan

Geography > Area > Comparative slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; more than twice the size of the European Union
Geography > Area > Land 32,260 sq km
Ranked 135th.
9.16 million sq km
Ranked 4th. 284 times more than Taiwan

Geography > Climate tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains
Geography > Land area > Square miles 13,972 square miles
Ranked 1st.
3.8 million square miles
Ranked 2nd. 272 times more than Taiwan
Government > Government type multiparty democracy Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic tradition
Government > Legal system civil law system common law system based on English common law at the federal level; state legal systems based on common law except Louisiana, which is based on Napoleonic civil code; judicial review of legislative acts
Government > Legislative branch unicameral Legislative Yuan (113 seats - 73 district members elected by popular vote, 34 at-large members elected on basis of proportion of islandwide votes received by participating political parties, 6 elected by popular vote among aboriginal populations; members to serve four-year terms); parties must receive 5% of vote to qualify for at-large seats bicameral Congress consists of the Senate
Military > Air force > Combat aircraft 360
Ranked 5th.
3,318
Ranked 1st. 9 times more than Taiwan
People > Population 23.3 million
Ranked 51st.
316.67 million
Ranked 3rd. 14 times more than Taiwan

Geography > Geographic coordinates 23 30 N, 121 00 E 38 00 N, 97 00 W
Religion > Religions mixture of Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5% Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4%
Cost of living > Local purchasing power 73.94
Ranked 31st.
128.73
Ranked 2nd. 74% more than Taiwan
Military > Army > Main battle tanks 1,926
Ranked 4th.
8,725
Ranked 1st. 5 times more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Prices at markets > Cigarettes > Pack of Marlboro $2.80
Ranked 78th.
$6.00
Ranked 34th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Economy > Unemployment rate 4.2%
Ranked 96th.
8.1%
Ranked 47th. 93% more than Taiwan

People > Ethnic groups Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, indigenous 2% white 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate)
Government > Suffrage 20 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal
Geography > Area > Total 35,980 sq km
Ranked 140th.
9.83 million sq km
Ranked 4th. 273 times more than Taiwan

Government > Constitution previous 1912, 1931; latest adopted 25 December 1946, promulgated 1 January 1947, effective 25 December 1947; revised several times, last in 2005 previous 1781 (Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union); latest drafted July - September 1787, submitted to the Congress of the Confederation 20 September 1787, submitted for states' ratification 28 September 1787, ratification completed by nine sta
Crime > Drugs > Annual cannabis use 0.3%
Ranked 17th.
13.7%
Ranked 1st. 46 times more than Taiwan
Labor > Salaries and benefits > Minimum wage NT$ 19,047 per month; NT$115 per hour. The federal minimum wage in the United States is US$ 7.25 per hour. States may also set a minimum, in which case the higher of the two is controlling; some territories are exempt and have lower rates.
Government > Judicial branch Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with consent of the Legislative Yuan) Supreme Court (nine justices; nominated by the president and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate; appointed to serve for life); United States Courts of Appeal; United States District Courts; State and County Courts
Transport > Road > Motor vehicles per 1000 people 324
Ranked 52nd.
797
Ranked 3rd. 2 times more than Taiwan
People > Birth rate 8.61 births/1,000 population
Ranked 215th.
13.66 births/1,000 population
Ranked 147th. 59% more than Taiwan

Crime > Drugs > Opiates use 0.3%
Ranked 3rd.
0.57%
Ranked 3rd. 90% more than Taiwan
Economy > Budget > Revenues $78.38 billion
Ranked 39th.
$2.45 trillion
Ranked 1st. 31 times more than Taiwan

Economy > GDP > Per capita > PPP $38,400.00
Ranked 18th.
$51,700.00
Ranked 6th. 35% more than Taiwan

Crime > Justice system > Punishment > Capital punishment (last execution year) 2,013
Ranked 12th.
2,014
Ranked 1st. The same as Taiwan
Government > Political parties and leaders Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [SU Tseng-chang]<br />Kuomintang or KMT (Nationalist Party) [MA Ying-jeou]<br />New Party [YOK Mu-ming]<br />Non-Partisan Solidarity Union or NPSU [LIN Pin-kuan]<br />People First Party or PFP [James SOONG Chu-ye]<br />Taiwan Solidarity Union or TSU [HUANG Kun-huei] Democratic Party [Debbie Wasserman SCHULTZ]<br />Green Party<br />Libertarian Party [Mark HINKLE]<br />Republican Party [Reince PRIEBUS]
Economy > Economy > Overview Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing government guidance of investment and foreign trade. Exports, led by electronics, machinery, and petrochemicals have provided the primary impetus for economic development. This heavy dependence on exports exposes the economy to fluctuations in world demand. In 2009, Taiwan's GDP contracted 1.8%, due primarily to a 13.1% year-on-year decline in exports. In 2010 GDP grew 10.7%, as exports returned to the level of previous years, and in 2011, grew 4.0%. In 2012, however, growth fell to 1.3%, because of softening global demand. Taiwan's diplomatic isolation, low birth rate, and rapidly aging population are major long-term challenges. Free trade agreements have proliferated in East Asia over the past several years, but except for the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) signed with China in June 2010, so far Taiwan has been excluded from this greater economic integration in part because of its diplomatic status. Negotiations continue on such follow-on components of ECFA regarding trade in goods and services. The MA administration has said that the ECFA will serve as a stepping stone toward trade pacts with other key trade partners, which Taiwan subsequently launched with Singapore and New Zealand. Taiwan's Total Fertility rate of just over one child per woman is among the lowest in the world, raising the prospect of future labor shortages, falling domestic demand, and declining tax revenues. Taiwan's population is aging quickly, with the number of people over 65 accounting for 11.2% of the island's total population as of 2012. The island runs a large trade surplus largely because of its surplus with China, and its foreign reserves are the world's fifth largest, behind China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. In 2006 China overtook the US to become Taiwan's second-largest source of imports after Japan. China is also the island's number one destination for foreign direct investment. Three financial memorandums of understanding, covering banking, securities, and insurance, took effect in mid-January 2010, opening the island to greater investments from the mainland's financial firms and institutional investors, and providing new opportunities for Taiwan financial firms to operate in China. In August 2012, Taiwan Central Bank signed a memorandum of understanding on cross-Strait currency settlement with its Chinese counterpart. The MOU allows for the direct settlement of Chinese RMB and the New Taiwan dollar across the Strait, which could help develop Taiwan into a local RMB hub. Closer economic links with the mainland bring greater opportunities for the Taiwan economy, but also poses new challenges as the island becomes more economically dependent on China while political differences remain unresolved. The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $49,800. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. US business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than foreign firms face entering US markets. US firms are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment; their advantage has narrowed since the end of World War II. The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households. Since 1996, dividends and capital gains have grown faster than wages or any other category of after-tax income. Imported oil accounts for nearly 55% of US consumption. Crude oil prices doubled between 2001 and 2006, the year home prices peaked; higher gasoline prices ate into consumers' budgets and many individuals fell behind in their mortgage payments. Oil prices climbed another 50% between 2006 and 2008, and bank foreclosures more than doubled in the same period. Besides dampening the housing market, soaring oil prices caused a drop in the value of the dollar and a deterioration in the US merchandise trade deficit, which peaked at $840 billion in 2008. The sub-prime mortgage crisis, falling home prices, investment bank failures, tight credit, and the global economic downturn pushed the United States into a recession by mid-2008. GDP contracted until the third quarter of 2009, making this the deepest and longest downturn since the Great Depression. To help stabilize financial markets, in October 2008 the US Congress established a $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The government used some of these funds to purchase equity in US banks and industrial corporations, much of which had been returned to the government by early 2011. In January 2009 the US Congress passed and President Barack OBAMA signed a bill providing an additional $787 billion fiscal stimulus to be used over 10 years - two-thirds on additional spending and one-third on tax cuts - to create jobs and to help the economy recover. In 2010 and 2011, the federal budget deficit reached nearly 9% of GDP. In 2012 the federal government reduced the growth of spending and the deficit shrank to 7.6% of GDP. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan required major shifts in national resources from civilian to military purposes and contributed to the growth of the budget deficit and public debt. Through 2011, the direct costs of the wars totaled nearly $900 billion, according to US government figures. US revenues from taxes and other sources are lower, as a percentage of GDP, than those of most other countries. In March 2010, President OBAMA signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a health insurance reform that was designed to extend coverage to an additional 32 million American citizens by 2016, through private health insurance for the general population and Medicaid for the impoverished. Total spending on health care - public plus private - rose from 9.0% of GDP in 1980 to 17.9% in 2010. In July 2010, the president signed the DODD-FRANK Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a law designed to promote financial stability by protecting consumers from financial abuses, ending taxpayer bailouts of financial firms, dealing with troubled banks that are "too big to fail," and improving accountability and transparency in the financial system - in particular, by requiring certain financial derivatives to be traded in markets that are subject to government regulation and oversight. In December 2012, the Federal Reserve Board announced plans to purchase $85 billion per month of mortgage-backed and Treasury securities in an effort to hold down long-term interest rates, and to keep short term rates near zero until unemployment drops to 6.5% from the December rate of 7.8%, or until inflation rises above 2.5%. Long-term problems include stagnation of wages for lower-income families, inadequate investment in deteriorating infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, energy shortages, and sizable current account and budget deficits - including significant budget shortages for state governments.
Economy > Exports $299.80 billion
Ranked 20th.
$1.56 trillion
Ranked 2nd. 5 times more than Taiwan

Government > Executive branch > Cabinet Executive Yuan - ministers appointed by president on recommendation of premier Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval
Military > Budget 19.2 US$ BN
Ranked 6th.
682 US$ BN
Ranked 1st. 36 times more than Taiwan
Economy > GDP > Per capita $30,561.44 per capita
Ranked 28th.
$45,759.46 per capita
Ranked 8th. 50% more than Taiwan

Energy > Electricity > Consumption > Per capita 9,593.64 kWh per capita
Ranked 14th.
12,747.49 kWh per capita
Ranked 3rd. 33% more than Taiwan

People > Death rate 6.83 deaths/1,000 population
Ranked 138th.
8.39 deaths/1,000 population
Ranked 88th. 23% more than Taiwan

Cost of living > Prices at markets > Water > 1.5 litre bottle $1.02
Ranked 63th.
$1.75
Ranked 24th. 72% more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Prices at markets > Loaf of bread > Fresh, white $1.47
Ranked 55th.
$2.37
Ranked 18th. 61% more than Taiwan
Government > Political pressure groups and leaders environmental groups<br />independence movement<br />various business groups<br /> environmentalists; business groups; labor unions; churches; ethnic groups; political action committees or PACs; health groups; education groups; civic groups; youth groups; transportation groups; agricultural groups; veterans groups; women's groups; reform lobbies
Geography > Natural resources small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, rare earth elements, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber
Energy > Electricity > Consumption 242.2 billion kWh
Ranked 6th.
3.89 trillion kWh
Ranked 1st. 16 times more than Taiwan

People > Population growth rate 0.27%
Ranked 170th.
0.9%
Ranked 124th. 3 times more than Taiwan

Geography > Area > Land > Per capita 1.41 sq km per 1,000 people
Ranked 210th.
30.16 sq km per 1,000 people
Ranked 60th. 21 times more than Taiwan

Media > Telephones > Mobile cellular > Per capita 1,063.13 per 1,000 people
Ranked 35th. 26% more than United States
846.78 per 1,000 people
Ranked 59th.

Media > Internet > Internet users per thousand people 757.8
Ranked 35th.
803.03
Ranked 28th. 6% more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Basic utilities > Garbage, water, heating, electricity for 85 sqm apartment $79.36
Ranked 93th.
$162.08
Ranked 44th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Crime > Believes crime increasing in the past 3 years 48.57
Ranked 84th.
65.22
Ranked 44th. 34% more than Taiwan
Crime > Fear of crime > Violent hate crime 9.72
Ranked 92nd.
32.55
Ranked 31st. 3 times more than Taiwan
Economy > Debt > Government debt > Public debt, share of GDP 36 CIA
Ranked 99th.
72.5 CIA
Ranked 35th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Media > Internet users 16.15 million
Ranked 24th.
245 million
Ranked 2nd. 15 times more than Taiwan
Economy > Public debt 35.8% of GDP
Ranked 102nd.
70% of GDP
Ranked 37th. 96% more than Taiwan

Economy > Inflation rate > Consumer prices 1.9%
Ranked 166th.
2.1%
Ranked 160th. 11% more than Taiwan

Crime > Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > At night 83.33
Ranked 3rd. Twice as much as United States
41.84
Ranked 60th.
Language > Languages Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European 3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7%; <i>note:</i> Hawaiian is an official language in the state of Hawaii
Transport > Road network length > Km
Economy > GDP > Composition, by sector of origin > Services 68.2%
Ranked 61st.
79.7%
Ranked 14th. 17% more than Taiwan
Economy > Exports per capita $12,902.98
Ranked 26th. 3 times more than United States
$4,972.70
Ranked 50th.

Cost of living > Prices at markets > Milk > 1 litre $2.56
Ranked 6th. 3 times more than United States
$0.99
Ranked 115th.
Cost of living > Cinema ticket price > International release $8.91
Ranked 46th.
$10.00
Ranked 37th. 12% more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Clothing and shoe prices > Shoes > Pair of Nikes $73.03
Ranked 120th.
$76.09
Ranked 114th. 4% more than Taiwan
Government > Administrative divisions includes main island of Taiwan plus smaller islands nearby and off coast of China's Fujian Province; Taiwan is divided into 14 counties (hsien, singular and plural), 3 municipalities (shih, singular and plural), and 5 special municipalities (chih-hsia-shih, singular and plural) 50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Cost of living > Real estate prices > Rent index 19.68
Ranked 74th.
37.45
Ranked 30th. 90% more than Taiwan
Education > Literacy > Total population 96.1%
Ranked 52nd.
99%
Ranked 20th. 3% more than Taiwan

Health > Quality of health care system > Health care system index 81.29
Ranked 4th. 18% more than United States
69.03
Ranked 23th.
Cost of living > Prices at markets > Egg > Dozen $1.74
Ranked 117th.
$2.23
Ranked 70th. 28% more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Real estate prices > Rent per month > 3 bedroom apartment > City centre $997.62
Ranked 71st.
$1,685.98
Ranked 36th. 69% more than Taiwan
Economy > Distribution of family income > Gini index 34.2
Ranked 9th.
45
Ranked 9th. 32% more than Taiwan

Religion > Religions > All mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5% Protestant 52%, Roman Catholic 24%, Mormon 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 1%, other 10%, none 10% (2002 est.)
Cost of living > Transport prices > New car > Volkswagen Golf 1.4 or similar $19,788.92
Ranked 103th.
$20,000.00
Ranked 99th. 1% more than Taiwan
Military > Global Peace Index 1.54
Ranked 137th.
2.13
Ranked 4th. 38% more than Taiwan

Energy > Oil > Consumption > Per capita 41.26 bbl/day per 1,000 peopl
Ranked 29th.
68.67 bbl/day per 1,000 peopl
Ranked 7th. 66% more than Taiwan

Geography > Terrain eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in west vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii
Health > Life expectancy at birth > Total population 78.32 years
Ranked 49th.
78.37 years
Ranked 47th. The same as Taiwan

Transport > Road > Motorway length 1,335 km
Ranked 34th.
75,008 km
Ranked 1st. 56 times more than Taiwan
Military > Service age and obligation 19-35 years of age for male compulsory military service; service obligation 14 months (reducing to 1 year in 2009) year; women may enlist; women in Air Force service are restricted to noncombat roles; reserve obligation to age 30 (Army); the Ministry of Defense has announced plans to implement an incremental voluntary enlistment system beginning 2010, with 10% fewer conscripts each year thereafter, although nonvolunteers will still be required to perform alternative service or go through 3-4 months of military training 18 years of age (17 years of age with parental consent) for male and female voluntary service; maximum enlistment age 42 (Army), 27 (Air Force), 34 (Navy), 28 (Marines); service obligation 8 years, including 2-5 years active duty (Army), 2 years active (Navy), 4 years active (Air Force, Marines)
Geography > Location Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico
Health > Quality of health care system > Cost 84.21
Ranked 3rd. 84% more than United States
45.81
Ranked 41st.
Lifestyle > Quality of life index 110.66
Ranked 30th.
191.27
Ranked 2nd. 73% more than Taiwan
Labor > Labor force > By occupation agriculture 6%, industry 35.8%, services 58.2% farming, forestry, and fishing 0.7%, manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts 22.9%, managerial, professional, and technical 34.9%, sales and office 25%, other services 16.5%; <i>note:</i> figures exclude the unemployed
Labor > Unemployment rate 5.2%
Ranked 72nd.
9.7%
Ranked 31st. 87% more than Taiwan

Environment > Pollution perceptions > Air pollution 62.1
Ranked 28th. 2 times more than United States
25.04
Ranked 52nd.
Conflict > Terrorism > Global Terrorism Index 0.0
Ranked 141st.
3.57
Ranked 40th.
Military > WMD > Nuclear Taiwan's first nuclear reactor was built at National Tsinghua University in 1956, and its first nuclear power plant was opened in 1965. Taiwan now possesses six nuclear units housed in three nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 5,144 megawatts. Although plagued by domestic opposition and delays, a fourth nuclear power plant is scheduled to begin operation in 2006. Taiwan's nuclear weapons program was established under the direction of the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) and the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology following the People's Republic of China's first nuclear test in October 1964. The "Hsin Chu" program involved procurement and operation of a heavy water reactor, a heavy water production plant, a reprocessing research laboratory, and a plutonium separation plant. U.S. pressure caused Taiwan to end its nuclear weapons program in 1988 after International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections discovered missing fuel rods and the former deputy director of INER defected to the United States with detailed information about Taiwan's program. Taiwan probably possesses the technological expertise necessary to develop nuclear weapons, but U.S. pressure and the possibility of a pre-emptive strike by China have prevented a resumption of the nuclear weapons program. As one of the five recognized nuclear weapons states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the United States maintains a sizeable arsenal of nuclear weapons, including approximately 10,350 intact warheads, 5300 of which are considered active or operational. Approximately 4,530 strategic warheads are operational, 1,150 of which are deployed on land-based missile systems (Minuteman and Peacekeeper ICBMs), 1,050 on bombers (B-52 and B-2), and 2,016 on submarines (Ohio-class subs). 780 are tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs), and consist of an estimated 200 Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles (TLAM/N), and 580 B61 bombs. The remaining warheads are stockpiled. The only remaining U.S. weapons in forward deployment, aside from those on SSBNs, are approximately 480 of the 580 operational B61 bombs, located at eight bases in six European NATO countries. According to the May 2002 Treaty of Moscow (the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty, or SORT) between the United States and the Russian Federation, both countries are required to reduce their strategic nuclear arsenals to 1,700-2,200 operationally deployed warheads by 2012. In June 2004, the US Department of Energy announced that "almost half" of these warheads would be retired for dismantlement by 2012. This statement suggests that the total stockpile of 10,350 warheards would be reduced to about 6,000 by this date. Over 5,000 warheads have been removed from deployment by the United States and placed in a "responsive reserve force" (active but not deployed or in overhaul). These "spares," or warheads on inactive status, have not been dismantled, in keeping with past practice under previous U.S. arms control agreements. The Bush administration has rejected U.S. ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, but calls for a continued moratorium on nuclear testing. The NPR calls for a reduction in the amount of time needed (now 18 months as mandated by Congress, but this could be reduced to as little as 12 months) to test a nuclear weapon, suggesting that the United States might decide to resume nuclear testing, although Bush administration officials deny that this is currently planned and explain the shortening of test-site readiness time as a logical extension of the U.S. decision to maintain a testing option. The NPR also calls for discussion on possible development of new, low-yield, bunker-busting TNW. A law barring research and development that could lead to the production by the United States of a new low-yield "bunker buster" nuclear weapon (warheads with a yield of 5 kilotons or less) was passed by Congress in 1994. In its FY2004 budget request, however, the Department of Defense requested a repeal of the 1994 law, suggesting that the U.S. government intends to proceed with development of new nuclear weapons. The repeal was approved by the Senate on 20 May 2003. The Bush administration has requested an additional $8.5 million in its 2006 budget in order to continue research of nuclear "bunker busters" under the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP) Project. Congress rejected RNEP funding and resources for the Advanced Concepts Initiative, one that would develop mini-nukes or exotic designs, completely for FY2005. Weapons laboratories under the Department of Energy began research on the RNEP Project in 2003, and the study is expected to be complete in 2006. The United States used nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, making it the only country that has ever used nuclear weapons during a conflict. It ratified the NPT in March 1970.
Culture > Happy Planet Index 43.41
Ranked 83th. 41% more than United States
30.7
Ranked 114th.

Government > Executive branch > Head of government Premier JIANG Yi-huah (President of the Executive Yuan) (since 18 February 2013); Vice Premier MAO Chi-kuo (Vice President of the Executive Yuan) (since 18 February 2013) President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
Geography > Coastline 1,566.3 km
Ranked 68th.
19,924 km
Ranked 9th. 13 times more than Taiwan

Labor > Labor force 11.07 million
Ranked 40th.
154.9 million
Ranked 4th. 14 times more than Taiwan

Environment > Current issues air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers; limited natural fresh water resources in much of the western part of the country require careful management; desertification
Energy > Oil > Consumption 834,000 bbl/day
Ranked 3rd.
18.69 million bbl/day
Ranked 1st. 22 times more than Taiwan

Health > Life expectancy > Men 76.2 years
Ranked 1st. About the same as United States
76 years
Ranked 30th.
Military > Navy > Submarines 4
Ranked 13th. Twice as much as United States
2
Ranked 8th.
Media > Television > List of TV stations <p>China Television Company (CTV) - commercial</p> </p>Chinese Television System (CTS)</p> </p>Taiwan Television Enterprise (TTV) - commercial</p> <br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16177291">Full Article</a> <p>ABC - major commercial network</p> </p>CBS - major commercial network</p> </p>NBC - major commercial network</p> <br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16757497">Full Article</a>
Energy > Oil > Production > Per capita 0.464 bbl/day per 1,000 peopl
Ranked 89th.
28.08 bbl/day per 1,000 peopl
Ranked 29th. 61 times more than Taiwan

Military > WMD > Missile Taiwan's short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) program is based at the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, which has developed a range of missiles including the Hsiung Feng series of anti-ship missiles, the Tien Chien series of air-to-air missiles, and the Tien Kung series of surface-to-air missiles. These systems have provided Taiwanese scientists with experience and a technological base in areas such as composite materials and guidance and fire control systems, which are essential for development of longer range surface-to-surface missiles. Taiwan has two SRBM programs. The liquid-fueled, single-stage Ching Feng has a range of 130 km with a 270 kg payload. Initially deployed in the early 1980s, it is unclear how many Ching Feng missiles were built and whether they are still operational. The Tien Chi, first test-fired in 1997, is a solid-fueled, two-stage missile with a 300 km range that can reach China's southeastern coast. The Tien Chi incorporates global positioning system technology and has an estimated payload of 100-500 kg. One report claims that as many as 50 Tien Chi missiles have been deployed on Tungyin Island and at an unidentified second location. Development of the Tien Ma, a ballistic missile with a range of 950 km, was reportedly discontinued in the early 1980s due to U.S. pressure. The United States has the capability to produce highly sophisticated liquid- and solid-fueled missiles of all ranges. It currently deploys 500 Minuteman and 10 MX/Peacekeeper nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at three bases in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. The number of warheads on Minuteman missiles was scheduled to be reduced from three to one by 2007 under the defunct START II agreement, but this plan may be revised to assign between 700 to 800 warheads to the 500 Minutemen missiles. Deactivation of the MX/Peacekeeper force began in October 2002 and will conclude in 2005, at the cost of $600 million. In 2004, the Defense Department retired 17 additional MX/Peacekeeper missiles as part of this plan, and the final 10 MX missiles will be withdrawn from alert status by October 1, 2005. These remaining missiles will not be destroyed as prescribed under START II, but will be retained as stipulated in the 2001 NPR for potential use as space launch vehicles, target vehicles, or for redeployment. The Minuteman missile force is also undergoing a $6.0 billion modernization program to improve the weapon's accuracy, reliability, and to extend its service life beyond 2020. A new, longer-range ICBM, to be ready in 2018, is being considered by the Pentagon. As of early 2005, the U.S. Navy had 14 operational Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), having reduced its level by one in 2004 to meet NPR specifications. The four oldest subs in the original class of 18 have been converted to carry non-nuclear cruise missiles. The 14 operational SSBNs carry a total of 336 Trident-1 and Trident-II submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), each carrying between six and eight warheads, for an estimated total of 2,016. All SSBNs will be modified to carry the Trident II missiles, and the navy has extended the service life of the Trident-II from 30 to 49 years. The Pentagon is planning to introduce a new SSBN in 2029 when the oldest of the current subs will be retired. Previous predictions indicated that the U.S. Navy would station the 14 SSBNs evenly among the Atlantic and Pacific fleets; however, recent planning shifts have called for an SSBN fleet of 9 to be stationed in the Pacific with only 5 submarines in the Atlantic. Also, in 2004, the Navy initiated the Enhanced Effectiveness (E2) Reentry Body Program that would allow missiles to be targeted within 10-meter accuracy, expanding the list of potential targets to be attacked by W76 warheads. Finally, the Navy plans to resume SLBM flight tests in 2005 and plans to develop a submarine-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile (SLIRBM) that would carry nuclear and conventional payloads. The U.S. bomber force consists of 94 B-52 bombers stationed at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana and Minot AFB in North Dakota, and 21 B-2 bombers stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The B-52 can deliver air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM), advanced cruise missiles (ACM), or gravity bombs. The B-2 carries only gravity bombs. It is estimated that 450 ALCMs are deployed as well as around 400 operational ACMs, which have a longer range, greater accuracy, and more difficult to intercept than an ALCM. The B-2s are scheduled to undergo upgrades allowing them to make mission and target changes in route. The U.S. Air Force intends to expedite the process of finding a replacement for its current bomber force, considering long- and mid-range options, unmanned aircraft, and new bombers. The United States is a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), whose goal is to control the transfer of nuclear-capable missiles and unmanned delivery systems capable of carrying all types of WMD.
People > Total fertility rate 1.11 children born/woman
Ranked 218th.
2.06 children born/woman
Ranked 116th. 86% more than Taiwan

Cost of living > Prices at markets > Rice > White, 1kg $2.41
Ranked 32nd.
$2.70
Ranked 17th. 12% more than Taiwan
Government > Executive branch > Chief of state President MA Ying-jeou (since 20 May 2008); Vice President WU Den-yih (since 20 May 2012) President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
Agriculture > Grains > Rice > Consumption 1,150 thousand metric tons
Ranked 16th.
3,882 thousand metric tons
Ranked 12th. 3 times more than Taiwan
Economy > GDP > Purchasing power parity $894.30 billion
Ranked 19th.
$16.24 trillion
Ranked 1st. 18 times more than Taiwan

Labor > Salaries and benefits > Hourly minimum wage $7.40
Ranked 12th. 2% more than United States
$7.25
Ranked 13th.
Government > Capital city > Name Taipei Washington, DC
Government > Capital city > Geographic coordinates 25 03 N, 121 30 E 38 53 N, 77 02 W
Government > International organization participation ADB, APEC, BCIE, ICC (national committees), IOC, ITUC (NGOs), WTO ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), ANZUS, APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CE (observer), CERN (observer), CICA (observer), CP, EAPC, EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNSC (permanent), UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Crime > Prisoners 56,225 prisoners
Ranked 26th.
2.02 million prisoners
Ranked 1st. 36 times more than Taiwan
Religion > Major religion(s) Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity Christianity
Cost of living > Internet > Broadband 6Mpbs, uncapped data $21.73
Ranked 124th.
$45.72
Ranked 63th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Geography > Area > Water 3,720 sq km
Ranked 77th.
664,709 sq km
Ranked 3rd. 179 times more than Taiwan

People > Age structure > 0-14 years 14.3%
Ranked 212th.
20%
Ranked 156th. 40% more than Taiwan

Military > Military service age and obligation 18-35 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; service obligation is 2 years; women may enlist; women in Air Force service are restricted to noncombat roles; reserve obligation to age 30 (Army); the Ministry of Defense is in the process of implementing a voluntary enlistment system over the period 2010-2015, although nonvolunteers will still be required to perform alternative service or go through 4 months of military training 18 years of age (17 years of age with parental consent) for male and female voluntary service; no conscription; maximum enlistment age 42 (Army), 27 (Air Force), 34 (Navy), 28 (Marines); service obligation 8 years, including 2-5 years active duty (Army), 2 years active (Navy), 4 years active (Air Force, Marines); DoD is eliminating prohibitions restricting women from assignments in units smaller than brigades or near combat units
Media > Broadcast media 5 m 4 m
Transport > Airports 37
Ranked 108th.
13,513
Ranked 1st. 365 times more than Taiwan

Military > Navy > Aircraft carriers 0.0
Ranked 42nd.
10
Ranked 1st.
Geography > Area > Comparative to US places slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; more than twice the size of the European Union
Language > Major language(s) Mandarin Chinese (official), Min Nan Chinese (Taiwanese), Hakka English
Media > News Agencies > List of news agencies <p>Focus Taiwan - English-language service of state-run Central News Agency (CNA)</p> </p>Central Daily News - Chinese-language, Nationalist (Kuomintang)</p> <p>Associated Press</p> </p>Bloomberg Business News</p> </p>UPI</p>
Cost of living > Real estate prices > Apartment purchase price per sqm > City centre $7,297.78
Ranked 12th. 4 times more than United States
$1,874.98
Ranked 76th.
Economy > Fiscal year calendar year 1
Background > Overview <p>Taiwan is an island which has for all practical purposes been independent since 1950, but which China regards as a rebel region that must be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.</p> <p>China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, when the defeated Nationalist government fled to the island as the Communists, under Mao Zedong, swept to power.</p> <p>Long-standing tension with the mainland has eased since the China-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008. In July 2009 the leaders of China and Taiwan exchanged direct messages for the first time in more than 60 years, albeit in their respective party functions, and not as national leaders.</p><br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16164639">Full Article</a> <p>The USA is the world&#039;s foremost economic and military power, with global interests and an unmatched global reach. </p> <p>America&#039;s gross domestic product accounts for close to a quarter of the world total, and its military budget is reckoned to be almost as much as the rest of the world&#039;s defence spending put together.</p> <p>The country is also a major source of entertainment: American TV, Hollywood films, jazz, blues, rock and rap music are primary ingredients in global popular culture. </p><br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16761057">Full Article</a>
People > Age structure > 65 years and over 11.6%
Ranked 65th.
13.9%
Ranked 51st. 20% more than Taiwan

Economy > GDP > Composition by sector > Industry 29.6%
Ranked 81st. 55% more than United States
19.1%
Ranked 160th.

Crime > Perceived problems > Problem violent crimes including assault and armed robbery 13.57
Ranked 91st.
75.54
Ranked 10th. 6 times more than Taiwan
Labor > Hours worked > Standard workweek 42 hours
Ranked 79th. 5% more than United States
40 hours
Ranked 108th.
People > Nationality > Noun Taiwan (singular and plural) American(s)
Media > Radio > List of radio stations <p>Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC) - national and regional networks</p> </p>CBS-Radio Taiwan International - national broadcaster; also beams services to mainland China and the rest of the world in various languages and Chinese dialects</p> </p>Public Radio System (PRS) - government-run; travel, weather, social information</p> <br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16177291">Full Article</a> <p>NPR (National Public Radio) - non-commercial network of member stations; news, information and cultural programmes</p> </p>Clear Channel - America&#039;s largest commercial radio operator, owns more than 1,200 stations</p> </p>CBS Radio - major commercial operator with nearly 180 stations in major markets</p> <br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16757497">Full Article</a>
Crime > Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > During the day 92.86
Ranked 8th. 23% more than United States
75.24
Ranked 57th.

Economy > Imports per capita $11,568.79
Ranked 30th. 58% more than United States
$7,336.40
Ranked 47th.

Education > Literacy > Female 79%
Ranked 8th.
99%
Ranked 17th. 25% more than Taiwan

Health > Infant mortality rate > Total 5.18 deaths/1,000 live births
Ranked 176th.
6.06 deaths/1,000 live births
Ranked 171st. 17% more than Taiwan

Economy > GDP per capita in 1950 $922.00
Ranked 38th.
$9,573.00
Ranked 1st. 10 times more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Clothing and shoe prices > Jeans > 1 pair of Levi 501s or equivalent $78.65
Ranked 62nd. 94% more than United States
$40.58
Ranked 124th.
Transport > Commute > Distance 17.5 km
Ranked 3rd. Twice as much as United States
8.79 km
Ranked 8th.
Geography > Elevation extremes > Highest point Yu Shan 3,952 m Mount McKinley (Denali) 6,194 m (highest point in North America)
Economy > Technology index 6.04
Ranked 2nd.
6.24
Ranked 1st. 3% more than Taiwan
Transport > Road > Expressway length 720 km
Ranked 38th.
76,334 km
Ranked 2nd. 106 times more than Taiwan
Military > Military expenditures 2.2% of GDP
Ranked 25th.
4.6% of GDP
Ranked 1st. 2 times more than Taiwan
Agriculture > Products rice, vegetables, fruit, tea, flowers; pigs, poultry; fish wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish; forest products
Cost of living > Consumer price index > Plus rent 40.46
Ranked 66th.
57.93
Ranked 32nd. 43% more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Restaurant prices > McDonalds meal $4.07
Ranked 133th.
$6.00
Ranked 77th. 47% more than Taiwan
Environment > Pollution perceptions > Water pollution 67.5
Ranked 15th. 47% more than United States
45.87
Ranked 38th.
Economy > Population below poverty line > Per capita 0.042% per 1 million people
Ranked 25th. 2% more than United States
0.041% per 1 million people
Ranked 44th.

Cost of living > Prices at markets > Chicken breasts > Skinless, boneless $5.77
Ranked 79th.
$7.56
Ranked 47th. 31% more than Taiwan
Economy > Big Mac Index $2.35
Ranked 31st.
$3.15
Ranked 8th. 34% more than Taiwan
Military > Military branches Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard Administration, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service Forces Command, Armed Forces Police Command United States Armed Forces: US Army, US Navy (includes Marine Corps), US Air Force, US Coast Guard
Economy > GDP > Per capita > PPP per thousand people $1.65
Ranked 84th. 10 times more than United States
$0.16
Ranked 139th.

Energy > Electricity > Installed generating capacity per thousand people 2,112.97 kW
Ranked 2nd.
3,358.91 kW
Ranked 9th. 59% more than Taiwan
Economy > Exports > Commodities electronics, flat panels, machinery; metals; textiles, plastics, chemicals; optical, photographic, measuring, and medical instruments agricultural products (soybeans, fruit, corn) 9.2%, industrial supplies (organic chemicals) 26.8%, capital goods (transistors, aircraft, motor vehicle parts, computers, telecommunications equipment) 49.0%, consumer goods (automobiles, medicines) 15.0%
Crime > Prisoners > Per capita 250 per 100,000 people
Ranked 29th.
715 per 100,000 people
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Prices at markets > Groceries index 73.03
Ranked 43th.
82.14
Ranked 31st. 12% more than Taiwan
Religion > Seventh-day Adventist Membership 4,925
Ranked 99th.
948,892
Ranked 2nd. 193 times more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Real estate prices > Rent per month > 1 bedroom apartment > City centre $458.87
Ranked 80th.
$981.22
Ranked 26th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Prices at markets > Apple > 1kg $2.75
Ranked 56th.
$3.69
Ranked 19th. 34% more than Taiwan
Energy > Electricity > Production 252.2 billion kWh
Ranked 14th.
4.1 trillion kWh
Ranked 2nd. 16 times more than Taiwan

Government > Country name > Conventional long form none United States of America
People > Cities > Urban population 78
Ranked 56th.
84,460
Ranked 54th. 1083 times more than Taiwan

Geography > Land use > Arable land 24%
Ranked 40th. 47% more than United States
16.29%
Ranked 65th.

Religion > Secularism and atheism > Population considering religion unimportant 54%
Ranked 28th. 57% more than United States
34.5%
Ranked 42nd.
Crime > Fear of crime > Worries about being attacked 16.67
Ranked 92nd.
42.08
Ranked 43th. 3 times more than Taiwan
Economy > Imports $268.80 billion
Ranked 19th.
$2.30 trillion
Ranked 1st. 9 times more than Taiwan

People > Nationality > Adjective Taiwan (or Taiwanese) American
Media > Radio broadcast stations AM 218, FM 333, shortwave 50 AM 4,789, FM 8,961, shortwave 19
People > Sex ratio > Total population 1 male(s)/female
Ranked 82nd. 3% more than United States
0.97 male(s)/female
Ranked 143th.

Environment > Pollution perceptions > Air quality 37.9
Ranked 32nd.
74.96
Ranked 8th. 98% more than Taiwan
Government > Executive branch > Elections president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 14 January 2012 (next to be held in January 2016); premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the premier president and vice president elected on the same ticket by a college of representatives who are elected directly from each state; president and vice president serve four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 6 November 2012 (next to be held on 8 November 2016)
Crime > Software piracy rate 40%
Ranked 84th. Twice as much as United States
20%
Ranked 106th.
Religion > Christian > Mormon > Congregations 100
Ranked 28th.
13,742
Ranked 1st. 137 times more than Taiwan
Military > Expenditures > Percent of GDP 2.2%
Ranked 44th.
4.06%
Ranked 22nd. 85% more than Taiwan
Economy > Budget > Expenditures $90.42 billion
Ranked 37th.
$3.54 trillion
Ranked 1st. 39 times more than Taiwan

People > Sex ratio > At birth 1.07 male(s)/female
Ranked 22nd. 2% more than United States
1.05 male(s)/female
Ranked 94th.

Energy > Crude oil > Production 21,680 bbl/day
Ranked 74th.
11.11 million bbl/day
Ranked 2nd. 512 times more than Taiwan

Cost of living > Restaurant prices > Restaurant index 29.54
Ranked 123th.
67.82
Ranked 39th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Crime > Perceived problems > Property crimes including vandalism and theft 19.29
Ranked 90th.
57.93
Ranked 28th. 3 times more than Taiwan
Economy > Budget > Revenues > Per capita $3,333.50 per capita
Ranked 48th.
$8,527.60 per capita
Ranked 29th. 3 times more than Taiwan

Transport > Rail > Railway length 1,703 km
Ranked 75th.
224,792 km
Ranked 1st. 132 times more than Taiwan
Military > Manpower fit for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Cost of living > Sports > Tennis court hire > 1 hour, weekend $7.59
Ranked 108th.
$18.51
Ranked 37th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Environment > Transport CO2 emission index 2,328.67
Ranked 30th.
7,004.01
Ranked 8th. 3 times more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Prices at markets > Potatoes > 1kg $1.52
Ranked 54th.
$2.35
Ranked 19th. 55% more than Taiwan
Cost of living > Real estate prices > Apartment purchase price per sqm > Outside city centre $2,943.81
Ranked 26th. 2 times more than United States
$1,235.42
Ranked 72nd.
Culture > Food and drink > Fast food > McDonalds > First outlet notes see McDonald's Taiwan See McDonalds Annual Report
Government > National symbol(s) white, 12-rayed sun on blue field bald eagle
Religion > Muslim > Muslim percentage of total population 0.1%
Ranked 176th.
0.8%
Ranked 132nd. 8 times more than Taiwan
Media > Internet > Users > Per capita 645.7 per 1,000 people
Ranked 19th.
695.68 per 1,000 people
Ranked 9th. 8% more than Taiwan

Religion > Islam > Percentage Muslim 0.7%
Ranked 129th.
1.4%
Ranked 114th. Twice as much as Taiwan
Environment > Pollution perceptions > Drinking water pollution 42.74
Ranked 27th. 44% more than United States
29.66
Ranked 41st.
Cost of living > Restaurant prices > 3 course meal for 2 $19.79
Ranked 115th.
$45.00
Ranked 41st. 2 times more than Taiwan
Industry > Car > Production 251,490
Ranked 27th.
2.73 million
Ranked 7th. 11 times more than Taiwan

Health > Life expectancy > Women 82.7 years
Ranked 1st. 2% more than United States
81 years
Ranked 33th.
Economy > Exports > Main exports Electronics, machinery, optical instruments, chemicals, iron and steel articles and information communications technology products Computers and electrical machinery, vehicles, chemical products, food and live animals, military equipment and aircraft
Geography > Natural hazards earthquakes; typhoons tsunamis; volcanoes; earthquake activity around Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts; tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast; mud slides in California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in northern Alaska, a major impediment to development
Government > Flag description red field with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays; the blue and white design of the canton (symbolizing the sun of progress) dates to 1895; it was later adopted as the flag of the Kuomintang Party; blue signifies liberty, justice, and democracy; red stands for fraternity, sacrifice, and nationalism, white represents equality, frankness, and the people's livelihood; the 12 rays of the sun are those of the months and the twelve traditional Chinese hours (each ray equals two hours) 13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the blue stands for loyalty, devotion, truth, justice, and friendship; red symbolizes courage, zeal, and fervency, while white denotes purity and rectitude of conduct; commonly referred to by its nickname of Old Glory
Culture > Food and drink > Fast food > McDonalds > First outlet date January 28, 1984 May 15, 1940
Geography > Maritime claims > Territorial sea 12 nautical mile
Ranked 124th. The same as United States
12 nautical mile
Ranked 61st.

Environment > Pollution perceptions > Clean water 32.5
Ranked 45th.
54.13
Ranked 22nd. 67% more than Taiwan
Economy > Debt > External $130.80 billion
Ranked 40th.
$15.93 trillion
Ranked 1st. 122 times more than Taiwan

Cost of living > Real estate prices > Rent per month > 1 bedroom apartment > Outside city centre $341.10
Ranked 76th.
$745.72
Ranked 26th. 2 times more than Taiwan
Crime > Perceived problems > Illegal drugs 22.79
Ranked 86th.
61.82
Ranked 19th. 3 times more than Taiwan
Economy > Central bank discount rate 1.88%
Ranked 34th. 4 times more than United States
0.5%
Ranked 122nd.

Media > Televisions 8.8 million
Ranked 22nd.
219 million
Ranked 2nd. 25 times more than Taiwan
Media > Telephones > Main lines in use > Per capita 626.15 per 1,000 people
Ranked 3rd. 16% more than United States
541.94 per 1,000 people
Ranked 9th.

Economy > Debt > External > Per capita $4,280.61 per capita
Ranked 43th.
$40,678.76 per capita
Ranked 12th. 10 times more than Taiwan

Crime > Perceived problems > Problem corruption and bribery 50
Ranked 66th. 18% more than United States
42.45
Ranked 69th.
Economy > GDP > Composition by sector > Services 68.6%
Ranked 54th.
79.7%
Ranked 15th. 16% more than Taiwan

Energy > Electricity > Production > Per capita 10,201.39 kWh per capita
Ranked 6th.
13,527.54 kWh per capita
Ranked 3rd. 33% more than Taiwan

Transport > Road > Motorway density 62.09 m of motorway per square km
Ranked 52nd. 8 times more than United States
7.79 m of motorway per square km
Ranked 18th.

SOURCES: Numbeo.com. Cost of living.; crime; Annexe I of the Small Arms Survey 2007 ; Wikipedia: List of countries by intentional homicide rate by decade; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; British Broadcasting Corporation 2014; Wikipedia: List of countries by level of military equipment (List); World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; Numbeo.com. Cost of living.; https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2011/World_Drug_Report_2011_ebook.pdf, World Drug Report 2011, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 2011, p. 217.; Wikipedia: List of minimum wages by country (Countries); Wikipedia: List of countries by vehicles per capita; Wikipedia: List of countries by prevalence of opiates use ("World Drug Report 2011" . United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 2011. "World Drug Report 2006" . United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 2006. http://www.unodc.org/documents/wdr/WDR_2009/WDR2009_eng_web.pdf); CIA World Factbook 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Wikipedia: Capital punishment in Europe (Abolition); Wikipedia: List of countries by number of Internet users (Calculated using penetration rate and population data from "Countries and Areas Ranked by Population: 2012" , Population data, International Programs, U.S. Census Bureau, retrieved 26 June 2013). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Numbeo.com; Wikipedia: List of countries by public debt (List) (Public debt , The World Factbook , United States Central Intelligence Agency , accessed on March 21, 2013.); Internet World Stats, June 30, 2010; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; cost of living; health care; CIA World Factbook, 22 August 2006; http://www.visionofhumanity.org/#/page/indexes/global-peace-index, Global Rankings. Vision of Humanity.; https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2085.html, Roadways.; quality of life; pollution; http://www.visionofhumanity.org/sites/default/files/2012_Global_Terrorism_Index_Report.pdf, Institute for Economics and Peace, p. 4 f.; The Nuclear Threat Initiative; http://www.happyplanetindex.org/data/; United States Department of Agriculture; The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention); CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005; Wikipedia: List of minimum wages by country (Countries) ("Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013" . State.gov . Retrieved 2014-03-04 .); Angus Maddison; traffic; World economic forum - Global Competitiveness Report 2004-2005; Wikipedia: List of countries by road network size; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 25 March 2010.; The Economist.; CIA World Factbook 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; International Centre for Prison Studies - World Prison Brief; http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/prices_by_city.jsp?displayCurrency=USD; adventiststatistics.org 2004 Annual Report 31 December 2004; United Nations Population Division. Source tables; Wikipedia: Importance of religion by country (Countries); Fifth Annual BSA and IDC Global Software Piracy Study; Wikipedia: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France (Membership Statistics); Wikipedia: List of countries by rail transport network size (Long List); Wikipedia: List of countries with McDonald's restaurants (Countries and territories with a McDonald's outlet); Wikipedia: Islam by country (Table) ("Muslim Population by Country" . The Future of the Global Muslim Population . Pew Research Center . Retrieved 22 December 2011 .); International Religious Freedom Report 2004, U.S. State Department; International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.; CIA World Factbook, December 2003

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