World Map Reveals What Each Country Does Better Than Any Other

International Number Ones map by Information is Beautiful

Designer David McCandless of Information is Beautiful has created a fascinating world map called International Number Ones. “Because every country is the best at something,” McCandless also offers the caveat that this accolade is “according to data,” which makes perfect sense once you study the map.

Being the number one at something isn’t necessarily a compliment. Many countries are the “best” when it comes to issues that are morally reprehensible. But, there is positive data on this map. Canada excels at personal freedoms while the Netherlands has the best coffee drinkers. In addition, Ireland has the ideal working conditions and Spain is the highest in LGBT tolerance. And as with all infographics, there are also surprises. Who knew that Nigeria was at the top for Scrabble players or that Portugal was a haven for cork?

Scroll down to get a better look at the 2016 map. (McCandless also created a 2010 version of International Number Ones—while many things have changed, some do stay the same.)

International Number Ones map by Information is Beautiful

International Number Ones map by Information is Beautiful

International Number Ones map by Information is Beautiful

International Number Ones map by Information is Beautiful

International Number Ones map by Information is Beautiful

International Number Ones map by Information is Beautiful

International Number Ones map by Information is Beautiful

Information is Beautiful: Website | Facebook
h/t: [Laughing Squid]

All images via Information is Beautiful.

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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