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Mapped: Where Wealth Is Moving in America
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Mapped: Where Wealth Is Moving in America
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Key Takeaways
Florida gained $21B in wealth from interstate moves in 2023—more than the next five states combined.
California (-$12B) and New York (-$10B) saw the largest outflows.
Sun Belt states dominate inflows, driven by lower costs and population growth.
Americans aren’t just moving, they’re bringing billions in wealth with them.
This map visualizes net wealth migration by state in 2023, based on Realtor.com’s analysis of the latest data from the Internal Revenue Service.
Florida alone gained tens of billions in income from out-of-state residents. Meanwhile, states like California and New York saw massive outflows, highlighting how affordability is playing a central role in domestic migration trends.
Ranked: States With the Highest Inflows of Wealth
Between 2019 and 2023, Florida saw $137 billion in net income flows from interstate moves, exceeding the GDP of Hawaii.
The annual adjusted gross income from these flows reached nearly $21 billion in 2023, more than the next five states combined.
These inflows aren’t just large—they’re high-income. Florida’s incoming residents had an average annual income of $122,530, meaning the state isn’t just gaining people, but higher-earning taxpayers who can significantly boost local economies.
This table shows net income flows from domestic migration in 2023 by state:
RankStateNet Interstate Income Flows 2023
1Florida$21B
2Texas$6B
3North Carolina$4B
4South Carolina$4B
5Arizona$3B
6Tennessee$3B
7Nevada$2B
8Idaho$988M
9Georgia$746M
10Colorado$715M
11Alabama$540M
12Maine$502M
13Montana$500M
14Utah$477M
15Arkansas$447M
16Oklahoma$261M
17South Dakota$256M
18Wyoming$149M
19Vermont$93M
20West Virginia$11M
21Hawaii-$3M
22Mississippi-$66M
23Wisconsin-$76M
24New Mexico-$93M
25Kentucky-$112M
26North Dakota-$144M
27Alaska-$210M
28Missouri-$215M
29Nebraska-$244M
30Washington-$265M
31Iowa-$266M
32Indiana-$326M
33Kansas-$361M
34Connecticut-$460M
35Oregon-$476M
36Louisiana-$799M
37Virginia-$912M
38Michigan-$956M
39Minnesota-$1B
40Pennsylvania-$2B
41Ohio-$2B
42New Jersey-$3B
43Massachusetts-$4B
44Illinois-$6B
45New York-$10B
46California-$12B
--Delawaren/a
--New Hampshiren/a
--Marylandn/a
--Rhode Islandn/a
Texas followed with $6 billion in inflows, while other Sun Belt states like North Carolina and South Carolina each gained $4 billion.
Arizona and Tennessee, meanwhile, each brought in $3 billion. Not only do many of these states lead in new home construction per capita, they are known for their lower cost of living compared to states like California and New York.
States Losing the Most Wealth
California lost $12 billion in wealth in 2023 alone, the largest outflow of any state. This highlights how high housing costs and taxes are pushing even high-income households to relocate.
From 2019 to 2023, wealth outflows totaled a staggering $91 billion. Both high housing costs and tax burdens have pushed many residents to seek more affordable destinations.
New York experienced $10 billion in net outflows, while Illinois (-$6 billion) and Massachusetts (-$4 billion) also saw sharp declines.
The Broader Shift in U.S. Wealth
Overall, wealth migration trends point to a sustained shift toward lower-cost, high-growth states.
As income flows concentrate in regions like the Sun Belt, these movements are influencing housing demand, state tax revenues, and local economic activity. In many cases, states gaining wealth are also seeing stronger population growth and increased housing construction.
At the same time, continued outflows from high-cost states highlight the growing role of affordability in shaping where Americans choose to live, and where capital ultimately follows.
If these trends continue, the shift in wealth could reshape state economies for years to come. Tax revenue, housing demand, and economic influence may increasingly concentrate in faster-growing, lower-cost regions.
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To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on America’s fastest-growing states from 2025-2050.
Ranked: The World’s Largest Air Forces in 2026
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Ranked: The World’s Largest Air Forces in 2026
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Key Takeaways
The U.S. operates over 13,000 aircraft, more than the next three countries combined.
China ranks third in total aircraft but has one of the largest fighter fleets globally.
Six of the top eight air forces are in Asia, highlighting the region’s growing military focus.
Air power remains one of the clearest signals of military reach, and a key measure of how militaries project power globally.
This chart ranks the world’s largest air forces in 2026 by total aircraft, revealing a massive gap between the United States and every other country. It also breaks out fighter and interceptor fleets, offering a closer look at frontline combat strength.
The data for this visualization comes from GlobalFirepower, as of March 2026.
The U.S. Stands in a Class of Its Own
The most striking takeaway is the scale gap at the top.
The United States leads with 13,032 aircraft, more than the next three countries combined, putting it in a class of its own.
Russia ranks second with 4,237 aircraft, while China is third with 3,529.
RankCountryTotal AircraftFighters / Interceptors
1 United States13,0321,791
2 Russia4,237861
3 China3,5291,443
4 India2,183476
5 South Korea1,540242
6 Japan1,429217
7 Pakistan1,397331
8 Türkiye1,101201
9 Egypt1,088242
10 France974223
11 Saudi Arabia917283
12 North Korea837341
13 Taiwan720258
14 Italy71488
15 United Kingdom625103
16 Algeria620111
17 Israel597239
18 United Arab Emirates58199
19 Germany569127
20 Greece560178
The United States has long prioritized air dominance, and the size of its fleet reflects that strategy.
In fact, its 1,791 fighters and interceptors alone exceed the total aircraft inventories of many countries on this list.
Fighters vs. All Other Aircraft
Most aircraft in an air force aren’t combat jets. Instead, they are support systems that enable operations.
These include transport planes for moving troops and equipment, helicopters for mobility and logistics, training aircraft for pilot development, and specialized planes for refueling, surveillance, and electronic warfare. Together, these fleets determine how far, how fast, and how effectively a military can project air power.
Asia Commands Much of the Top 10
Air power is increasingly centered in Asia and the Middle East.
China, India, South Korea, Japan, Pakistan, and Türkiye all place in the top eight, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia also rank in the top 11.
Top Countries by Fighter Strength
Looking only at fighters and interceptors reveals a different balance of power.
China’s 1,443 fighter aircraft bring it closer to the U.S. in frontline combat aviation than total fleet size alone would suggest.
In addition, North Korea stands out, ranking 12th in total aircraft but fielding 341 fighters and interceptors, more than several countries with larger overall fleets. Meanwhile, nations like France, Israel, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia show how relatively smaller air forces can still maintain substantial combat capability through a high share of fighter aircraft.
In modern warfare, total fleet size shows scale—but fighter strength and support capabilities together determine how that power is actually used.
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If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Iran War Sees Lowest U.S. Approval Rating Ever on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.
Mapped: U.S. States Moving to Restrict Data Centers
Mapped: U.S. States Moving to Restrict Data Centers
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Key Takeaways
There are 11 U.S. states considering bans and restrictions on data centers, with some calling for studies on their impact.
Virginia is a data center hotspot with 498 facilities planned, but lawmakers are hoping to apply conditional restrictions on new sites.
No new data centers are slated for Vermont and New Hampshire, but both states are taking preemptive action on construction.
The rapid expansion of data centers is being met with a growing number of possible restrictions across U.S. states.
This visualization charts which U.S. states have proposed restrictions on new data centers, and the number of announced projects in each. The data comes from Stateline and Aterio, respectively.
Where Data Center Restrictions Are Being Considered in the U.S.
When it comes to the U.S. states looking to restrict or ban data centers, the majority are looking at temporary bans, while three are looking at conditional restrictions.
The data table below shows the 11 states considering restrictions or bans, the potential length of time of the ban, and the number of currently announced data center projects in each state:
StateType of Restrictions DurationNumber of Announced Data Centers
GeorgiaTemporary banUntil March 2027340
MarylandConditional restrictionsNot fixed10
MichiganTemporary banNot specified21
New HampshireTemporary ban1 year0
New YorkTemporary ban3 years72
OklahomaTemporary banUntil Nov 202934
South CarolinaTemporary banUntil Jan 20288
South DakotaTemporary ban1 year6
VermontTemporary banUntil July 20300
VirginiaConditional restrictionsNot fixed498
WisconsinConditional restrictionsNot fixed28
Virginia is a hotspot for data center development, given 70% of the world’s internet traffic passes through its northern territory. This number is set to explode as a further 498 data centers are slated for construction in the state.
This rapid growth has been met with backlash from some policymakers as Virginia looks to apply conditional restrictions to data centers — potentially putting those announced data centers at risk. Restrictions would be tied to energy usage.
Georgia, where 340 projects have been announced, has proposed a ban on new projects until March 2027.
New York, with 72 announced data centers, and Oklahoma, which has 34, are looking to pause new constructions while they conduct studies to better understand data center energy demand, land use, and broader impact. New York’s pause could last three years, while Oklahoma’s could stretch as far as November 2029.
Wisconsin is also seeking a ban on data centers unless lawmakers introduce consumer protections, for instance regulation that ensures water and energy costs don’t fall onto residents. Some 28 data centers have been announced in the state.
Meanwhile proposals in Michigan, which has 21 announced projects, would block data centers and industry-related discretionary incentives.
Maryland would block the construction of new data centers without specific legislation first requiring sites to co-locate with power generation. Maryland has 10 announced data centers.
States Are Taking Preemptive Action Against Data Centers
States without a large pipeline of new projects are also taking preemptive action.
South Dakota, with six projects announced, has tabled a one-year temporary ban on the construction and expansion of data centers.
South Carolina, with eight announced data centers, is looking to halt permits and incentives until January 2028.
Vermont has one of the longest proposed bans, which would run until 2030 and apply specifically to AI data centers, while New Hampshire is looking at a temporary one-year ban beginning when the policy is implemented. Neither state has any announced data centers, but both would conduct impact studies.
These restrictions are all currently being considered by states but none have yet been passed.
Impacts of the Data Center Boom Are Mounting
Many of the proposed restrictions involve stopping to take stock of the impacts of data centers, from energy use to rising costs for consumers. It follows increasing backlash from communities affected by or living close to such facilities.
Where states are not acting, local leaders have also taken action. For instance, Indiana’s White County introduced its own moratorium on new data centers back in October.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic which visualizes all the world’s data centers.Use This Visualization
Ranked: Top 10 Countries With the Most U.S. Troops in 2025
Published 4 hours ago on April 7, 2026
By Julia Wendling
Graphics & Design
Zack Aboulazm
Athul Alexander
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The following content is sponsored by Inigo
Ranked: Top 10 Countries With the Most U.S. Troops in 2025
Key Takeaways
Japan and Germany host the largest amounts of U.S. troops presence with 61.7k and 49.3k personnel respectively.The top 10 host countries account for roughly 200k U.S. military and civilian personnel.U.S. deployments remain concentrated in regions tied to Russia and China security priorities.
The global footprint of U.S. troops remains extensive. The data shows a small group of strategic host countries concentrate most deployments.
This visualization, created in partnership with Inigo, provides visual context to where U.S. forces are stationed and how that footprint reflects shifting geopolitical priorities. These placements highlight enduring alliances and evolving security concerns.
Where Are U.S. Troops Deployed?
Japan hosts the largest U.S. presence with 61.7k personnel. Germany follows with 49.3k. South Korea ranks third at 26.7k.
CountryTotal Military & Civilian Personnel (2025)
Japan61,684
Germany49,338
South Korea26,722
Italy15,365
United Kingdom11,592
Spain4,331
Bahrain3,813
Belgium1,832
Turkey1,728
Cuba771
Italy and the United Kingdom host 15.4k and 11.6k personnel respectively. These locations form the backbone of U.S. military positioning in Europe.
This distribution is not new. U.S. troop levels across these top host countries have hovered around 200k for the past decade. The consistency reflects long standing defense agreements and established infrastructure.
Strategic Priorities Shape Deployment
Beyond the top hosts, smaller but strategic deployments remain important. Spain has 4.3k personnel. Bahrain has 3.8k. Turkey hosts 1.8k. Cuba rounds out the top 10 with 0.8k.
These placements support key operational hubs and regional missions. Many are tied to naval access, logistics, and rapid response capabilities.
Overall, deployments align closely with major security priorities. Forces are concentrated in regions linked to Russia and China. This reflects a continued focus on deterrence and alliance support in critical theaters.
A Persistent Global Footprint
The U.S. military presence abroad remains highly concentrated and strategically aligned. Japan and Germany anchor this network, while other host countries support regional operations.
The data shows stability in overall troop levels. It also highlights how geography continues to shape military strategy. As global tensions evolve, this footprint is likely to remain a key tool of U.S. power projection.
Explore a Data-Driven View of Risk.
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Ranked: The Biggest Arms Importers in 2025
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Ranked: The Biggest Arms Importers in 2025
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest arms importer, accounting for 9.1% of global demand.
Europe now makes up nearly 40% of global arms imports amid rising security concerns.
India, Ukraine, and Poland rank among the top buyers, reflecting ongoing regional tensions.
Global demand for military equipment is rising as countries respond to conflict, uncertainty, and shifting alliances.
This chart ranks the world’s largest arms importers in 2025, based on data from the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database (March 2026). It shows which nations are driving the surge in defense spending and where demand is accelerating fastest.
Middle East and Asia Lead Demand
Saudi Arabia leads global arms imports by a wide margin, accounting for 9.1% of total demand, more than any other country. Its sustained spending highlights a broader trend. Nations are accelerating military upgrades in response to prolonged regional instability.
RankCountry % of Global Arms Imports
1 Saudi Arabia9.1%
2 India8.6%
3 Ukraine6.8%
4 Poland6.5%
5 Japan5.1%
6 Germany4.9%
7 Indonesia3.8%
8 Qatar3.1%
9 United Arab Emirates2.6%
10 Philippines2.5%
11 Australia2.5%
12 Netherlands2.5%
13 United States2.2%
14 Pakistan2.1%
15 Egypt2.1%
16 United Kingdom1.8%
17 Greece1.7%
18 Italy1.7%
19 Bulgaria1.6%
20 Israel1.6%
21 Belarus1.4%
22 Azerbaijan1.4%
23 Brazil1.4%
24 Slovakia1.3%
25 Belgium1.3%
26 Romania1.3%
27 Norway1.2%
28 Hungary1.2%
29 Taiwan1.2%
30 Morocco1.2%
31 Turkiye1.1%
32 Kuwait0.9%
33 Denmark0.8%
34 Spain0.7%
35 France0.7%
36 South Korea0.7%
37 China0.6%
38 Estonia0.6%
39 Viet Nam0.5%
40 Sweden0.4%
41 Serbia0.4%
42 Croatia0.4%
43 Russia0.4%
44 Kenya0.3%
45 Algeria0.3%
46 Argentina0.3%
47 Peru0.3%
48 Portugal0.3%
49 Angola0.3%
-- Other4.3%
India follows closely at 8.6%, maintaining its position as a top importer due to ongoing regional tensions and the need to upgrade military capabilities. Meanwhile, countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates remain major buyers, reinforcing the Middle East’s strong presence in global arms demand.
Europe’s Rapid Expansion
Europe now accounts for 39.9% of global arms imports, the largest regional share by far. This sharp increase reflects a rapid buildup in defense capabilities following the war in Ukraine and a broader shift toward rearmament across the continent.
Ukraine ranks third globally with a 6.8% share, reflecting urgent military needs due to the war with Russia.
Broad Global Participation
While the top importers dominate headlines, arms demand is spread across dozens of countries, underscoring how widespread military investment has become in today’s geopolitical climate.
Nations like Japan, Germany, and Indonesia each hold significant shares. Smaller importers also represent a meaningful portion of the market, with the “Other” category accounting for 4.3% of global imports.
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Ranked: Wages by Country and Growth Since 2010
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Ranked: Wages by Country and Growth Since 2010
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
Real wage growth in the OECD ranges from +77% in Latvia to -21% in Greece since 2010.
Eastern European countries dominate the fastest growth rates, many posting gains above 30%.
Several advanced economies—including Italy, Ireland, and the Netherlands—saw real wages decline despite high income levels.
Since 2010, real wage growth has varied widely—even among the world’s highest-income economies.
Based on OECD data and adjusted for purchasing power, this graphic compares average annual wages in 2024 alongside their real growth since 2010.
The gap is striking: Latvia’s wages have risen 77%, while Greece’s have fallen 21%, highlighting a wide divergence in how workers have benefited from economic growth.
Top Earners vs. Fastest Growers
Higher-income countries have generally posted slower wage gains since 2010.
Luxembourg leads with average annual wages of $94.4K, up 16% since 2010. Iceland follows at roughly $90K, but stands out for its much stronger 40% increase, well above the OECD average.
The table below compares average annual wages in 2010 and 2024, along with real growth over the period using purchasing power parity adjustments.
CountryAnnual Salaries 2024,PPP inflation-adjustedAnnual Salaries 2010,PPP inflation-adjustedChange 2010-2024
Luxembourg$94.4K$81.7K15.5%
Iceland$89.9K$64.1K40.4%
Switzerland$87.5K$80.8K8.2%
United States$82.9K$71.4K16.1%
Belgium$76.1K$72.3K5.3%
Austria$75.8K$72.1K5.1%
Netherlands$75.4K$79.4K-5.1%
Norway$74.9K$67.5K11.0%
Denmark$74.0K$67.5K9.7%
Australia$70.7K$66.7K6.0%
Germany$69.4K$61.2K13.5%
Canada$69.4K$62.4K11.2%
United Kingdom$63.7K$61.2K4.0%
New Zealand$62.4K$51.7K20.7%
Slovenia$61.8K$49.3K25.4%
France$60.6K$57.9K4.7%
Sweden$60.4K$53.8K12.3%
Ireland$60.4K$64.3K-6.1%
Finland$59.6K$58.4K2.1%
Israel$54.7K$46.1K18.9%
Spain$54.6K$56.1K-2.8%
Lithuania$52.9K$31.8K66.6%
Italy$51.0K$54.9K-7.1%
Korea$50.9K$43.0K18.4%
Japan$49.4K$49.4K0.1%
Latvia$45.6K$25.8K76.8%
Poland$44.2K$32.1K37.9%
Portugal$40.0K$37.8K5.9%
Estonia$39.0K$27.8K40.1%
Czechia$38.5K$31.7K21.4%
Slovak Rep.$36.1K$29.9K20.7%
Hungary$35.0K$26.8K30.6%
Greece$32.3K$40.9K-21.2%
Mexico$20.4K$19.3K5.7%
OECD$61.1K$55.1K11.0%
The United States ranks fourth at $82.9K, with wages rising 16% over the period. While this exceeds growth in countries like Germany and Canada, it still trails several faster-growing European economies.
Overall, the pattern is clear: higher-income countries tend to see slower wage growth, while lower-income economies are catching up more quickly.
Eastern Europe Is Catching Up Fast
Eastern Europe stands out as the fastest-growing region for real wages since 2010.
Latvia (+77%) and Lithuania (+67%) lead the OECD, with Poland (+38%) and Hungary (+31%) also posting strong gains.
While absolute wages remain lower than in Western Europe, the pace of growth points to meaningful convergence, supported by rising productivity and a shift toward more value-added industries.
Where Real Wages Declined
Not all countries have shared in this growth.
Greece (-21%) saw the steepest drop in real wages, followed by Italy (-7%), Ireland (-6%), the Netherlands (-5%), and Spain (-3%).
In Southern Europe, these declines reflect the long-lasting effects of the Eurozone debt crisis and uneven recoveries. Ireland presents a different case, where strong GDP growth has not translated into rising real wages for workers.
A Growing Divide in Wage Growth
The data highlights a widening gap between countries where wages are rising quickly and those where they are stagnating or falling.
Much of this divide reflects differences in economic structure, productivity growth, and recovery paths after major shocks.
As a result, where you live continues to play a major role in whether your wages are actually increasing in real terms.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on average salaries by state in 2025.
Ranked: The World’s Biggest EV Makers
Ranked: The World’s Biggest EV Makers
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
BYD delivered 2.56 million EVs from August 2024 to August 2025, more than any other automaker in the world.
Chinese companies make up five of the top 10 EV manufacturers in this ranking, including BYD, Geely, and SAIC.
Tesla ranks third globally, behind both BYD and Geely.
BYD is now the world’s biggest EV maker, with 2.56 million deliveries between August 2024 and August 2025. That put the Chinese automaker well ahead of Geely and Tesla, underscoring how quickly the global EV leaderboard is changing.
This graphic, created by Iswardi Ishak using data from SNE Research, ranks the world’s largest EV manufacturers by deliveries between August 2024 and August 2025.
The figures include both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The Top Global EV Manufacturers, Ranked
Here’s the full ranking of the world’s top EV manufacturers:
RankManufacturerHQGlobal Deliveries
1BYD2,556,000
2Geely1,315,000
3Tesla985,000
4Volkswagen854,000
5SAIC720,000
6Changan563,000
7Hyundai416,000
8Chery395,000
9BMW389,000
10Stellantis342,000
BYD stands alone at the top, delivering more than 2.5 million EVs over the period. Geely ranks second, while Tesla sits in third, showing that the global EV race is no longer a two-horse contest.
How BYD Became the World’s Largest EV Manufacturer
BYD’s lead over the rest of the field is sizable. Its 2.56 million deliveries were nearly double Geely’s total and well above Tesla’s 985,000, cementing its position as the global EV leader over the past year.
The ranking also highlights China’s manufacturing depth. In addition to BYD and Geely, SAIC, Changan, and Chery all made the top 10. Strong domestic demand, large-scale production, and close supply-chain integration have helped Chinese automakers expand faster than many Western rivals.
China’s EV Strength Goes Global
China’s dominant position in the ranking goes beyond domestic success. Chinese EV makers are increasingly exporting to markets around the world, deepening the country’s clean-tech footprint. Their presence is especially strong across parts of Latin America and Asia.
As well, global trade dynamics are beginning to shift in China’s favor. While some regions have historically imposed tariffs or restrictions on Chinese EV imports, several markets are gradually loosening these barriers to accelerate their own clean energy transitions.
Emerging economies in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe are increasingly welcoming affordable Chinese EVs, prioritizing cost and availability over protectionist policies. This easing of restrictions is helping Chinese automakers expand their global footprint even faster, reinforcing their growing influence in the international EV market.
Western Automakers Face a Tougher Road
Tesla remains the highest-ranked U.S. automaker, but its third-place position underscores how crowded the field has become. Volkswagen, BMW, and Stellantis are all in the top 10, yet their delivery volumes trail the top Chinese brands by a considerable margin.
In other words, the EV market is starting to look less like a Silicon Valley disruption story and more like a manufacturing scale story. Right now, China is winning that contest.
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Ranked: Currencies Soaring Against the U.S. Dollar
Published 2 hours ago on April 6, 2026
By Jenna Ross
Article & Editing
Julia Wendling
Graphics & Design
Jennifer West
Zack Aboulazm
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The following content is sponsored by Terzo
Ranked: Currencies Soaring Against the U.S. Dollar
Key Takeaways When comparing the currencies of large countries against the U.S. dollar, the Israeli shekel has risen the most, soaring 20.2% higher in the last year. The Colombian peso ranks second, rising 19.70% against the U.S. dollar, followed by the South African rand at 16.4%.
Over the past year, several global currencies have posted double-digit gains against the U.S. dollar. Shifting capital flows, changing monetary policy expectations, and improving domestic fundamentals have all played a role.
Created in partnership with Terzo, this graphic shows which currencies have seen the largest gains against the U.S. dollar. It’s part of our Markets in a Minute series, which delivers quick economic insights for executives.
Currencies Seeing the Biggest Gains
We analyzed countries with annual GDP of $250 billion or more, and ranked the performers of their currencies against the U.S. dollar in the last year.
Leading the pack is the Israeli shekel, up 20.2% year-over-year versus the dollar. The Bank of Israel governor attributes this to the resilience of the Israeli economy amid conflict and solid export performance. Israel has also seen strong foreign direct investment, driving demand for the shekel.
CurrencyYear-Over-Year Performance
Israeli shekel20.2%
Colombian peso19.7%
South African rand16.4%
Mexican peso16.4%
Australian Dollar14.8%
Brazilian real14.5%
Nigerian naira13.5%
Norwegian krone12.7%
Kazakhstani tenge12.3%
Malaysian ringgit11.2%
Source: Trading Economics. Year-over-year performance as of April 6, 2026.
The Colombian peso and South African rand have also posted strong gains, rising 19.7% and 16.4% respectively against the U.S. dollar over the past year. The Mexican peso follows closely behind, up 16.4%, supported by higher rates relative to the U.S., record foreign direct investment, and a booming tourism sector.
A Weaker U.S. Dollar vs. Global Currencies
Of course, a major reason currencies across the globe are gaining value against the U.S. dollar is because the American currency itself is weakening.
Analysts say the drop is partly due to market concern about the U.S. administration’s unpredictable policies. Earlier in 2025, the anticipation of more Federal Reserve rate cuts, which caused investors to look for higher returns elsewhere, also pushed the dollar lower.
What It Means for Global Markets
When the U.S. dollar gets weaker, it changes how money and trade flow around the world.
For example, U.S. products become cheaper for other countries to buy, which can help American exporters. At the same time, companies in other countries (with stronger currencies) may find it harder to compete with U.S. goods.
For investors, a weaker dollar can boost the value of investments in other countries. Even if those investments don’t grow much, they can still be worth more when converted back into U.S. dollars simply because the currency exchange rate improved.
When markets move fast, timely access to the right data makes all the difference. NirvanAI is an all-in-one AI system that helps finance leaders turn complex contracts into clear, actionable insights—so they can make smarter decisions with confidence.
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Ranked: The Biggest Arms Exporters in 2025
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Ranked: The Biggest Arms Exporters in 2025
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. accounts for 42% of global arms exports in 2025, over four times France’s 10% share in second place.
Israel and South Korea are among the fastest-growing exporters, rapidly climbing the global rankings.
One country towers over the global arms trade in 2025: the United States. With a 42% share of global exports, it ships more arms than the next four exporters combined.
This visualization ranks the biggest arms-exporting countries in 2025 by share of global exports, highlighting both America’s lead and the rise of newer defense suppliers like Israel and South Korea. The data for this visualization comes from the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database.
U.S. Dominance Remains Unchallenged
The United States leads global arms exports by a wide margin, with a gap over the second-ranked country that no other exporter comes close to matching.
RankCountry% of Global Arms Exports
1 United States42.0%
2 France10.0%
3 Israel7.8%
4 South Korea6.0%
5 Russia5.8%
6 Italy5.7%
7 Germany5.1%
8 China2.6%
9 United Kingdom2.1%
10 Netherlands1.8%
11 Turkiye1.6%
12 Norway1.2%
13 Spain1.0%
14 Canada0.9%
15 Sweden0.7%
16 Denmark0.5%
17 Brazil0.5%
18 Czechia0.4%
19 Romania0.4%
20 Switzerland0.4%
21 Pakistan0.4%
22 Ukraine0.4%
23 South Africa0.3%
24 Finland0.3%
25 Australia0.3%
26 Belgium0.3%
27 India0.2%
28 Iran0.2%
29 Singapore0.2%
30 Poland0.2%
31 North Korea0.1%
32 Kyrgyzstan0.1%
33 United Arab Emirates0.1%
34 Japan0.1%
35 Ireland0.1%
The U.S. has six of the top 10 arms exporting companies by revenue.
U.S. exports span advanced fighter jets, missile systems, and defense technologies supplied to allies worldwide. Even at this scale, America’s share of exports still grew 2.4% year-over-year in 2025.
Rising Exporters Gain Ground
Several countries are rapidly expanding their presence in the global arms market. France ranks second with a 10% share and saw its export share surge by 36%, fueled by strong demand for its Rafale fighter jets and naval systems.
Israel and South Korea stand out even more, with export share growth of 126% and 83%, respectively. These countries are becoming key suppliers of advanced technologies, including drones, missile systems, and artillery.
Traditional Powers Face Declines
At the same time, several established exporters are losing ground. Russia, once a dominant supplier, now holds just 5.8% of global exports and saw its share shrink by 2.7%. Ongoing geopolitical challenges and shifting alliances have impacted its export capacity.
European exporters like Germany and the United Kingdom also recorded declines, with export shares falling 20% and 21%, respectively. Meanwhile, China’s share dropped sharply by 32%.
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Mapped: Population Growth in Every Country (2000–2025)
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Mapped: Population Growth in Every Country (2000–2025)
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Key Takeaways
A small group of countries saw explosive population growth, led by Qatar with an increase of over 400% since 2000.
Most countries grew, but nearly 1 in 7 experienced population decline.
The sharpest declines were concentrated in Eastern Europe, led by Ukraine at -32.5%.
Over the past 25 years, population trends have split in two directions. Some countries have seen their populations multiply several times over, while others have steadily declined.
This map shows cumulative population change by country from 2000 to 2025, based on data from the IMF. The contrast is clear: migration-driven growth in parts of the Gulf and Africa, and sustained population decline across Eastern Europe.
Where Population Growth is Surging
The fastest-growing populations are concentrated in a relatively small group of countries, mainly in the Gulf and sub-Saharan Africa, where migration and demographic momentum have driven rapid expansion.
The data table below shows the cumulative population change of each country from 2000 to 2025:
RankCountryPopulation Change 2000–2025 (%)
1 Qatar423.4
2 United Arab Emirates249.7
3 Equatorial Guinea166.6
4 Niger157.0
5 Bahrain153.9
6 Papua New Guinea149.6
7 Angola139.7
8 Kuwait139.1
9 Oman129.1
10 Chad126.9
11 Jordan126.3
12 Burundi123.6
13 Democratic Republic of the Congo121.8
14 Uganda120.1
15 Zambia119.5
16 Mali118.4
17 Yemen112.9
18 Gambia, The112.8
19 Madagascar108.7
20 Benin106.6
21 Republic of Congo107.0
22 Tanzania106.4
23 Mozambique102.3
24 Côte d'Ivoire102.3
25 Burkina Faso102.0
26 Liberia101.2
27 Cameroon100.4
28 Malawi99.3
29 Saudi Arabia98.5
30 Timor-Leste97.5
31 Senegal95.7
32 Sierra Leone92.4
33 Gabon91.4
34 Nigeria90.2
35 Togo90.3
36 Solomon Islands88.7
37 Vanuatu86.9
38 Rwanda83.9
39 Ethiopia83.5
40 Kenya80.9
41 Guinea80.7
42 Ghana78.6
43 Pakistan77.4
44 Mauritania75.1
45 Egypt71.0
46 Namibia69.6
47 Comoros69.5
48 Guinea-Bissau69.1
49 Belize66.8
50 Tajikistan66.7
51 São Tomé and Príncipe66.7
52 Honduras65.0
53 Sudan62.1
54 Israel61.9
55 Botswana60.0
56 Guatemala59.5
57 Luxembourg57.8
58 Algeria54.9
59 Uzbekistan54.0
60 Kiribati53.6
61 Maldives52.2
62 Singapore50.9
63 Panama50.1
64 Mongolia49.1
65 Philippines48.6
66 Zimbabwe48.5
67 Kyrgyz Republic48.2
68 Bolivia47.7
69 Djibouti47.1
70 Cambodia46.6
71 Haiti46.4
72 Central African Republic45.8
73 Australia44.9
74 Ecuador45.1
75 Malta44.7
76 Malaysia44.1
77 Lao P.D.R.43.4
78 Ireland43.4
79 South Africa42.4
80 Turkmenistan42.5
81 Brunei Darussalam41.5
82 Nicaragua41.4
83 Costa Rica41.0
84 Suriname40.7
85 Iceland40.1
86 India38.4
87 Paraguay38.0
88 Bhutan38.0
89 Antigua and Barbuda38.2
90 Indonesia37.9
91 Iran37.8
92 New Zealand37.9
93 Kazakhstan36.9
94 Cyprus36.5
95 Bangladesh36.1
96 Colombia35.7
97 Canada35.6
98 Bahamas, The35.9
99 Libya34.8
100 Mexico34.2
101 Türkiye, Republic of33.9
102 Morocco32.5
103 Chile31.7
104 Peru30.4
105 Argentina29.4
106 Dominican Republic29.6
107 Azerbaijan29.1
108 Vietnam28.7
109 Tunisia28.2
110 Switzerland26.0
111 Seychelles25.9
112 Norway25.0
113 Cabo Verde24.2
114 Liechtenstein24.2
115 Spain22.3
116 Brazil22.1
117 Samoa21.8
118 Eswatini21.5
119 United States21.0
120 Nepal20.8
121 Sweden20.2
122 Myanmar19.5
123 Lesotho19.4
124 United Kingdom18.6
125 Belgium15.9
126 Fiji15.7
127 Saint Kitts and Nevis15.6
128 Austria14.6
129 Saint Lucia14.5
130 Netherlands13.8
131 France13.4
132 Trinidad and Tobago13.3
133 Denmark12.6
134 Grenada12.6
135 Hong Kong SAR12.2
136 Thailand11.7
137 China10.9
138 South Korea9.9
139 Venezuela9.3
140 Finland8.5
141 Barbados8.1
142 Guyana7.7
143 El Salvador7.2
144 Slovenia7.2
145 Kosovo7.1
146 Aruba6.9
147 Jamaica6.6
148 Czechia6.1
149 Mauritius5.8
150 Dominica5.6
151 Taiwan Province of China5.0
152 Portugal4.5
153 Uruguay4.1
154 Italy3.5
155 Montenegro3.1
156 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines2.8
157 Germany2.7
158 Slovak Republic0.4
159 Tonga0.0
160 Russia-0.7
161 Estonia-1.6
162 Japan-2.8
163 Armenia-3.3
164 Greece-3.7
165 Poland-4.6
166 Palau-5.3
167 Hungary-6.5
168 Bosnia and Herzegovina-8.2
169 Belarus-9.0
170 North Macedonia-10.0
171 Georgia-10.3
172 Micronesia-11.2
173 Croatia-12.0
174 Albania-12.8
175 Serbia-13.1
176 Romania-16.1
177 Puerto Rico-16.7
178 Lithuania-17.5
179 Moldova-18.8
180 Latvia-21.6
181 Bulgaria-23.2
182 Marshall Islands-29.4
183 Ukraine-32.5
Qatar stands far ahead of every other country, with its population increasing more than fivefold (+423.4%) since 2000. This surge has been driven largely by an influx of foreign workers tied to energy and infrastructure booms. Other Gulf economies also rank among the fastest-growing, including the United Arab Emirates (+249.7%), Bahrain (+153.9%), Kuwait (+139.1%), Oman (+129.1%), and Saudi Arabia (+98.5%).
Outside the Gulf, several African economies also posted strong gains, including Equatorial Guinea (+166.6%), Niger (+157.0%), Angola (+139.7%), and Chad (+126.9%).
At the opposite extreme, several countries are shrinking rapidly. Ukraine leads the declines at -32.5%, followed by a cluster of Eastern European and Baltic states, including Bulgaria (-23.2%), Latvia (-21.6%), Lithuania (-17.5%), Moldova (-18.8%), and Romania (-16.1%).
EU accession opened westward migration routes for parts of Eastern Europe, accelerating long-term population losses in a region already facing aging demographics and low birth rates.
Large Economies Saw More Moderate Growth
Among the world’s largest economies, population growth was generally more moderate. India grew 38.4%, while the U.S. rose 21.0%, China 10.9%, and Brazil 22.1%. Canada posted a stronger 35.6% increase, and Australia climbed 44.9%.
Elsewhere in Asia, Japan declined 2.8% and South Korea rose 9.9%, both trailing the global average increase of 46.6%.
Taken together, the map shows that the fastest population expansion has not been driven by the largest economies, but by a mix of migration-heavy Gulf states and younger, faster-growing developing countries.
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Mapped: Europe’s Biggest Budget Deficits
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Mapped: Europe’s Biggest Budget Deficits
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
Romania has Europe’s largest deficit at 7.3% of GDP, followed by Poland and Belgium.
Several major economies, including France and the UK, have deficits exceeding 5% of GDP.
Many EU countries remain above the bloc’s 3% deficit limit.
Europe’s fiscal rules are under pressure. The most recent data for late 2025 show that many countries are running deficits well above the European Union’s 3% limit, with some of the region’s largest economies among the worst offenders.
This map shows government budget balances as a share of GDP across Europe, based on the latest data from Eurostat and national statistical agencies.
While deficits surged during the pandemic, they remain elevated due to weak growth, energy shocks, and rising defense spending, particularly in countries closer to the war in Ukraine.
Who’s Running the Largest Deficits?
The EU sets a 3% of GDP limit on fiscal deficits, but many countries are now exceeding it by a wide margin.
From France (5.4%) to Poland (5.8%) and Romania (7.3%), several major economies are running deficits nearly double the threshold, raising questions about enforcement and fiscal discipline across the bloc.
The following data table lists European countries alongside their 2025 budget balances as a percentage of GDP.
CountryGov't Budget Deficit or Surplus (% of GDP)
Romania-7.3%
Poland-5.8%
Belgium-5.7%
France-5.4%
UK-5.4%
Austria-4.8%
Hungary-4.4%
Slovakia-3.8%
Bulgaria-3.6%
Italy-3.4%
Finland-3.3%
EU-3.2%
Latvia-3.0%
Croatia-2.9%
Germany-2.8%
Spain-2.2%
Czechia-1.9%
Lithuania-1.8%
Luxembourg-1.6%
Netherlands-1.6%
Slovenia-1.4%
Estonia-1.2%
Sweden-1.1%
Iceland-1.0%
Malta-0.6%
Portugal-0.5%
Switzerland0.5%
Ireland1.2%
Cyprus2.4%
Greece3.2%
Denmark3.3%
Norway12.5%
All figures for Q3 2025 except for Norway and Switzerland, which are 2025 estimates. Norwegian figures include oil revenues. Latest data available as of March 2026.
Why does this matter? Higher deficits typically mean more borrowing, which can push up interest costs and limit governments’ ability to respond to future crises. For heavily indebted countries, this creates a growing fiscal squeeze as debt servicing takes up a larger share of budgets.
Different variables can shape a government’s budget and cause it to run either a surplus or a deficit. For many EU countries, the COVID-19 pandemic forced higher spending at a time of economic contraction, a trend that continued during the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The latter has also forced higher government spending for more than just energy subsidies. European governments, especially in the east, have boosted defense spending to ward off Russian aggression.
Poland stands out with a budget deficit of 5.8%, driven largely by a surge in defense spending since 2022. As one of NATO’s frontline states, the country has rapidly expanded its military budget, illustrating how geopolitical tensions are directly reshaping fiscal balances across Europe.
Deficits in the EU’s Big Three
France, Germany, and Italy—the EU’s three largest economies—are all running deficits, but to very different degrees. France (5.4%) and Italy (3.4%) are above the EU’s limit, while Germany (2.8%) remains just below it.
Germany, which has long prided itself on fiscal prudence and low national debt, has had a rough few years, with the COVID-19 shock followed by an energy crisis and a multiyear recession.
The country recently bypassed its famous “debt brake,” which limits structural deficits, in order to boost investment in defense following the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Meanwhile, the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz is under pressure to further increase investment in key strategic sectors despite limited growth.
France and Italy are also struggling to reduce their deficits, which are among the highest in Europe, although they are hamstrung by their own domestic concerns. France’s political instability and divided legislature have caused consistent setbacks to budget revisions, while Italy has attempted for years to bring down its high public debt, which at over 135% of GDP is the second-highest in the eurozone after Greece.
Mixed Results Across Non-EU Economies
Among the major non-EU economies, the budgetary situation is slightly better, albeit with one major exception: the United Kingdom is projected to have run a 5.4% deficit, contributing to its high public debt of roughly 100% of GDP.
Switzerland, meanwhile, eked out a meager 0.5% surplus, aided by above-expected profit taxes in Geneva. Norway, for its part, secured a 12.5% budget surplus, facilitated by its generous oil reserves at a time of soaring energy prices.
Norway’s 12.5% surplus stands in stark contrast to the rest of Europe. Fueled by oil revenues, it highlights how access to natural resources can dramatically reshape a country’s fiscal position. Without this energy income, however, Norway would be running a sizable deficit, underscoring how unusual its position is.
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Mapped: Economies Most Dependent on Remittances
Mapped: Economies Most Dependent on Remittances
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
Tajikistan is the world’s most remittance-dependent economy, with inflows equal to 47.9% of GDP in 2024.
Several smaller economies rely on remittances for a quarter or more of GDP, including Nicaragua, Nepal, Honduras, and Samoa.
By comparison, the global average is just 0.82%, showing how concentrated remittance dependence is.
In some economies, money sent home by workers abroad is not just helpful—it is a major pillar of national income. In Tajikistan, remittances were equal to 47.9% of GDP in 2024, the highest share in the world.
The visualization, created by Iswardi Ishak using World Bank data, maps personal remittances received as a share of GDP across 194 economies in 2024. It shows how migration-linked income plays an outsized role in a small group of countries, compared with a global average of just 0.82%.
Ranked: Where Remittances Make Up the Biggest Share
Tajikistan ranks far above every other economy, with remittances equal to 47.9% in 2024.
Nicaragua, Nepal, Honduras, and Samoa also stand out, each relying on these inflows for roughly a quarter of national output. Globally, the average is just 0.82%.
RankCountryRemittances as a % of GDP (2024)
1 Tajikistan47.89
2 Lebanon33.35
3 Nicaragua26.64
4 Nepal26.23
5 Honduras25.70
6 Bermuda25.41
7 Samoa24.01
8 El Salvador24.00
9 Gambia, The22.00
10 Liberia21.28
11 Lesotho20.94
12 Comoros19.60
13 Guatemala19.12
14 Kyrgyz Republic17.74
15 Somalia, Fed. Rep.17.70
16 Kosovo17.30
17 Haiti16.30
18 Jamaica16.19
19 Uzbekistan14.42
20 Cabo Verde12.25
21 Georgia11.87
22 Marshall Islands11.87
23 Timor-Leste11.77
24 Senegal11.43
25 Bosnia and Herzegovina10.55
26 Moldova10.54
27 Montenegro10.34
28 Guinea-Bissau9.79
29 Sao Tome and Principe9.75
30 Pakistan9.40
31 French Polynesia9.20
32 Dominican Republic9.05
33 Philippines8.73
34 Zimbabwe8.45
35 Nigeria8.44
36 Albania8.41
37 Jordan8.31
38 St. Vincent and the Grenadines7.94
39 Morocco7.79
40 Burundi7.69
41 Egypt, Arab Rep.7.60
42 New Caledonia7.26
43 Croatia7.21
44 Fiji7.11
45 Sri Lanka6.79
46 Serbia6.40
47 Tunisia6.34
48 Ukraine6.29
49 Bangladesh6.11
50 Cambodia6.10
51 Solomon Islands6.01
52 Dominica5.67
53 West Bank and Gaza5.37
54 Ecuador5.25
55 Micronesia, Fed. Sts.4.95
56 Armenia4.92
57 Belize4.81
58 Ethiopia4.77
59 Kiribati4.76
60 Sierra Leone4.60
61 Kenya4.15
62 Mali3.99
63 Ghana3.68
64 Mexico3.64
65 Rwanda3.63
66 Suriname3.63
67 India3.52
68 Grenada3.50
69 St. Kitts and Nevis3.45
70 Vietnam3.36
71 Niger3.27
72 Curacao3.26
73 Latvia3.06
74 Colombia2.83
75 Congo, Dem. Rep.2.82
76 North Macedonia2.70
77 Sint Maarten (Dutch part)2.69
78 Luxembourg2.68
79 Uganda2.65
80 Paraguay2.56
81 Burkina Faso2.55
82 Romania2.49
83 Guinea2.46
84 Hungary2.46
85 Guyana2.43
86 St. Lucia2.38
87 Bolivia2.34
88 Bulgaria2.33
89 Madagascar2.33
90 Belgium2.31
91 Mongolia2.22
92 Slovakia2.10
93 Cote d'Ivoire2.03
94 Mauritius1.92
95 Azerbaijan1.82
96 Belarus1.81
97 Sudan1.81
98 Cyprus1.80
99 Thailand1.80
100 Peru1.71
101 Malawi1.65
102 Myanmar1.55
103 Lao PDR1.49
104 Tanzania1.42
105 Nauru1.37
106 Djibouti1.35
107 Zambia1.32
108 Andorra1.30
109 Cameroon1.29
110 Lithuania1.24
111 Slovenia1.24
112 France1.23
113 Czechia1.22
114 Antigua and Barbuda1.19
115 Mozambique1.17
116 Estonia1.15
117 Indonesia1.15
118 Barbados1.14
119 Benin1.10
120 Poland0.95
121 Aruba0.89
122 Mauritania0.87
123 European Union0.81
124 Trinidad and Tobago0.78
125 Costa Rica0.76
126 Iceland0.74
127 Sweden0.73
128 Namibia0.72
129 Eswatini0.69
130 Algeria0.67
131 Botswana0.66
132 Qatar0.66
133 Austria0.65
134 Panama0.61
135 Portugal0.59
136 Seychelles0.55
137 Italy0.47
138 Germany0.45
139 Bahamas, The0.42
140 Korea, Rep.0.40
141 Switzerland0.39
142 Netherlands0.39
143 Malaysia0.38
144 Spain0.37
145 Denmark0.36
146 United Arab Emirates0.33
147 Congo, Rep.0.28
148 Macao SAR0.27
149 Finland0.25
150 Iraq0.25
151 New Zealand0.23
152 Brazil0.22
153 Greece0.22
154 South Africa0.21
155 Norway0.20
156 Israel0.18
157 China0.17
158 Uruguay0.17
159 Argentina0.16
160 United Kingdom0.13
161 Japan0.12
162 Hong Kong SAR0.11
163 Ireland0.11
164 Australia0.10
165 Russian Federation0.09
166 Kazakhstan0.08
167 Maldives0.08
168 Turkiye0.07
169 Malta0.06
170 Angola0.05
171 Canada0.04
172 Oman0.04
173 Chile0.03
174 Saudi Arabia0.03
175 United States0.03
176 Kuwait0.01
177 Papua New Guinea0.01
-- Togo8.69 (2020)
-- Tonga42.61 (2023)
-- Tuvalu4.16 (2023)
-- Bhutan3.58 (2023)
-- Syrian Arab Republic2.64 (2010)
-- Vanuatu18.75 (2022)
-- Yemen, Rep.15.89 (2018)
-- Afghanistan1.87 (2023)
-- San Marino1.10 (2023)
-- Palau0.80 (2023)
-- Turks and Caicos Islands0.57 (2018)
-- Iran, Islamic Rep.0.55 (2004)
-- Venezuela, RB0.25 (2016)
-- Cayman Islands0.15 (2023)
-- Gabon0.13 (2015)
-- Libya0.03 (2006)
-- Iran, Islamic Rep.No Data
-- World0.82
Why Some Economies Depend More on Remittances
Remittance dependence is highest in smaller or lower-income economies where a significant share of the workforce migrates abroad. The money sent home supports household spending, education, housing, and basic consumption, giving remittances an outsized role in the domestic economy.
This reliance can be a double-edged sword. While remittances are often more stable than foreign investment during downturns, countries that depend on them are more exposed to changes in host-country labor markets, migration policy, and transfer costs.
Big Economies, Smaller Shares
Interestingly, some of the world’s largest recipients of remittances, like India, Mexico, and the Philippines, do not rank as highly when measured as a share of GDP. For example:
India receives massive inflows in absolute terms but remittances account for just 3.5% of GDP.
Mexico sees a similar pattern, with 3.6% of GDP tied to remittances.
The Philippines stands higher at 8.7%, reflecting a more migration-driven economy.
Simply put: large economies have more diversified sources of income, diluting the relative impact of remittances.
The Cost of Sending Money Home
Despite their importance, remittances can come with high transaction costs. In fact, some countries face the highest remittance fees globally, reducing the amount families ultimately receive.
Lowering these costs remains a key goal for policymakers and international organizations, as even small reductions can significantly boost household income in remittance-dependent nations.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To explore how money moves across borders, check out Global Remittance Flows on the Voronoi app.
Ranked: America’s 20 Tallest Buildings
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Ranked: America’s 20 Tallest Buildings
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Key Takeaways
New York and Chicago are home to the 14 tallest buildings in the U.S.
One World Trade Center has topped the U.S. skyline since 2014.
A new skyscraper opened in 2025 now ranks among the top 10.
The United States is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world, with a majority of them concentrated in just two cities: New York and Chicago.
This infographic ranks the 20 tallest buildings in the U.S. based off data from the Council on Vertical Urbanism (formerly known Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat).
Detachable equipment like antennae and flagpoles are excluded from building height, although fixed rooftop spires are not.
The Dominance of New York and Chicago
The race for America’s tallest buildings is overwhelmingly concentrated in two cities: New York and Chicago account for 14 of the top 20 entries in the ranking. That dominance reflects more than a century of skyscraper construction, financing, and engineering innovation centered in the two cities.
This data table ranks the 20 tallest U.S. buildings as of April 2026:
RankNameCityHeightCompletion
1One World Trade CenterNew York1,776 ft2014
2Central Park TowerNew York1,550 ft2020
3Willis TowerChicago1,451 ft1974
4111 West 57th StreetNew York1,428 ft2021
5One Vanderbilt Avenue New York1,401 ft2020
6432 Park AvenueNew York1,397 ft2015
7Trump International Hotel & TowerChicago1,389 ft2009
8JPMorgan Chase World HeadquartersNew York1,388 ft2025
930 Hudson YardsNew York1,270 ft2019
10Empire State BuildingNew York1,250 ft1931
11Bank of America TowerNew York1,200 ft2009
12The St. Regis ChicagoChicago1,191 ft2020
13Aon CenterChicago1,136 ft1973
14875 North Michigan AvenueChicago1,128 ft1969
15Comcast Technology CenterPhiladelphia1,112 ft2018
16Wilshire Grand CenterLos Angeles1,100 ft2017
173 World Trade CenterNew York1,079 ft2018
18Salesforce TowerSan Francisco1,070 ft2018
1953 West 53New York1,050 ft2019
20Chrysler BuildingNew York1,046 ft1930
Chicago helped pioneer the skyscraper era, but New York eventually pulled ahead in both scale and concentration of supertall development.
Today, the country’s two tallest buildings, One World Trade Center (1,776 feet) and Central Park Tower (1,550 feet), are both in New York, underscoring how much the center of gravity has shifted toward Manhattan.
A Timeline of America’s Tallest Building
When it opened in 1930, the Chrysler Building (1,046 feet) was the tallest building in the world. It only held this title for 11 months before it was surpassed by a fellow Art Deco masterpiece, the Empire State Building (1,250 feet), in 1931. The Empire State Building would remain the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years until the topping out of the North Tower of the World Trade Center in 1970.
Chicago’s Sears Tower (1,451 feet) then took up the mantle beginning in 1974, holding the title as world’s tallest building until it was surpassed in the late 1990s by the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Sears Tower, which was eventually formally renamed the Willis Tower in 2009, remained America’s tallest building until the opening of One World Trade Center in 2014.
One World Trade Center remains the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the skyline is still evolving—New York’s JPMorgan Chase World Headquarters (1,388 ft), completed in 2025, has already climbed into the top 10 tallest buildings in the U.S.
Beyond the Two Great Skyscraper Cities
Outside New York and Chicago, only three buildings make the top 20: Philadelphia’s Comcast Technology Center, Los Angeles’ Wilshire Grand Center, and San Francisco’s Salesforce Tower.
That gap shows how exceptional the New York and Chicago skylines remain. Even relatively new towers on the West Coast are shorter than some older Midwest and East Coast peers—for example, San Francisco’s Salesforce Tower, completed in 2018, is still shorter than Chicago’s Aon Center, which opened in 1973.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The World’s Tallest Buildings in 2024 on Voronoi.
Ranked: America’s Biggest Christian Groups
Ranked: America’s Biggest Christian Groups
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Key Takeaways
The Catholic Church is the largest Christian group in the U.S., with nearly 62 million adherents.
The Southern Baptist Convention has the most congregations, with over 51,000 churches.
Non-denominational churches rank second by adherents and remain one of the country’s largest Christian groups.
The Catholic Church is America’s largest Christian group—but it doesn’t have the most churches.
Drawing on data from the U.S. Religion Census, compiled by Julie Peasley, this visualization compares the country’s biggest Christian denominations by two measures: adherents and congregations.
The comparison highlights a key divide in how these groups are structured. Catholics lead by membership, while the Southern Baptist Convention leads by church count. Non-denominational churches also rank near the top on both measures, reflecting how the composition of American Christianity has shifted over time.
The Largest Christian Denominations in America
Here’s a closer look at how America’s largest Christian groups stack up:
Christian BodyAdherents (U.S., 2020)Congregations (U.S., 2020)
Catholic Church61,858,13719,405
Non-denominational Christian Churches21,095,64144,319
Southern Baptist Convention17,649,04051,379
United Methodist Church8,018,62930,051
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints6,721,03114,567
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America3,139,4138,857
Assemblies of God, General Council of the3,094,54712,739
Jehovah's Witnesses3,016,92412,285
National Missionary Baptist Convention of America2,428,8207,564
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS)1,802,6805,897
Episcopal Church1,576,6116,353
National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.1,567,7412,530
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)1,491,7758,851
Churches of Christ1,422,33111,881
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ1,379,0414,787
Seventh-day Adventist Church1,339,8305,989
American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A.1,259,8044,790
African Methodist Episcopal Church1,059,8883,667
What Are “Adherents” and “Congregations”?
Two metrics drive this comparison:
Adherents: the total number of people affiliated with a religious group.
Congregations: the number of individual places of worship.
Together, they show both the size of each group and how widely it is distributed.
America’s Largest Christian Group Has Fewer Congregations
The Catholic Church has 61.9 million adherents—more than any other group—but only about 19,400 congregations.
By contrast, the Southern Baptist Convention has 51,400 churches, the most in the dataset, despite having far fewer members. Non-denominational churches also combine a large membership base with a wide church network.
The result is a clear tradeoff: some groups concentrate members into fewer congregations, while others are spread across a much larger number of churches.
The Rise of Non-Denominational Christianity
Non-denominational Christian churches have emerged as one of the largest groups in the country. Their growth reflects broader shifts in religious identity, as many Americans move away from traditional denominational labels.
According to broader research from Pew, religious affiliation in the U.S. has remained relatively stable in recent years, but the composition within Christianity continues to evolve. Non-denominational and evangelical traditions have gained prominence, especially in fast-growing regions.
A Diverse Religious Landscape
Beyond the largest groups, the U.S. is home to a wide array of smaller denominations, from Lutheran and Methodist branches to Adventist and Episcopal churches. Each contributes to a highly fragmented but vibrant religious ecosystem.
Geography helps shape these patterns. In this map of U.S. religion, Baptist and evangelical churches are heavily concentrated in the South, whereas Catholic strongholds align with areas shaped by European and Latin American immigration.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To see how Christianity compares on a global scale, check out Ranked: Countries With the Greatest Number of Christians on the Voronoi app.
Mapped: Where Americans 65+ Are Still Working
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Mapped: Where Americans 65+ Are Still Working
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Key Takeaways
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans over 65 is still working, often part-time
Vermont and New Hampshire (28.6%) have the highest share of senior workers
West Virginia (16.7%) has the lowest participation among retirement-age Americans
For a growing share of Americans, retirement no longer starts at 65.
This map shows where people aged 65 and older are still working across U.S. states, based on 2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau via FinanceBuzz.
About 22% of Americans 65+ remain in the workforce, but the share climbs to nearly one-third in some states. The gap highlights how cost of living, job availability, and shifting retirement systems are reshaping when—and whether—Americans stop working.
The Workforces With The Most Seniors
The New England states of Vermont and New Hampshire (both 28.6%) lead the country in the number of seniors still working, followed by South Dakota at 27.6%.
This data table highlights the percentage of retirement-age people still in the workforce per state.
StatePeople Over 65 Still Working (%)
New Hampshire28.6%
Vermont28.6%
South Dakota27.6%
Massachusetts27.2%
Maryland26.8%
New Jersey26.8%
Connecticut26.5%
Nebraska26.1%
North Dakota25.7%
Hawaii25.6%
Alaska25.5%
Maine24.8%
Montana24.6%
Colorado24.5%
Kansas24.5%
Rhode Island24.5%
North Carolina24.0%
Virginia24.0%
Texas23.8%
Iowa23.7%
Minnesota23.5%
Utah23.5%
New York23.0%
Illinois22.8%
California22.7%
Indiana22.2%
Wyoming22.2%
Pennsylvania22.0%
Tennessee21.8%
Georgia21.7%
Delaware21.5%
Nevada21.5%
Ohio21.5%
Missouri21.4%
Wisconsin21.4%
Louisiana21.1%
Oklahoma21.1%
Washington20.9%
Idaho20.5%
New Mexico20.5%
Florida20.1%
Michigan20.1%
Kentucky19.9%
South Carolina19.9%
Mississippi19.6%
Alabama19.2%
Arizona19.2%
Oregon19.1%
Arkansas18.9%
West Virginia16.7%
U.S. Average22.4%
A clear regional pattern emerges: Northeastern states dominate the top ranks, with many posting rates above 26%. Higher living costs and longer life expectancy likely contribute to more Americans 65+ staying in the workforce.
Most people are not working full-time, however. In fact, among its retirement-age workers, Vermont has the highest concentration of part-time employees nationwide, reflecting in part the social role work plays in many older Americans’ lives.
The Two Full-Time States
On the flip side, there’s Maryland, which has the highest share of full-time retirement-age workers in the country.
Maryland and Hawaii are actually the only two states in which a majority of working people aged 65 and up are employed full-time. Full-time work is generally essential for seniors who cannot rely on other retirement sources of income, such as Social Security, or who obtain needed benefits through their job.
The decline of traditional pensions is a key driver behind this shift. With retirement savings increasingly tied to 401(k) plans and market performance, many Americans are working longer to maintain financial security.
West Virginia and the Truly Retired
Among the 50 states in the country, West Virginia (16.7%) has the lowest share of retirement-age workers. It’s followed by Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, and Oregon, all of which sit around 19%.
In lower-ranking states like West Virginia and Arkansas, fewer Americans 65+ remain in the workforce—likely reflecting a mix of fewer job opportunities and lower living costs. In these areas, retirement may still be more attainable than continuing to work.
They may also have differing lifestyle preferences, electing to devote more time to family commitments than to the structure or social component of a job or so-called “side hustle.”
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If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Mapping Unemployment Claims per 100,000 Workers on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.
Ranked: The World’s Richest Music Artists
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Ranked: The World’s Richest Music Artists
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
Jay-Z leads all musicians with a $2.8B fortune—ahead of Taylor Swift.
Seven music artists are now billionaires, led by business-driven empires.
Most top earners built billion-dollar businesses beyond music.
The music industry’s biggest stars are no longer just performers. Many are building billion-dollar business empires.
This ranking shows the 10 wealthiest musicians globally, led by Jay-Z with an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion—putting him ahead of Taylor Swift, whose fortune is largely driven by touring and music ownership.
While fans may assume chart success equals wealth, today’s richest artists have built empires far beyond music, from liquor brands to cosmetics companies. Data is sourced from the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List as of 2026.
Brooklyn’s Representation At The Top
No musical artist has accumulated more wealth than Jay-Z, whose net worth has reached $2.8 billion.
Born Shawn Carter in December of 1969 in Brooklyn, New York, the 56-year old rapper and music mogul’s career has spanned 30 years, beginning with his 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt, in which he told tales of his criminal past. In 2019, Jay-Z became hip hop’s first billionaire.
Here are the 10 richest music artists in the world as of March 2026:
RankArtistNet Worth
1 Jay-Z$2.8B
2 Taylor Swift$2B
3 Bruce Springsteen$1.2B
4 Beyonce$1B
5 Rihanna$1B
6 Dr. Dre$1B
7 Jimmy Buffett (and estate)$1B
8 Madonna$850M
9 Selena Gomez$700M
10 Celine Dion$570M
Taylor Swift ranks second with $2 billion, driven largely by touring and music. Jay-Z’s lead comes from business ventures and investments.
The secret to Jay-Z’s success comes from how he has leveraged his successful music career to pursue other business ventures outside of music. Until 2013, he owned a small minority stake in the Brooklyn Nets (formerly New Jersey Nets) basketball team, as well as their home stadium, the Barclays Center. In the early 2020s, he sold larger stakes in liquor brands such as Ace of Spades and D’usse to major companies like LVMH and Bacardi.
Today Jay-Z has gone beyond the label of “greatest rapper alive” to become the wealthiest music icon in the world, as well as an enduring figure in pop culture. His entertainment company Roc Nation manages musical artists and athletes, and has produced the Super Bowl Halftime Show since 2019.
The Billionaires’ Club of Music
Jay-Z is not the only person to go from music star to billionaire. In fact, aside from the late Jimmy Buffett he’s joined by six others, including Taylor Swift ($2 billion) and Bruce Springsteen ($1.2 billion), as well as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Dr. Dre (all $1 billion).
Many of these other billionaires have also leveraged their music to pursue entrepreneurial outlets. For example, while Dr. Dre is perhaps most famous for launching the careers of successful rappers like Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, his biggest financial success stemmed from the $3 billion acquisition by Apple of his Beats Entertainment company in 2014.
And then there’s Rihanna. The Barbadian singer, who has more Diamond-certified singles than any other artist worldwide, has over the last decade turned away from music to instead build the Fenty Beauty cosmetics brand, a multibillion-dollar empire which doubled its revenue in 2022.
This cosmetics angle has been lucrative elsewhere: American singer Selena Gomez launched her $1.3 billion makeup brand, Rare Beauty, in 2020, contributing to her own $700 million net worth.
Taylor Swift and the Rise of Swiftonomics
Unlike her billionaire peers on this list, Taylor Swift became a billionaire in October 2023 owing primarily to the value of her music catalog and the runaway success of her most recent stadium tour, The Eras Tour. Per Forbes, Swift is the first musician to become a billionaire primarily based on her songs and live performances.
Her multibillion-dollar net worth stems in part from over $800 million from royalties and touring, a 12-album, $600 million musical catalog, and over $110 million in real estate holdings.
The Eras Tour smashed global records upon launch and in the years since, running from March 2023 to November 2024 and grossing over $2 billion at the box office, making it the highest-grossing tour in world history. Over 10 million fans attended the 149-show tour across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, while the U.S. leg of the tour reportedly added over $4 billion to the national gross domestic product in what has been dubbed “Swiftonomics.”
Margaritaville Forever
Nine of these musicians are still alive, while Jimmy Buffett passed away at age 76 in September 2023 as a billionaire.
Buffett was famous for his 1977 classic song “Margaritaville,” as well as the multimedia empire it spawned, which at the time of his death had grown from t-shirts and merchandise to full restaurants and resorts.
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If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Taylor Swift Remains the Queen of Spotify on Voronoi.
Ranked: The 20 Tallest Buildings in the World
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Ranked: The 20 Tallest Buildings in the World
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Key Takeaways
Burj Khalifa remains the world’s tallest building at 2,717 feet, nearly 500 feet taller than runner-up Merdeka 118.
17 of the world’s 20 tallest buildings are in Asia, led by China and Malaysia.
New York’s One World Trade Center is the only U.S. building in the global top 10.
The race to build higher has produced some of the most recognizable skylines on Earth, but one tower still stands far above the rest. At 2,717 feet, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa remains nearly 500 feet taller than the second-place building.
This graphic ranks the 20 tallest buildings in the world as of April 2026, using data from the Council on Vertical Urbanism (formerly known Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat).
Heights include architectural features such as spires, but exclude changeable additions like antennae and flagpoles.
The Tallest Building in the World
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa has held the title of world’s tallest building since 2010, and it still leads by a remarkable margin. At 2,717 feet, it stands nearly 500 feet taller than second-place Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, underscoring how far ahead it remains even as new supertall towers continue to rise.
The table below shows the 20 tallest buildings in the world as of April 2026, highlighting just how concentrated these megatall towers are in Asia.
RankBuildingCityHeight (feet)
1Burj Khalifa Dubai2,717
2Merdeka 118 Kuala Lumpur2,227
3Shanghai Tower Shanghai2,073
4Makkah Royal Clock Tower Mecca1,972
5Ping An Finance Center Shenzhen1,965
6Lotte World Tower Seoul1,819
7One World Trade Center New York City1,776
8Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre Guangzhou1,739
8Tianjin CTF Finance Centre Tianjin1,739
10CITIC Tower Beijing1,731
11TAIPEI 101 Taipei1,667
12Shanghai World Financial Center Shanghai1,614
13International Commerce Centre Hong Kong1,588
14Wuhan Greenland Center Wuhan1,560
15Central Park Tower New York City1,550
16Lakhta Center St. Petersburg1,516
17Vincom Landmark 81 Ho Chi Minh City1,513
18The Exchange 106 Kuala Lumpur1,488
19Changsha IFS Tower T1 Changsha1,483
19Petronas Twin Tower 1 Kuala Lumpur1,483
19Petronas Twin Tower 2 Kuala Lumpur1,483
The Burj Khalifa is not alone in the Middle East. The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, located in the Saudi religious city of Mecca, stands at 1,972 feet tall and is thus the fourth-tallest building in the world.
In fact, Saudi Arabia is eager to replace the Burj Khalifa at the top of the leaderboard. The Gulf monarchy has been building the Jeddah Tower on and off since 2013, with the aims of having it opened by early 2028. This one-kilometer-tall tower, to be built in the western port city of the same name, will be upon completion the tallest building in the world.
Asia’s Dominance Since the 1990s
Asia has led the global skyscraper race for decades. A major turning point came in 1998, when Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Twin Towers (1,483 feet) overtook Chicago’s Sears Tower and shifted the title of world’s tallest building to Asia.
Malaysia has seen two taller buildings open in the years since, joined by Asian peers like South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. But none can compare to China, which today has more skyscrapers than the next 11 countries combined. Including the International Commerce Centre (1,588 feet) in Hong Kong, China houses nearly half of the world’s top 20 buildings.
Built in 2015, the Shanghai Tower (2,073 feet) is China’s tallest building and the third-tallest building worldwide. Since 2021, it’s been home to the world’s highest luxury hotel above ground level, the J Hotel Shanghai Tower.
Tallest Non-Asian Skyscrapers Around the World
Only three of the world’s top 20 tallest buildings are located outside of Asia, with two of these in New York and one in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.
One World Trade Center, locally nicknamed the Freedom Tower owing to its association with the September 11th attacks which destroyed its predecessors, stands as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,776 feet tall, its height an allusion to the year of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Also in New York is the Central Park Tower, the tallest residential building in the world at 1,550 feet. Meanwhile, the Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg, at 1,516 feet, is Europe’s tallest building.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The World’s Tallest Buildings in 2024 on Voronoi.
Mapped: Where Young Adults Live With Their Parents Most
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Mapped: Where Young Adults Live With Their Parents Most
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
One in three U.S. adults (ages 18–34) now live with their parents.
The share ranges from 44.1% in New Jersey to just 12.3% in North Dakota, revealing a wide geographic divide.
High-cost coastal and Northeastern states dominate the top of the ranking.
For many young Americans, moving out is becoming harder to afford.
This map shows the share of 18–34-year-olds living with their parents in each U.S. state, using rounded 2025 U.S. Census Bureau data via FinanceBuzz.
Nationally, the figure now stands at 33%, meaning one in three young adults still live at home. That is slightly below the 2020 pandemic peak, but still far above historical norms and a sign of how sharply housing costs have reshaped the path to independence.
Ranked: States Where the Most Young Adults Live at Home
New Jersey leads the country by a wide margin, with 44.1% of young adults living with their parents, followed by Connecticut (41.3%). Several other high-cost states—including California and Maryland—also approach or exceed 38%.
The pattern is clear: states with higher housing costs and tighter supply consistently rank at the top. In these markets, renting or buying is significantly less attainable for young adults, increasing the likelihood of living at home.
The following data table reflects the percentage of young adults living with their parents in each U.S. state.
RankStateYoung adults living with parents (%)
1New Jersey44.1%
2Connecticut41.3%
3California39.1%
4Maryland38.5%
5Delaware37.0%
6Florida36.6%
7New Hampshire36.5%
8New York35.9%
9Massachusetts35.7%
10Illinois35.1%
10Nevada35.1%
12Pennsylvania34.7%
13Georgia34.4%
14Rhode Island33.8%
15Hawaii33.3%
16New Mexico33.2%
16Texas33.2%
18Mississippi33.0%
19Michigan32.5%
20Virginia32.0%
21Alabama31.8%
22Arizona30.7%
23Louisiana30.2%
24South Carolina29.6%
25Ohio28.5%
26Indiana28.4%
27North Carolina28.3%
27West Virginia28.3%
29Tennessee27.5%
30Minnesota27.1%
31Utah26.8%
31Washington26.8%
33Missouri26.6%
34Kentucky26.5%
35Vermont26.4%
36Alaska26.2%
36Maine26.2%
36Oregon26.2%
39Oklahoma26.1%
40Idaho25.4%
41Arkansas25.3%
41Wisconsin25.3%
41Kansas23.3%
41Montana23.3%
45Colorado22.8%
46Iowa21.6%
47Nebraska20.4%
48South Dakota17.7%
49Wyoming16.2%
50District of Columbia13.3%
51North Dakota12.3%
-- U.S. Average33.0%
This geographic divide mirrors housing costs: high-cost Northeastern and coastal states consistently rank at the top, while more affordable states fall to the bottom.
The States With the Most Independent Young Adults
At the other end of the spectrum, lower-cost states show dramatically lower rates of co-residence. In North Dakota (12.3%), the share is nearly one-quarter of New Jersey’s, highlighting how affordability shapes independence.
Washington, D.C. stands out as an outlier, with just 13.3% of young adults living with their parents. This likely reflects the influx of young professionals who relocate to work in the capital.
By and large, however, the states with the lowest rates of “full nesters” are more affordable states like South Dakota (18%) and Nebraska (20%).
Nationwide Shifts: A Timeline Since 1960
Young adults may stay with their parents while studying, which would help to explain higher rates in leading educational centers like California or Maryland (both 39%). However, the increase seen at the national level in recent decades reflects a changing economic reality for young adults.
In 1960, less than a quarter of young adults lived with their parents. This rate increased to 30% by 2010, following the outbreak of the 2008 financial crisis, and peaked at over a third in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even after the pandemic, rates remain historically elevated—suggesting this is no longer a temporary shift, but a structural one. Rising housing costs continue to delay independence, and the data shows young men are more likely than young women to live with their parents.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out U.S. Wages Haven’t Kept Up With Inflation on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.
The Cost of Everyday Things in China vs. India
The Cost of Everyday Things in China vs. India
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
Many everyday items—from transit to meals—cost under $3 in both countries.
India is cheaper across most categories, especially rent and groceries.
China’s higher wages help offset its higher prices.
How far does a few dollars go in China and India?
This graphic compares everyday prices across the world’s two most populous countries, from a $0.30 transit ticket to a $2–$3 restaurant meal. While India is consistently cheaper across most categories, China’s significantly higher wages change how affordable these prices feel in practice.
The data, compiled by Numbeo and visualized by Julie Peasley, shows how prices and income together shape everyday cost of living.
China vs. India: How Everyday Prices Compare
At a glance, India is cheaper across nearly every category, from rent to groceries. However, China’s higher wages help offset its elevated costs, making some goods similarly affordable when adjusted for income.
ItemChina Cost ($USD)India Cost ($USD)
New Compact Car18,90312,933
Monthly Rent, 1-bedroom in city center405151
Monthly Basic Utilities52.4838.73
Monthly Mobile Phone Plan8.743.64
Monthly Fitness Club Membership41.2514.75
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant2.912.16
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)11.647.62
Movie Ticket (International Release)6.553.23
Combo Meal McDonald’s5.093.77
Pack of Cigarettes3.643.77
Pint of Beer (Domestic Draft)1.021.89
Cappuccino (Regular size)1.742.95
Dozen Eggs1.590.91
Milk (1 gallon)6.862.5
Gasoline (1 gallon)4.324.17
White Rice (1 lb)0.430.3
Local Transport 1-Way Ticket0.290.27
Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 12 oz)0.480.41
Bottled Water (12 oz)0.280.16
Monthly Broadband Internet11.027.26
Income Sets the Baseline
Prices only tell part of the story. In China, the average monthly salary (after tax) is roughly $1,054, compared to about $444 in India.
This gap helps explain why higher prices in China don’t necessarily mean lower affordability. When adjusted for income, some goods can feel just as accessible, or even more affordable, than in India.
Everyday Essentials: Food, Transport, and Utilities
The biggest price differences show up in daily essentials, where India is consistently cheaper. For example:
A dozen eggs costs about $1.59 in China versus $0.91 in India
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is roughly $2.91 in China and $2.16 in India
Transportation costs are relatively close, with local transit tickets costing under $0.30 in both countries. Utilities and internet also remain affordable in both markets, though still cheaper in India overall.
Big-Ticket Items and Global Pricing
For larger purchases like cars or electronics, the price gap narrows. A new compact car costs around $18,903 in China versus $12,933 in India, reflecting global supply chains and standardized manufacturing costs.
Similarly, items like smartphones or broadband plans don’t diverge as much as food or rent, suggesting that globalized goods are less sensitive to local economic differences.
A Note on Comparisons
While these figures provide a useful benchmark, not all listed goods reflect typical consumption habits in either country. Instead, they act as standardized reference points for comparing cost structures globally, similar to broader analyses like this global cost of living index.
Ultimately, cost of living depends on both prices and income, and this comparison highlights how the balance differs between China and India.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
For a broader comparison, check out China vs US: The Cost of Everyday Things on the Voronoi app, where you can explore how China stacks up against one of the world’s largest economies.
Mapped: America’s Most Visited States by Tourists
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Use This Visualization
Mapped: America’s Most Visited States by Tourists
See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
Just four states—New York, Florida, California, and Nevada—attract 57% of all international visitors
New York leads by a wide margin, with nearly 10 million tourists
Illinois is the only Midwestern state to receive over a million foreign visitors in 2024.
With rugged, picturesque landscapes and some of the world’s most famous cities, the United States has long been a favorite destination for international travelers.
This map highlights the states which received the most visitors from overseas in 2024, excluding arrivals from both Canada and Mexico. It utilizes data from the ITA National Travel and Tourism Office.
Setting aside people coming from directly neighboring countries, the U.S. counted 48.9 million international visitors in 2024.
The Big Four Tourist Destinations
An impressive 57% of all overseas visitors went to just four states: New York (9.8 million), Florida (8.9 million), California (7 million), and Nevada (2.6 million).
The following data table ranks U.S. states by the number of overseas visitors they received in 2024.
RankState or TerritoryNumber of overseas visitors, 2024
1New York9,802,000
2Florida8,860,000
3California6,954,000
4Nevada2,644,000
5Texas2,088,000
6Hawaii1,976,000
7Massachusetts1,501,000
8Illinois1,410,000
9New Jersey1,227,000
10Arizona1,160,000
11Georgia1,069,000
12Washington858,000
13Pennsylvania805,000
14Guam802,000
15Utah640,000
16Virginia548,000
17Tennessee524,000
18North Carolina510,000
19Colorado461,000
20Maryland425,000
21Michigan418,000
22Louisiana387,000
23Ohio369,000
24Connecticut320,000
25South Carolina299,000
26Minnesota232,000
27Indiana222,000
28Oregon218,000
29Wyoming204,000
30Wisconsin193,000
31Missouri165,000
32Puerto Rico148,000
33Alaska137,000
34Kentucky130,000
35Maine127,000
36Alabama109,000
37Rhode Island105,000
38Idaho95,000
39New Mexico95,000
40New Hampshire81,000
41Oklahoma77,000
42Vermont77,000
43Arkansas74,000
44Iowa67,000
45Kansas63,000
46Montana56,000
47South Dakota53,000
48Mississippi49,000
49Nebraska49,000
50Delaware42,000
51West Virginian/a
52North Dakotan/a
--Total48,925,000
New York’s chart-topping position is owed to the state’s namesake city, which is among the most popular international tourist destinations worldwide, as well as the picturesque Niagara Falls which line its border with Canada to the west.
California and Florida are both aided by their amusement parks and sprawling cities like Miami and Los Angeles, which remain popular with visitors from around the world.
In contrast to much larger states like Texas (2.1 million and Illinois (1.4 million) which depend in large part on Mexican and Canadian tourists respectively, the smaller Mountain West state of Nevada punches above its weight.
This is due to the state’s largest city, Las Vegas, which has been a global entertainment and gambling center for decades.
Tourist Drought in the Midwest
Illinois was the only Midwestern state to receive over a million overseas visitors in 2024. Indeed, the remainder of the region averaged just a few hundred thousand visitors, led by Michigan (418,000) and Ohio (369,000).
Despite boasting national parks like Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, states like South Dakota saw just 53,000 visitors in 2024 when excluding arrivals from Canada and Mexico. Distance from the coasts and more popular destinations, plus minimal airport connectivity, help in part to explain these low figures.
Nationally, Nebraska ties with Mississippi (both 49,000) as the second-lowest number of overseas visitors received, behind only tiny Delaware (42,000).
Hawaii’s Enduring Popularity
Hawaii joined the U.S. as a state in 1959, and by the 1960s had already become a popular tourist destination.
In 2024, the Aloha State received over 2 million overseas visitors, placing it well ahead of far larger states like Arizona (1.2 million) and Georgia (1.1 million). Visitors are drawn to the state’s stunning natural beauty and unique culture, as well as its geographic location far from the U.S. mainland.
In fact, Hawaii is the rare state to have received more international visitors than its entire population of 1.4 million, even as recent years have seen wildfires and natural disasters impacting its tourist economy.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Top Countries Sending Tourists to the U.S. on Voronoi.
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