See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Best Countries at Science 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 Singapore ranks #1 globally in science literacy among students aged 15 to 16. East Asian economies dominate the top of the global leaderboard. Only a small group of countries score well above the OECD average. Science skills underpin innovation and long-term economic growth. Every three years, the OECD tests hundreds of thousands of students aged 15 to 16 through its global PISA assessment. The latest results reveal a clear global leaderboard in science performance, with top countries scoring well above the OECD average of 485. Singapore Sets the Global Benchmark Singapore ranks first overall with an average science score of 561, placing it well ahead of every other country in the study. The country also leads in math proficiency. Japan and Macao follow closely, reinforcing East Asia’s strong performance in math and science education. RankCountryAverage PISA Score 1 Singapore561 2 Japan547 3 Macao543 4 Taiwan537 5 S. Korea528 6 Estonia526 7 Hong Kong520 8 Canada515 9 Finland511 10 Australia507 11 Ireland504 12 New Zealand504 13 Switzerland503 14 United Kingdom500 15 Slovenia500 16 Poland499 17 United States499 18 Czechia498 19 Denmark494 20 Latvia494 21 Sweden494 22 Germany492 23 Belgium491 24 Austria491 25 Netherlands488 26 France487 27 Hungary486 OECD average485 28 Spain485 29 Portugal484 30 Lithuania484 Several European countries perform well above the OECD average of 485. Estonia stands out as Europe’s top performer, ranking sixth overall with a score of 526. Finland, long known for its education model, remains in the top 10 despite slight declines from previous cycles. Canada is the highest-ranked country in the Americas, placing eighth overall with a score of 515. How Major Economies Compare Among major advanced economies, performance is more uneven. The United States ranks 17th with a score of 499, slightly above the OECD average but behind many peers. The United Kingdom sits at 14th with an even 500, while Germany and France fall below the top 20. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Ranked: The Best Countries at Math on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Countries With the Most McDonald’s Locations 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 McDonald’s today has over 40,000 locations spread across nearly 100 markets. Over half of all McDonald’s locations are in either the United States, China, or Japan. Since the 1960s, McDonald’s has expanded beyond the United States to now operate in nearly 100 countries and territories worldwide. This map shows the places where you can find a McDonald’s today. The data comes from the company’s Restaurant Count by Market 2024 report. The famed golden arches can be spotted on all inhabited continents, with particular concentration in Asia, Europe, and North America. The Global Presence of McDonald’s As the birthplace of McDonald’s, the United States unsurprisingly has more locations (13,557) than any other country worldwide. Roughly 95% of the chain’s U.S. locations are franchised. Outside of its home base, McDonald’s has had the biggest success in East Asia, counting 6,820 locations in China and an additional 2,989 in Japan. The Philippines has also been a key market, counting more locations (792) than even far larger countries such as India. RankCountry/TerritoryNumber of Locations 1 U.S. (Includes Cuba, Guam, and Saipan)13,557 2 Mainland China6,820 3 Japan2,989 4 France (Includes Monaco)1,589 5 Canada1,489 6 UK (Includes Isle of Man, Jersey, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales)1,470 7 Germany1,367 8 Brazil1,173 9 Australia (Includes American Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and Western Samoa)1,068 10 Philippines792 11 Italy755 12 India665 13 Spain (Includes Andorra and Gibraltar)635 14 Poland580 15 Saudi Arabia441 16 Taiwan417 17 South Africa401 18 South Korea398 19 Mexico374 20 Malaysia373 21 Indonesia318 22 Türkiye274 23 Netherlands263 24 Hong Kong260 25 Thailand236 26 Israel230 27 Argentina226 28 United Arab Emirates210 29 Portugal209 30 Austria206 31 Sweden199 32 Egypt190 33 Switzerland (Includes Liechtenstein)184 34 New Zealand172 35 Singapore152 36 Czech Republic128 37 Ukraine124 38 Belgium119 39 Guatemala115 40 Hungary115 41 Denmark113 42 Chile112 43 Romania106 44 Ireland95 45 Puerto Rico94 46 Kuwait91 47 Norway85 48 Finland81 49 Panama81 50 Venezuela80 51 Qatar79 52 Costa Rica76 53 Morocco75 54 Colombia72 55 Pakistan69 56 Croatia47 57 Slovakia47 58 Jordan46 59 Bulgaria43 60 Macau39 61 Vietnam37 62 Serbia36 63 Ecuador35 64 Greece35 65 Oman35 66 Uruguay34 67 Bahrain33 68 Peru30 69 Azerbaijan29 70 Slovenia28 71 Paraguay27 72 El Salvador25 73 Georgia25 74 Cyprus23 75 Dominican Republic23 76 Lebanon23 77 Lithuania18 78 Reunion Island18 79 Mauritius17 80 Latvia14 81 Honduras13 82 Luxembourg12 83 Estonia11 84 Moldova11 85 Martinique10 86 Guadeloupe9 87 Malta9 88 Nicaragua9 89 Brunei6 90 Curacao5 91 Virgin Islands5 92 Trinidad/Tobago4 93 Aruba3 94 Bahamas3 95 French Guiana3 96 St. Marten3 97 Suriname2 98 Sri Lanka0 In Europe, France is the largest market for the fast food chain, with its 1,589 locations beating out both Germany (1,367) and the United Kingdom (1,470). In Africa, only three countries are home to McDonald’s locations. Morocco was the site of the first location opening on the continent, in 1992, and has since added 74 more in cities such as Casablanca and Rabat. Growth in Egypt and South Africa has been even faster, with 190 and 401 locations across those two countries. McDonald’s in the Americas McDonald’s has had quite the success story closer to home as well. Canada was home to the first McDonald’s outside of the U.S., and today has 1,489 locations. Meanwhile, Brazil and Argentina are also major markets, counting 1,173 and 226 locations each. Notably, Cuba is a unique case. There is one McDonald’s, but citizens of the island country cannot access it, as it’s located on the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base hosted by the United States. Who’s Lost Their McDonald’s? While McDonald’s has grown its presence rapidly over the past few decades, there have been setbacks in certain countries. In 2022, the company fully exited Russia following the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War, selling all 850 of its locations. In 2024, meanwhile, McDonald’s decided to fully divest in another country as well by selling all 12 of its locations in Sri Lanka. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Have We Seen Peak McDonald’s In America? on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Mapped: Each State’s Favorite Valentine’s Day Candy 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 In 15 states, the heart-shaped box of chocolates is the most popular Valentine’s Day candy. Hershey Kisses, M&Ms, and chocolate hearts and roses all served as prime runners-up. Americans buy tons of candy for Valentine’s Day—but their precise preference varies by state. This map shows the favorite Valentine’s Day candy in each U.S. state, using data from CandyStore’s 2024 overview. The Favorite Valentine’s Day Candies of Different States In 15 of the 50 states, the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates was the preferred choice, followed closely by conversation hearts at 13 states. All Pacific and West Coast states besides Oregon were particular fans of conversation hearts which spell out little romantic messages. The table below shows the most popular Valentine’s Day candy in each state: State NameTop Candy AlabamaCandy Necklaces AlaskaConversation Hearts ArizonaM&M's ArkansasHershey Kisses CaliforniaConversation Hearts ColoradoHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates ConnecticutHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates DelawareHershey Kisses FloridaHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates GeorgiaHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates HawaiiConversation Hearts IdahoHershey Kisses IllinoisChocolate Hearts IndianaHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates IowaM&M's KansasHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates KentuckyChocolate Roses LouisianaConversation Hearts MaineChocolate Hearts MarylandM&M's MassachusettsConversation Hearts MichiganCupid Corn MinnesotaM&M's MississippiHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates MissouriHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates MontanaChocolate Hearts NebraskaHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates NevadaHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates New HampshireHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates New JerseyHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates New MexicoChocolate Roses New YorkConversation Hearts North CarolinaConversation Hearts North DakotaM&M's OhioHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates OklahomaHeart-Shaped Box of Chocolates OregonHershey Kisses PennsylvaniaHershey Kisses Rhode IslandChocolate Hearts South CarolinaConversation Hearts South DakotaConversation Hearts TennesseeConversation Hearts TexasHershey Kisses UtahHershey Kisses VermontM&M's VirginiaConversation Hearts WashingtonConversation Hearts Washington, D.C.Heart-Shaped Box of Chocolates West VirginiaConversation Hearts WisconsinHershey Kisses WyomingChocolate Roses Michigan is the sole state across the country where cupid corn, a favorite of past years, continues to be the top-purchased candy. Similarly, Alabama is alone in having candy necklaces as its top candy of choice. Meanwhile, Hershey Kisses and M&Ms remain favorites across the country. Hershey Kisses are the top-selling Valentine’s Day candy in eight states, including Texas, while M&Ms have emerged as especially popular in six states. American Spending on Valentine’s Day Americans are projected to spend nearly $30 billion for Valentine’s Day this year. Candy remains the most popular gift for the holiday, as nearly 56% of consumers plan to purchase some sort of candy for a loved one or themselves. Valentine’s Day thus plays a big part in the industry’s annual earnings, especially as chocolate prices soar to new highs due to drought conditions in West Africa, where most cocoa is harvested. The average American reportedly spends over $120 on Valentine’s Day candy each year. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you found this infographic interesting, explore more population and demographic insights on Voronoi, including Valentine’s Day is Becoming More Expensive & Less Celebrated.

Climate Change Is Shrinking the Pool of Winter Olympic Host Cities 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 Winter Olympic hosts already sit in the “marginal” zone—where snow conditions are less consistent. By 2071–2100 in a high emissions scenario, only 5% of host cities could meet high-reliability thresholds, while 67% are projected to be unreliable. The gap between low- and high-emissions futures highlights how climate policy could shape the long-term future of the Games. For decades, the Winter Olympics have depended on cities with reliably cold temperatures and natural snowfall. But as global temperatures rise, that pool of suitable host cities is shrinking. A study published in Current Issues in Tourism evaluated 93 past and potential host sites under different emissions scenarios. It measures whether these cities can consistently deliver freezing temperatures and sufficient natural snowfall for safe competition. Statista visualized these findings. Just 5% of Winter Olympic Host Cities Meet High-Reliability Thresholds by 2100 Here’s the full dataset showing how Winter Olympics host site reliability shifts across historical and future emission scenarios: Time Period / ScenarioReliableMarginally ReliableUnreliable 1981-201043%38%19% 2041-2070 (low emissions projection)43%33%24% 2041-2070 (high emissions projection)19%38%43% 2071-2100 (low emissions projection)38%33%29% 2071-2100 (high emissions projection)5%29%67% Between 1981–2010, 43% of host cities were classified as climate-suitable for winter sports, while only 19% were considered unreliable. Under a high-emissions scenario for 2071–2100, that flips dramatically: just 5% remain suitable, and 67% are considered unreliable. Even under a more optimistic low-emissions pathway, the share of reliable hosts drops significantly compared with the late 20th century. Where Emissions Pathways Make a Difference The study models two broad futures: one aligned with the Paris Agreement’s lower-emissions targets, and another based on current higher-emissions trends. Under a low-emissions scenario aligned with Paris Agreement targets, more cities remain viable later in the century. Under higher-emissions trends, many traditional venues fall into the unreliable category. Which Regions Fare Better, and Worse Research identified that higher-elevation mountainous regions and hosts in cooler continental climates generally maintain climate reliability longer than lower-elevation sites and those closer to maritime zones. For example, future Alpine sites and places in North America with sustained cold spells are more resilient compared with some European low-elevation hosts that warm faster. However, even these more resilient sites see declines in reliability under high warming. This evolving climate landscape is already influencing how the International Olympic Committee considers future bids: prioritizing existing infrastructure and climate reliability helps de-risk future Games, while warming trends are prompting conversations about rotating among a smaller pool of dependable locations and adjusting event scheduling. As warming continues, the Winter Olympics may be confined to a much smaller group of dependable locations.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Ranked: EV Share of New Car Sales by Country 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 Norway leads the world, with EVs making up an estimated 97% of new car sales in 2025. China is the largest EV market by volume, with over 13 million EV sales estimated for 2025. In 2019, electric vehicles were still a niche purchase in most countries, accounting for single-digit shares of new car sales. By 2025, EVs had moved from niche to dominant in several markets. In Norway, EVs were estimated to make up 97% of new car sales, meaning nearly every new car sold was electric. Several other countries crossed the 50% threshold, and in China, EVs made up more than half of all new car sales in the world’s largest auto market. This infographic highlights how EV sales share has evolved between 2019 and 2025. The data for this visualization comes from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Ember. EVs include both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Sales figures for 2025 are estimates. Taken together, the data shows how quickly EV adoption has moved from early adoption to mainstream across much of the global auto market. Norway Sets the Global Benchmark Norway remains the global leader in EV adoption. In 2019, EVs already accounted for 56% of new car sales in the country. By 2025, that share is estimated to reach 97%, meaning nearly every new car sold is electric. This rapid shift has been driven by strong policy incentives, tax exemptions, and widespread charging infrastructure. Nepal ranks second globally, with EVs estimated to account for 73% of new car sales in 2025 — a striking shift from just 8% in 2019. Rank (2025)Country2019 Share2025 ShareChange (p.p.) 1 Norway56%97%+41 2 Nepal8%73%+65 3 Denmark4%69%+65 4 Sweden11%61%+50 5 Iceland26%57%+31 6 Finland7%56%+49 7 Netherlands15%56%+41 8 China5%53%+48 9 Belgium3%43%+40 10 Portugal6%37%+31 11 Ireland4%34%+30 12 Luxembourg4%34%+30 13 Switzerland6%33%+27 14 United Kingdom3%33%+30 15 Austria4%31%+27 16 Israel2%31%+29 17 Germany3%29%+26 18 France3%25%+22 19 Thailand1%21%+20 20 Spain1%19%+18 21 Latvia1%19%+18 22 Estonia0%18%+18 23 Lithuania0%17%+17 24 Türkiye0%17%+17 25 Costa Rica1%17%+16 26 Cyprus0%15%+15 27 Indonesia0%15%+15 28 Slovenia0%14%+14 29 South Korea2%14%+12 30 Australia1%14%+13 31 Greece0%13%+13 32 Hungary2%13%+11 33 Poland0%12%+12 34 Italy1%11%+10 35 United States2%10%+8 36 Czechia0%10%+10 37 Brazil0%9%+9 38 Canada3%9%+6 39 Taiwan1%9%+8 40 Colombia1%9%+8 41 New Zealand6%8%+2 42 Albania0%6%+6 43 Bulgaria1%6%+5 44 Mexico0%6%+6 45 Croatia0%5%+5 46 Romania1%5%+4 47 Malaysia0%4%+4 48 India0%4%+4 49 Japan1%3%+2 50 Chile0%3%+3 51 South Africa0%1%+1 Other Nordic countries also rank near the top. Sweden is estimated to reach 61% in 2025, while Finland and Denmark both exceed 50%. China Dominates by Volume While Norway leads in percentage terms, China dominates in absolute numbers. EV sales in China are estimated to reach over 13.2 million in 2025, accounting for 53% of new car sales. That makes China both the largest EV market by volume and one of the fastest-growing in terms of market share. In comparison, the United States has a 10% EV sales share in 2025, with roughly 1.6 million EVs sold. Canada trails slightly behind at 9%. Recently, the Canadian government has agreed to remove its 100% blocking tariff from a small annual quota of 49,000 EVs made in China. Europe’s Broad-Based Acceleration Europe shows some of the most widespread gains across major economies. Countries like Belgium (43%), the Netherlands (56%), Portugal (37%), and the United Kingdom (33%) have all seen dramatic increases since 2019, when EV shares were mostly below 10%. Even traditionally slower adopters, such as Italy and Spain, have reached double-digit penetration. Across the region, EV sales have surged not only in share but also in volume—Germany alone is estimated to sell more than 840,000 EVs in 2025. Emerging Markets Gain Momentum Adoption is also expanding beyond Europe and China. Nepal stands out with an estimated 73% EV sales share in 2025, albeit from a small base. Thailand (21%) and Indonesia (15%) are emerging as Southeast Asian leaders. In Latin America, Brazil’s EV share has risen to 9%, while Mexico reaches 6%. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The Most Fuel Efficient Cars From 1975 to Today on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist. “`

Published 6 hours ago on February 13, 2026 By Ryan Bellefontaine Graphics & Design Lebon Siu Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email Payday Pulse: America’s Growing Mountain of Debt Key Takeaways Auto and student loans increasingly anchor America’s mountain of debt, tightening household cash flow. In Q1 2025, the average U.S. household paid about $4,214 per year in non-mortgage interest. Earned Wage Access can reduce reliance on interest-bearing options by unlocking already-earned wages earlier. Higher everyday costs have made cash-flow timing more fragile for many households. As a result, more workers lean on borrowing to cover near-essentials and stay flexible. This graphic, in partnership with Payactiv, shows America’s mountain of debt across major non-housing categories using data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The Mountain of Debt Has Shifted Beyond Housing Here is a table that shows quarterly, inflation-adjusted debt levels from 2003 to 2025 in trillions of USD, split by category. PeriodAuto LoansCredit CardStudent LoanOther 03:Q11.131.220.420.85 03:Q21.091.220.420.86 03:Q31.191.210.440.84 03:Q41.231.230.440.79 04:Q11.251.220.450.78 04:Q21.271.200.450.72 04:Q31.281.210.560.70 04:Q41.241.220.590.71 05:Q11.231.200.610.66 05:Q21.281.200.620.67 05:Q31.371.200.630.67 05:Q41.291.210.640.69 06:Q11.291.170.700.68 06:Q21.281.180.700.67 06:Q31.311.190.720.70 06:Q41.321.240.770.66 07:Q11.261.210.810.64 07:Q21.261.250.800.64 07:Q31.281.280.820.64 07:Q41.271.300.850.65 08:Q11.241.280.890.64 08:Q21.211.270.880.60 08:Q31.201.270.900.61 08:Q41.201.320.970.62 09:Q11.181.281.010.63 09:Q21.121.241.030.59 09:Q31.111.221.040.57 09:Q41.081.201.080.57 10:Q11.041.131.130.54 10:Q21.041.101.130.52 10:Q31.051.081.160.50 10:Q41.051.081.200.50 11:Q11.041.021.230.48 11:Q21.020.991.220.47 11:Q31.040.991.240.47 11:Q41.051.001.250.47 12:Q11.050.971.280.45 12:Q21.060.941.280.44 12:Q31.080.941.350.44 12:Q41.100.961.360.45 13:Q11.100.921.380.43 13:Q21.130.931.380.42 13:Q31.180.931.430.42 13:Q41.190.941.500.44 14:Q11.210.911.530.43 14:Q21.240.911.530.44 14:Q31.270.931.540.45 14:Q41.320.961.590.47 15:Q11.340.941.640.46 15:Q21.380.951.620.46 15:Q31.430.971.630.48 15:Q41.451.001.680.48 16:Q11.460.971.720.48 16:Q21.480.981.700.49 16:Q31.531.011.720.50 16:Q41.561.051.760.51 17:Q11.561.011.780.49 17:Q21.581.031.770.50 17:Q31.601.071.790.51 17:Q41.601.091.810.51 18:Q11.601.071.840.51 18:Q21.601.071.820.50 18:Q31.631.081.850.51 18:Q41.631.121.880.53 19:Q11.641.091.910.51 19:Q21.651.101.870.52 19:Q31.671.111.890.54 19:Q41.681.171.900.54 20:Q11.691.121.930.54 20:Q21.691.031.940.53 20:Q31.701.011.930.52 20:Q41.711.021.930.52 21:Q11.700.951.950.51 21:Q21.700.951.890.51 21:Q31.710.951.880.50 21:Q41.701.001.840.51 22:Q11.670.961.810.51 22:Q21.660.981.760.52 22:Q31.671.011.720.54 22:Q41.691.071.740.55 23:Q11.681.061.730.55 23:Q21.681.101.670.56 23:Q31.681.141.690.56 23:Q41.691.191.690.58 24:Q11.691.161.660.57 24:Q21.681.181.640.56 24:Q31.691.201.650.56 24:Q41.701.241.660.57 25:Q11.671.201.660.55 25:Q21.671.221.650.54 25:Q31.661.231.650.55 Even after adjusting for inflation, non-housing balances rise across cycles in the dataset. Still, the dip around 2010 reflects defaults and paydowns after the subprime mortgage crisis. Since then, balances have been rebuilt, and higher rates can magnify interest costs.Rising consumer debt inevitably leads to higher interest payments. In Q1 2025, the average U.S. household paid about $4,214 per year in non-mortgage interest. Auto and Student Loans Act Like Near-Essentials Auto and student loans often fund commuting and credentials, so households treat them as near-essentials. However, these categories now drive much of the rise highlighted in the graphic. In Q3 2025, student loans stood at about $1.65T, auto loans at about $1.66T, and credit cards at about $1.23T. For those with the deepest debt relative to their income, interest charges can crowd out savings and emergency funds. Credit cards often fill short gaps when budgets tighten. Consequently, workers may prioritize minimum payments and delay building buffers. Using Earned Wages Earlier, Without New Debt Debt can support big goals, yet short timing gaps can push workers into avoidable interest or fees. Because paychecks arrive later than bills, even small mismatches can snowball. Earned Wage Access (EWA) lets employees access already-earned wages earlier through an employer-connected payroll flow. Give employees access to earned wages. Related Topics: #jobs #earned wage access #payroll #salary #auto loans #student loans #credit cards #wages #income #debt Click for Comments var disqus_shortname = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com"; var disqus_title = "Payday Pulse: America’s Growing Mountain of Debt"; var disqus_url = "https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/pay01-payday-pulse-americas-growing-mountain-of-debt/"; var disqus_identifier = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com-193383"; You may also like Cost of Living6 hours ago Payday Pulse: Where Americans Are Most Burdened by Household Debt Household debt loads vary by metro, with several areas above a 2.5 DTI ratio. This graphic maps where pressure is highest and why pay timing matters. Jobs6 hours ago Payday Pulse: 5,000 Years of Wages In One Giant Timeline A 5,000-year look at how wages moved from rations and coins to paychecks and modern earned wage access. Jobs3 months ago Explainer: What is Earned Wage Access and Why Do You Need it? Earned wage access vs estimated advances: find out how verified, employer-sponsored access avoids debt and improves retention. Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up

Published 6 hours ago on February 13, 2026 By Ryan Bellefontaine Graphics & Design Lebon Siu Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email Payday Pulse: Where Americans Are Most Burdened by Household Debt Key Takeaways Several of the largest U.S. metros exceed a 2.5 DTI, signaling heavy debt versus wages. California and Florida appear most often, although high ratios show up nationwide. Because timing drives many shortfalls, Earned Wage Access can help reduce avoidable interest. Across the U.S., higher housing costs and everyday expenses keep budgets tight. As a result, many households lean on credit to cover gaps between paydays. This graphic, in partnership with Payactiv, shows the top U.S. metros with the highest household debt-to-income ratios using data from the Federal Reserve. The Metros with the Highest Household Debt Here is a table ranking the top metropolitan statistical areas with populations of 500,000 or more by their Household Debt-to-Income Ratio for Q1 2025. Metropolitan Statistical AreaDebt-to-Income Ratio Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA2.51 or higher Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA2.51 or higher Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT2.51 or higher Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL2.51 or higher Port St. Lucie, FL2.51 or higher Urban Honolulu, HI2.06–2.51 North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL2.06–2.51 Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL2.06–2.51 Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL2.06–2.51 Stockton-Lodi, CA2.06–2.51 Colorado Springs, CO2.06–2.51 Ogden, UT2.06–2.51 Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL2.06–2.51 Killeen-Temple, TX2.06–2.51 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA1.79–2.06 Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA1.79–2.06 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC1.79–2.06 Jacksonville, FL1.79–2.06 Tucson, AZ1.79–2.06 Charleston-North Charleston, SC1.79–2.06 Boise City, ID1.79–2.06 Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY .1.79–2.06 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL1.79–2.06 Modesto, CA1.79–2.06 Several large metros sit in the 2.51-or-higher tier, led by Los Angeles suburban areas such Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura. Florida appears at the top with the highly visited destination of Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach. Meanwhile, the 2.06–2.51 tier includes the notable Urban Honolulu, Colorado Springs, and several more Florida metros. Although slightly lower, the metro areas of San Diego, Jacksonville, and Sacramento also largely outpace income with their household debt levels. What a 2.5 DTI ratio means A 2.5 debt-to-income (DTI) ratio means the average household owes about two and a half years of wages in debt, and payments alone can absorb roughly 20–25% of monthly take-home pay before everyday expenses. Debt can support long-term goals, so the key issue is often timing. However, when bills hit before payday, households may pay interest to bridge a short gap. When debt is already high, even small gaps can rack up interest fast. As a result, using credit to bridge the days before payday can turn routine bills into a recurring fee, month after month. Over time, those charges can crowd out essentials and savings. A Workplace Lever that Works with Payroll Earned Wage Access (EWA) lets employees access wages they’ve already earned before payday. Consequently, it can reduce reliance on high-interest options for routine expenses. In addition, EWA can help align pay timing with bill timing, so workers don’t feel forced to pay interest to cover short gaps. That way, employees can handle essentials with earned wages instead of costly stopgaps. Give employees access to earned wages. Related Topics: #wages #income #debt #jobs #payday loans #earned wage access #payroll #salary #credit cards Click for Comments var disqus_shortname = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com"; var disqus_title = "Payday Pulse: Where Americans Are Most Burdened by Household Debt"; var disqus_url = "https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/pay01-payday-pulse-where-americans-are-most-burdened-by-household-debt/"; var disqus_identifier = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com-193379"; You may also like Cost of Living6 hours ago Payday Pulse: America’s Growing Mountain of Debt America’s mountain of debt keeps rising, with auto and student loans driving much of the increase. This graphic shows how Earned Wage Access can help workers… Jobs6 hours ago Payday Pulse: 5,000 Years of Wages In One Giant Timeline A 5,000-year look at how wages moved from rations and coins to paychecks and modern earned wage access. Jobs3 months ago Explainer: What is Earned Wage Access and Why Do You Need it? Earned wage access vs estimated advances: find out how verified, employer-sponsored access avoids debt and improves retention. Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up

Published 6 hours ago on February 13, 2026 By Ryan Bellefontaine Graphics & Design Zack Aboulazm Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email View the full-size version of this graphic Payday Pulse: 5,000 Years of Wages In One Giant Timeline Key Takeaways In ancient times, wages were paid daily. Over time, payday shifted with technology, laws, and scale. Biweekly pay dominates today, yet timing gaps still create pressure. Earned Wage Access gives employees flexibility by unlocking already-earned wages alongside payroll. For millennia, wages have reflected how society organizes work. Over time, payday moved from immediate necessities to scheduled cycles. This graphic, in partnership with Payactiv, shows Years of Wages across 5,000 years using data from various sources. Antiquity: In-kind daily wages Early employers often paid workers with essentials, because daily survival mattered most. As a result, wage records show rations, commodities, and early standardized rates. YearMilestone ca. 3100 BCEA clay tablet from Mesopotamia records the daily beer ration for day laborers. ca. 1750 BCEThe Babylonian Code of Hammurabi details in-kind wages for many common occupations in corn. ca. 600 BCEThe Lydian Stater was the first state-issued denominated coin; a third-stater—or trite—was worth one month’s subsistence. Then, cash pay spread as trade expanded, and wages became easier to measure and compare. Even so, “salary” still carries a salt-linked origin story, although the “paid only in salt” claim doesn’t hold up. Middle Ages: Variable paydays During the Middle Ages, many roles blended cash with in-kind support, especially for year-round service. In practice, wages could include food, lodging, clothing allowances, or guaranteed access to essentials. YearMilestone 950Byzantine officials are paid by the Emperor in person in gold coins and bolts of silk in a public ceremony on Palm Sunday in the Hagia Sophia. 1271Paper money emerged first in China during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), and was convertible to strings of coins called guàn. 1346–1353The Black Death kills roughly half of Europe’s population, leading to labor shortages and significantly higher wages. Even when pay was “annual,” it wasn’t always a single year-end handoff. Instead, employers often settled wages around seasonal milestones, while workers relied on household production to smooth gaps. Early Modern Period: Paydays still variable As markets grew, more workers relied on regular cash wages to cover recurring costs. Meanwhile, employers pushed toward repeatable routines that later shaped modern payroll. YearMilestone 17th Century CEMerchants subcontract manufacturing to workers in their cottages—hence cottage industry—and were paid by piece. 1659The first-ever check is written for 39 pounds, 4 shillings, and 2 pence in London on February 16th. 1760The Industrial Revolution upends the workplace, with workers organized into factories and paid on a weekly basis. Weekly pay fit the rhythm of expanding towns and workshops, where hours and output were easier to track. As a result, payday became a predictable checkpoint for both workers budgeting and employers managing labor costs. Modern Era: Moving to bi-weekly paydays In the modern era, the biweekly payday eventually became the default for many employers because it balances predictability with workable payroll administration. In 2023, it was the most common pay period in the U.S. private sector at 43.0%. YearMilestone 1831The British Parliament outlaws payment in goods or in company scrip, which could only be spent at company stores. 1847The UK Factories Act—AKA the Ten Hours Act—restricted the working hours for women and youth to 10 hours per day. 1888The timeclock is invented by William Legrand Bundy in New York, allowing standardized tracking of working hours. 1894The world’s first minimum wage is enacted in New Zealand, followed by Australia (1896), the UK (1909), and the U.S. (1938). 1938The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act is signed into law, making the 44-hour workweek standard, with overtime set at time-and-half pay. 1943The U.S. Congress passes the Current Tax Payment Act, which required employers to withhold taxes from workers’ wages. 1957ADP begins automating payroll with new computing technology, allowing batch payroll runs for the first time. 1972Automated Clearing House payments are launched in California where payroll is deposited directly into employees accounts. 1998Reloadable payroll cards offer an alternative to direct deposit and paper checks and work similar to debit cards. At the same time, pay delivery evolved beyond paper checks into direct deposit and options like payroll cards. That flexibility helps employers meet workers where they are, while keeping the underlying schedule consistent. Then, Industrial payroll became more systematic, moving from wage packets to the modern “paycheck.” Later, the employee time clock helped employers tie wages to hours with greater precision. In the 1970s, electronic rails like the Automated Clearing House (ACH) enabled direct deposit and scaled digital pay. Even so, fixed payroll cycles can still create timing gaps between work completed and bills due. The Digital Age: On-demand access In 2013, Payactiv created and launched Earned Wage Access, giving workers on-demand access to wages they’ve already earned. That shift added flexibility without changing the underlying payroll schedule. YearMilestone 2013Payactiv creates and launches Earned Wage Access, giving workers access to their wages in real-time, instead of waiting until payday. 2019–2022The COVID-19 pandemic forced millions into remote work, while increased government spending sent inflation rising. 2026Almost half of Americans, 46%, say that the cost-of-living crisis is the worst they have ever seen, making waiting for payday even harder. Then, from 2019–2022, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed millions into remote work while rising prices squeezed household budgets. By 2026, 46% of Americans said the cost-of-living crisis is the worst they’ve ever seen, making the wait between work completed and payday feel even harder. What Earned Wage Access Changes Because payroll runs on fixed cycles, workers sometimes pay interest just to access already-earned wages sooner. Earned Wage Access (EWA) lets employees access wages they’ve already earned, as they earn them, without borrowing against future pay. Give employees access to earned wages. Related Topics: #wages #payday loans #earned wage access #payroll #featured #salary #jobs Click for Comments var disqus_shortname = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com"; var disqus_title = "Payday Pulse: 5,000 Years of Wages In One Giant Timeline"; var disqus_url = "https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/pay01-payday-pulse-5000-years-of-wages-in-one-giant-timeline/"; var disqus_identifier = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com-193376"; You may also like Cost of Living6 hours ago Payday Pulse: America’s Growing Mountain of Debt America’s mountain of debt keeps rising, with auto and student loans driving much of the increase. This graphic shows how Earned Wage Access can help workers… Cost of Living6 hours ago Payday Pulse: Where Americans Are Most Burdened by Household Debt Household debt loads vary by metro, with several areas above a 2.5 DTI ratio. This graphic maps where pressure is highest and why pay timing matters. Jobs3 months ago Explainer: What is Earned Wage Access and Why Do You Need it? Earned wage access vs estimated advances: find out how verified, employer-sponsored access avoids debt and improves retention. Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Countries Generating the Most Electricity 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 China’s electricity generation has surged 74% since 2014, more than 10x the growth seen in the United States. By 2024, China produced over 10,000 terawatt-hours of electricity—more than double any other country. Global electricity demand is accelerating—powered by electrification, industrial growth, and the explosive expansion of AI data centers. But one country has pulled dramatically ahead. China now generates more than double the electricity of any other nation on Earth. This chart tracks electricity generation by country from 2014 to 2024, highlighting China’s extraordinary rise. The data for this visualization comes from the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy. China Pulls Away From the Pack In 2014, China generated roughly 5,795 TWh of electricity, already more than the United States. By 2024, that figure had climbed to 10,087 TWh—a 74% increase in just 10 years. Over the same period, U.S. generation edged up from 4,363 TWh to 4,635 TWh, a comparatively modest 6% rise. In 2024, China generated more than twice as much power as the United States and nearly five times as much as India. Country2014 (TWh)20162018202020222024 China5,794.56,133.07,166.07,779.18,848.710,086.9 United States4,363.34,348.94,464.54,287.64,537.74,634.8 India1,258.71,394.91,572.01,571.01,806.12,030.2 Russia1,064.21,091.01,109.21,085.41,166.91,209.3 Japan1,062.71,063.71,082.91,011.01,040.61,016.4 This rapid expansion reflects China’s industrial scale, urbanization, and leadership in manufacturing. China’s abundant and relatively low-cost electricity supply is increasingly seen as a strategic advantage, particularly as AI models and data centers require enormous amounts of power. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk suggested that the world could soon produce more semiconductor chips than it has the power to run—except in China. “China’s growth in electricity is tremendous,” he said, highlighting the country’s expanding energy capacity as a strategic advantage. India’s Steady Climb India is the only other major economy showing sustained, high growth. Electricity generation rose from 1,259 TWh in 2014 to over 2,030 TWh in 2024—an increase of more than 60%. While still far below China’s level, India’s trajectory mirrors its economic expansion and rising energy demand from a growing middle class. Flat or Declining Output in Russia and Japan Rounding out the top four are Russia and Japan, though their growth stories look very different from China and India. Russia’s electricity generation increased modestly from 1,064 TWh in 2014 to 1,209 TWh in 2024, reflecting gradual industrial and export-driven demand. Japan, by contrast, has seen largely flat output over the past decade. Generation stood at 1,063 TWh in 2014 and was 1,016 TWh in 2024, with fluctuations in between. Slower economic growth, demographic headwinds, and shifts in its energy mix have all contributed to relatively stagnant power demand. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out China’s Nuclear Energy Boom vs. Germany’s Total Phase-Out on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Critical Minerals Lost to U.S. Mining Waste, by Tonnage 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 Hundreds of millions of tonnes of critical minerals were sent to U.S. mine tailings in 2023. Aluminum and lead alone account for over 300 million tonnes of unrecovered material. Reprocessing mining waste could strengthen domestic supply chains for energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing. The U.S. is often described as highly dependent on foreign sources for critical minerals. Yet every year, vast quantities of these same materials are sent to mine tailings as waste. This visualization ranks critical minerals by the amount discarded into U.S. mining waste in 2023, highlighting where the largest volumes of potential supply remain unrecovered. The data for this visualization comes from analysis by Professor Elizabeth Holley of the Colorado School of Mines and includes main-product output from U.S. hard-rock metals mines operating on federal land. Where the Largest Volumes Are Being Lost Aluminum stands out by a wide margin, with an estimated 229 million tonnes sent to tailings in 2023. That is more than 40 times the volume imported that year. Lead follows with more than 81 million tonnes unrecovered, despite its importance for batteries and radiation shielding. ElementUnrecovered 2023 (kt)U.S. Imports 2023 (kt)Applications Aluminum229,4305,540Construction, Transportation Lead81,910570Batteries, Radiation shielding Chromium5,310440Stainless steel, Plating Copper3,400890Wiring, Plumbing Manganese2,430690Steel alloys, Batteries Nickel1,020160Stainless steel, Batteries Rare Earth Oxides56010Magnets, Wind turbines Antimony38020Flame retardants, Alloys Cobalt28010Lithium-ion batteries, Superalloys Lithium903Batteries, Glass/ceramics Critical for Clean Energy and Industry Several minerals essential to clean energy technologies also appear prominently. Copper, nickel, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth oxides are all present in mining waste at volumes far exceeding current import levels. These materials are critical for electric vehicles, grid infrastructure, wind turbines, and battery storage. Recovering even a fraction of what is discarded could ease supply constraints and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks. “The challenge lies in recovery,” Professor Holley told the Colorado School of Mines’ Mines Newsroom. “It’s like getting salt out of bread dough—we need much more research, development, and policy support to make the recovery of these critical minerals economically feasible.” Reprocessing tailings could offer a dual benefit. Economically, it could strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imports from a small number of foreign producers, particularly China. Environmentally, it could lower the need for new mines, which often face long permitting timelines and local opposition. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Every Mineral Deemed Critical to U.S. Security in 2025 on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

Published 5 hours ago on February 12, 2026 By Julia Wendling Graphics & Design Lebon Siu Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email The following content is sponsored by Inigo View the full-size version of this graphic 6 Trends Reshaping U.S. Property Insurance Key Takeaways Property risk is becoming more widespread, as climate-driven losses expand beyond traditional catastrophe zones. Replacement values continue to rise, driven by construction inflation and aging building stock. New technologies are reshaping loss profiles, introducing emerging electrical and ignition risks. Property risk in the U.S. is being reshaped by a perfect storm of rising replacement costs, aging buildings, and a rapidly changing climate. At the same time, growth, strained infrastructure, and new technologies are introducing fresh vulnerabilities that traditional models weren’t built to capture. Together, these forces are setting a new baseline for insured losses and raising the stakes for resilience and smarter risk management. This visualization, created in partnership with Inigo, outlines the major trends set to shape property risk in years to come. 1. Escalating Rebuilding & Replacement Costs Material inflation, skilled labor shortages, and ongoing supply chain fragility are keeping construction costs elevated across the United States. As a result, insured values continue to rise, increasing claim severity even for moderate loss events. 2. Expanding Climate & Natural Hazard Exposure Wildfires, severe convective storms, inland flooding, and other secondary perils are spreading beyond historical risk zones. This shift is redrawing catastrophe maps and challenging models that rely on past loss patterns. 3. Urban Sprawl & Migration into High-Risk Areas Population growth in wildfire prone regions and coastal flood zones is driving higher concentrations of property and infrastructure at risk. This expansion often outpaces local mitigation efforts, amplifying potential losses when disasters strike. 4. Aging Buildings & Failing Infrastructure More than half of U.S. commercial properties are over 40 years old, many built to outdated codes and standards. Combined with aging power, water, and transportation systems, deferred maintenance on infrastructure increases the likelihood that localized damage escalates into broader systemic losses. 5. Advancing Building Technologies Rooftop solar panels, lithium ion batteries, and increasingly complex electrical systems are altering building risk profiles. While these technologies improve efficiency and resilience, they also introduce new ignition, fire, and loss pathways that are not fully reflected in historical data. 6. Commercial Real Estate Market Stress & Vacancy Risk Higher interest rates and persistent remote work trends are pushing vacancy rates higher, particularly in office markets. Empty or underutilized properties face greater risks from neglect, vandalism, and deterioration, compounding both physical and financial losses. A New Baseline for Property Risk Climate volatility, rising replacement costs, aging assets, technological change, and economic pressure are redefining property risk in the United States. Understanding how these forces interact is essential for anticipating future losses, as is identifying where resilience and smarter risk management can make the biggest impact. Explore the data behind emerging global property risks. You may also like Environment4 months ago Ranked: The 10 Most Powerful U.S. Hurricanes (1900-2025) Hurricanes are a defining force in the U.S. climate, capable of leaving behind profound environmental, social, and economic devastation. Environment5 months ago Mapped: Which U.S. Cities Saw Record-Breaking Temperatures in 2024? Global temperatures are climbing—but how is this trend playing out across the United States, and which regions are being hit the hardest? Environment6 months ago Ranked: The Most Expensive U.S. Wildfire Events, So Far Wildfire events are growing increasingly frequent and destructive around the world as human-driven climate impacts continue to escalate. Environment6 months ago Mapped: The United States of Drought Drought grips much of the U.S., affecting over 60 million people today. Healthcare6 months ago The $58B Weight Loss Drug Market in One Chart Weight loss drugs have surged in popularity in recent years, transforming the pharmaceutical landscape. Which brands are dominating this space? Healthcare7 months ago Ranked: Which Areas Receive the Most Pharma R&D? The pharmaceutical industry has made enormous strides in treating—and even curing—a wide range of diseases and conditions. Which areas are seeing the most R&D in 2025? Healthcare7 months ago The $5.6T Pharmaceutical Industry in One Chart Pharma giants don’t just make medicine—they shape the future of healthcare. Who are the world’s major players? Crime7 months ago 6 Fraud Trends Reshaping Risk in 2025 The fraud and financial crime landscapes are evolving rapidly. What are the key threats shaping risk in 2025? Cryptocurrency7 months ago Ranked: The 10 Biggest Digital Heists Some of the largest digital heists didn’t rely on brute-force hacking, they exploited the weakest link in security: human trust. Crime7 months ago The Most Costly Financial Crimes in 2024 As cybersecurity threats escalate, which financial crimes are causing the most harm? The FBI has the data. Crime7 months ago Mapped: U.S. Financial Crime Activity by State Suspicious activity has been rising in the U.S., but is it spread evenly throughout all 50 states? Certainly not. Crime7 months ago Ranked: America’s Most Common Financial Crimes As technology and AI become more widespread, fraud and other suspicious activity are rising across America. Which types are the most common? Economy8 months ago Tracking the $3.1 Trillion Financial Crime Pandemic From money laundering to fraud, financial crime acts as a drain on the economy, totaling an incredible $3.1 trillion. Politics9 months ago Which Types of Government Rule the World? Over half the global population is ruled by non-centrist types of government, including autocracies and left or right wing parties. Politics9 months ago Breaking Down the $524 Billion Investment Needed to Rebuild Ukraine Ukraine will require an estimated $524B over the next decade to recover from the Russia-Ukraine war. Which sectors have been most impacted? Politics9 months ago Are Tariffs Causing U.S. Inflation Fears? Amid tariff increases, consumers’ expectations for U.S. inflation in the next five years have reached their highest level since March 1991. Politics9 months ago Ranked: Executive Orders by President in the First 100 Days In his first 100 days, President Trump has issued far more executive orders than any other president in history. Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization U.S. Defense Spending by President (1997–2027P) 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 In inflation-adjusted 2025 dollars, U.S. defense spending is more than $400 billion higher than in the late 1990s. The White House has proposed a record $1.5 trillion defense topline for 2027P, more than 50% above recent levels. The biggest historical jumps in defense spending align with major security eras, including the post-9/11 wars, renewed great-power competition, and today’s rearmament push. Since 1997, U.S. defense spending has moved through multiple cycles, but the long-term trajectory is upward. This chart tracks National Defense (Function 050) budget authority in constant 2025 dollars and shows how totals changed under each president and party, culminating in a proposed record $1.5 trillion budget for 2027P. Data is sourced from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Historical Tables, Table 5.1 (National Defense budget authority), supplemented by Reuters reporting for the 2027 proposal. It also leverages analysis from the Council on Foreign Relations. Steady Growth Through the 2000s and 2010s In the late 1990s, under President Clinton, U.S. defense spending sat around the mid-$500 billion level in real terms. Spending rose significantly in the 2000s during the Bush years amid the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, reaching levels above $900 billion before 2010. Continued high budgets carried throughout the Obama administration, driven by ongoing post-9/11 commitments and modernization efforts. Fiscal YearReal Budget (2025$)President 1997$542BClinton 1998$535BClinton 1999$564BClinton 2000$569BClinton 2001$609BBush 2002$648BBush 2003$798BBush 2004$837BBush 2005$834BBush 2006$888BBush 2007$971BBush 2008$1.04TBush 2009$1.05TObama 2010$1.06TObama 2011$1.03TObama 2012$955BObama 2013$843BObama 2014$846BObama 2015$813BObama 2016$837BObama 2017$862BTrump 2018$931BTrump 2019$938BTrump 2020$963BTrump 2021$902BBiden 2022$922BBiden 2023$908BBiden 2024$905BBiden 2025$962BTrump 2026$962BTrump 2027 (proposed)$1.5TTrump Recent Trends and Record Levels In the early 2020s, spending remained high under Presidents Trump and Biden, with budgets around $900 billion to over $1 trillion in real terms. The 2026 defense budget approved by Congress reached $901 billion, while proposals for 2027 have pushed that figure even higher. Recently, President Donald Trump announced a proposal for a $1.5 trillion military budget in 2027, representing roughly a 50% increase over current levels, aimed at expanding capabilities and accelerating modernization. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out America’s $38 Trillion Mountain of Debt on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: Birth Rates Around the World 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 global birth rate has projected at 16.1 births per 1,000 people in 2025, continuing a decades-long decline. Several Sub-Saharan African countries still record rates above 40 per 1,000, among the highest in the world. Many advanced economies now have birth rates below 10 per 1,000, fueling concerns about aging populations and shrinking workforces. Birth rates are falling across much of the world—but not everywhere. According to the UN World Population Prospects 2024, the global birth rate in 2025 was projected at 16.1 births per 1,000 people. Yet this average masks a stark demographic divide: while much of Europe and East Asia faces record-low fertility, parts of Sub-Saharan Africa continue to record some of the highest birth rates globally. This widening gap is reshaping economies, labor markets, and long-term growth prospects. Countries with persistently low birth rates are grappling with aging populations and rising dependency ratios, while higher-growth regions face different pressures tied to rapid population expansion. Where Birth Rates Are Highest Countries with the highest birth rates are overwhelmingly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside a few countries in the Middle East and Asia. The table below shows the projected crude birth rates by country: RankCountryCrude birth rate (births per 1,000 people) 1 Central African Republic46.9 2 Chad44.7 3 Somalia43.3 4 Niger42.1 5 Democratic Republic of Congo41.7 6 Mali40.3 7 Angola37.7 8 Mozambique37.7 9 Afghanistan35.4 10 Tanzania35.3 11 Uganda34.7 12 Mauritania34.6 13 Yemen34.5 14 Benin33.9 15 Cameroon33.7 16 Guinea33.5 17 Burundi33.4 18 Zambia33.3 19 Nigeria32.8 20 Sudan32.8 21 Madagascar32.0 22 Côte d’Ivoire31.9 23 Malawi31.6 24 Ethiopia31.6 25 Burkina Faso31.5 26 Togo31.1 27 Liberia30.9 28 Congo30.9 29 Equatorial Guinea30.3 30 Sierra Leone30.1 31 Zimbabwe30.1 32 South Sudan30.0 33 Gambia29.9 34 Guinea-Bissau29.7 35 Senegal29.6 36 Eritrea29.2 37 São Tomé and Príncipe28.4 38 Rwanda28.3 39 Comoros28.3 40 Vanuatu27.8 41 Pakistan27.5 42 Palestine27.4 43 Kenya27.3 44 Gabon27.2 45 Solomon Islands27.1 46 Ghana26.1 47 Namibia26.0 48 Iraq25.8 49 Kiribati25.2 50 Uzbekistan25.1 51 Tajikistan25.0 52 Samoa24.8 53 Syria24.4 54 Papua New Guinea24.3 55 Botswana24.3 56 Nauru24.2 57 Lesotho23.7 58 Eswatini23.5 59 Tonga22.7 60 Micronesia22.2 61 Timor-Leste21.9 62 Haiti21.9 63 Honduras21.7 64 Bolivia21.1 65 Egypt21.0 66 Djibouti20.9 67 Tuvalu20.8 68 Laos20.8 69 Kyrgyzstan20.7 70 Guatemala20.7 71 Turkmenistan20.4 72 Cambodia20.1 73 Jordan20.1 74 Bangladesh19.8 75 Guyana19.6 76 Paraguay19.6 77 Kazakhstan19.2 78 Nicaragua19.1 79 Marshall Islands19.0 80 Nepal18.6 81 South Africa18.4 82 Algeria18.3 83 Belize18.0 84 Fiji17.7 85 Mongolia17.4 86 Dominican Republic17.4 87 Israel17.2 88 Suriname17.1 89 Oman17.1 90 Myanmar16.3 91 Libya16.3 92 Morocco16.3 93 Saudi Arabia16.0 94 Lebanon15.9 95 Philippines15.9 96 India15.9 97 Panama15.9 98 Indonesia15.7 99 Peru15.7 100 El Salvador15.4 101 Venezuela15.4 102 Mexico15.3 103 Ecuador14.8 104 Seychelles14.6 105 Sri Lanka14.5 106 Western Sahara14.0 107 New Caledonia13.9 108 Vietnam13.2 109 Brunei13.1 110 Colombia13.1 111 Tunisia13.1 112 Greenland13.0 113 Moldova13.0 114 Kosovo12.8 115 North Korea12.6 116 Bhutan12.4 117 Malaysia12.4 118 Bahrain12.3 119 Turkey12.3 120 Iran12.3 121 Cape Verde12.1 122 Brazil11.9 123 Azerbaijan11.8 124 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines11.7 125 Antigua and Barbuda11.6 126 Armenia11.5 127 Saint Kitts and Nevis11.5 128 Georgia11.5 129 Trinidad and Tobago11.4 130 Grenada11.3 131 Jamaica11.2 132 Australia11.2 133 Montenegro11.2 134 Argentina11.1 135 Barbados11.0 136 Saint Lucia11.0 137 New Zealand11.0 138 Iceland10.8 139 United States10.8 140 Dominica10.8 141 Bahamas10.7 142 Palau10.5 143 United Arab Emirates10.5 144 Qatar10.5 145 Cyprus10.3 146 Luxembourg10.3 147 Maldives10.2 148 Albania10.1 149 Denmark9.9 150 Costa Rica9.9 151 United Kingdom9.8 152 Kuwait9.8 153 Ireland9.8 154 Uruguay9.7 155 Netherlands9.7 156 Monaco9.6 157 Norway9.5 158 Bulgaria9.4 159 Romania9.4 160 France9.3 161 Liechtenstein9.2 162 Sweden9.2 163 Slovakia9.2 164 North Macedonia9.1 165 Mauritius9.1 166 Switzerland9.1 167 Serbia8.8 168 Hungary8.8 169 Canada8.7 170 Russia8.7 171 Chile8.6 172 Belgium8.5 173 Cuba8.5 174 Germany8.5 175 Singapore8.3 176 Austria8.2 177 Poland8.1 178 Slovenia8.1 179 Croatia8.0 180 Portugal8.0 181 Czechia8.0 182 Thailand8.0 183 Finland7.8 184 Estonia7.7 185 Bosnia and Herzegovina7.7 186 Lithuania7.7 187 Malta7.4 188 Latvia7.4 189 Andorra6.9 190 Belarus6.8 191 Spain6.8 192 Greece6.6 193 Italy6.5 194 China6.2 195 Japan6.0 196 Puerto Rico6.0 197 Ukraine5.8 198 San Marino5.7 199 Taiwan5.4 200 South Korea4.8 World16.1 The gap between the highest- and lowest-birth-rate countries exceeds 40 births per 1,000 people. The Central African Republic leads birth rates globally, with nearly 47 births per 1,000 people, followed closely by Chad, Somalia, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In these countries, large family sizes are common, and populations tend to be younger, with a high share of women in childbearing age. High birth rates are also prevalent in parts of the Middle East and South Asia, including Afghanistan, Yemen, and Pakistan, where fertility remains elevated despite gradual declines over time. Meanwhile, India and China continue to lead in the total number of births worldwide, although their birth rates are relatively lower. Low Birth Rates in Advanced Economies At the other end of the spectrum, many developed economies now have birth rates well below the global average. Countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, and Spain record fewer than 7 births per 1,000 people, reflecting delayed family formation, high housing costs, and changing social norms. Several European countries, including Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, also fall into this low-birth-rate group. Some of these countries are also among the world’s super-aged societies, where more than 20% of the population are aged over 65 years. Why Birth Rates Matter When birth rates remain below the replacement level (2.1 births per woman) for extended periods, countries face shrinking workforces, rising dependency ratios, and mounting pressure on social security and healthcare systems. Over time, populations begin to shrink and age, creating long-term economic challenges. In contrast, very high birth rates can strain education, infrastructure, and job creation if economic growth does not keep pace. As a result, governments across the world are increasingly focused on addressing population challenges and demographic policy, whether through family incentives, childcare support, or immigration. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you found this infographic interesting, explore more population and demographic insights on Voronoi, including The World’s Population as 1000 People.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization The Countries Buying (and Selling) the Most Gold Since 2020 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 China, Poland, and Türkiye were the largest gold buyers among central banks between 2020 and 2025. Gold prices surged more than 230% over the period, fueling one of the strongest official-sector buying waves in decades. A smaller group of countries reduced holdings, highlighting divergent reserve strategies. As gold prices surged more than 230% since 2020, central banks around the world launched one of the largest gold-buying waves in modern history. For many countries, bullion became more than just a hedge—it became a strategic reserve asset amid rising geopolitical tensions, currency volatility, and growing efforts to diversify away from the U.S. dollar. Yet not every nation followed the same playbook: some were accumulating gold aggressively, while others were trimming reserves. This chart ranks the countries that made the biggest net additions and the largest reductions in gold reserves over the past five years. The data comes from the World Gold Council. China and Eastern Europe Lead Gold Buying Together, the top 15 buyers added nearly 2,000 net tonnes of gold to their reserves over the period, underscoring a broad shift in official sector strategy. China recorded the largest increase in gold reserves over the period, adding more than 350 tonnes. This move aligns with Beijing’s long-running push to diversify reserves away from the U.S. dollar and reduce exposure to Western financial systems, reinforcing gold’s role as a politically neutral anchor within global reserves. RankCountryNet change in tonnes (2020-2025) 1 China357.1 2 Poland314.6 3 Türkiye251.8 4 India245.3 5 Brazil105.1 6 Azerbaijan83.6 7 Japan80.8 8 Thailand80.6 9 Hungary78.5 10 Singapore77.3 11 Iraq74.6 12 Qatar73.0 13 Czech Rep.62.8 14 Russia55.4 15 United Arab Emirates51.7 Poland followed China closely in the ranking, increasing its gold holdings by over 300 tonnes as part of a long-term push to bolster monetary security. Türkiye and India also ranked among the top buyers. Both countries face persistent inflation pressures and currency volatility, making gold an attractive hedge within official reserves. Emerging Markets Step Up Accumulation Beyond the largest buyers, several emerging markets made notable additions. Brazil added more than 100 tonnes, while Azerbaijan’s increase came through its sovereign wealth fund, the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Japan, Thailand, Hungary, and Singapore also expanded reserves, signaling broader global interest in gold as a stabilizing asset during periods of economic uncertainty. Who Reduced Gold Holdings? While many central banks were building gold stockpiles, a smaller group reduced exposure, highlighting sharply different reserve priorities. The Philippines recorded the largest reduction, cutting reserves by more than 65 tonnes. Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka also posted significant declines, often reflecting domestic liquidity pressures or active reserve rebalancing during periods of economic stress. RankCountryNet change in tonnes (2020-2025) 1 Philippines-65.2 2 Kazakhstan-52.4 3 Sri Lanka-19.1 4 Germany-16.3 5 Mongolia-15.9 6 Tajikistan-11.9 7 Euro Area (average)-10.8 8 Colombia-9.2 9 Finland-5.4 10 Curaçao & St. Maarten-3.9 11 Solomon Islands-0.6 12 Suriname-0.4 13 Malta-0.3 14 Ethiopia-0.2 15 Switzerland-0.1 Several European countries, including Germany and Finland, posted modest reductions. Switzerland’s change was minimal, underscoring its generally stable approach to gold management compared with more active buyers elsewhere. Taken together, the data shows how gold has reasserted itself as a cornerstone of global reserves, even as countries take sharply different paths in preparing for an uncertain monetary future. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The Rise of Major Currencies Against the USD in 2025 on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. > Use This Visualization The Share of Foreign-Born Residents in Every U.S. State 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 Foreign-born residents made up 14.8% of the U.S. population in 2024, near a historic high. Four states—California, New York, Florida, and New Jersey—have foreign-born shares above 23%. In contrast, states like Montana and West Virginia have foreign-born shares near 2%. Immigration is highly concentrated in a small number of U.S. states. In several large coastal economies, foreign-born residents make up nearly a quarter of the population. In much of the Midwest and Appalachia, the share is closer to 2–5%. The map above shows how the foreign-born share varies across all 50 states and D.C., based on the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. Foreign-Born Population in 2024 Below, we show the foreign-born population by state: StateForeign-Born Share of the Population 2024Number of Foreign-Born Residents California27.7%10,922,460 New Jersey25.0%2,375,213 New York23.3%4,629,069 Florida23.1%5,398,982 Nevada19.9%650,226 Massachusetts18.8%1,341,600 Hawaii18.6%268,983 Texas18.4%5,757,513 Maryland17.1%1,071,011 Washington16.1%1,281,267 Connecticut15.9%584,336 Rhode Island15.7%174,632 District of Columbia15.5%108,849 Illinois15.4%1,957,364 Virginia13.6%1,198,323 Arizona13.4%1,016,039 Georgia11.9%1,330,524 Delaware11.6%122,022 Colorado10.5%625,537 New Mexico10.0%427,237 Oregon10.0%213,026 North Carolina9.9%1,093,556 Utah9.8%343,354 Minnesota9.0%521,384 Nebraska9.0%180,492 Pennsylvania8.3%1,085,536 Kansas7.8%231,707 Alaska7.7%780,815 Michigan7.7%56,990 Indiana7.0%484,699 Oklahoma6.6%270,296 Tennessee6.5%469,804 South Carolina6.4%350,645 Idaho6.3%204,214 Iowa6.3%126,102 New Hampshire5.9%83,133 Arkansas5.8%179,125 Ohio5.5%653,582 Wisconsin5.5%327,854 North Dakota5.3%42,218 Kentucky5.2%239,082 Louisiana5.2%238,595 Missouri4.9%306,028 Maine4.7%66,036 Alabama4.5%232,096 Vermont4.5%29,182 South Dakota4.2%38,836 Wyoming3.5%20,567 Mississippi2.7%79,462 Montana2.1%37,170 West Virginia2.1%23,882 California leads the nation, with 27.7% of its residents born outside the United States—nearly 11 million people. New Jersey ranks second at 25%, followed by New York (23.3%) and Florida (23.1%). In each of these states, immigrants account for roughly one in four residents. Within New York state, immigration is even more concentrated in New York City, where foreign-born residents make up roughly 38% of the population. On average, immigrants in the city have lived there for about 24 years, underscoring its long-standing identity as a global gateway. States With Fewer Foreign-Born Residents At the other end of the spectrum are Montana and West Virginia, where foreign-born residents account for just 2.1% of the population. Several other states across Appalachia and the Midwest also report foreign-born shares below 5%, underscoring how concentrated immigration remains in a relatively small number of states. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on America’s 10 richest immigrant billionaires.

Published 1 hour ago on February 10, 2026 By Julia Wendling Graphics & Design Jennifer West Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email The following content is sponsored by Hinrich Foundation Which Economies Have the Largest Ecological Footprints? How much biologically productive land and water are required to support a population’s resource use and absorb its waste—and how does this footprint vary around the world? In collaboration with the Hinrich Foundation, this visualization draws on data from the Global Footprint Network to compare ecological footprints across countries, highlighting the varying environmental pressures of consumption. The analysis comes from the 2025 Sustainable Trade Index (STI), which the Hinrich Foundation produced in collaboration with the IMD World Competitiveness Center. What Is an Ecological Footprint? The ecological footprint is a metric that quantifies human demand on nature. It calculates the biologically productive land and water area required to supply the renewable resources a given population consumes (such as food, timber, and energy). It also factors in the land needed to assimilate the waste it produces, particularly carbon dioxide. The metric provides insight into whether a country’s consumption levels are environmentally sustainable. The higher the ecological footprint a country has, the less sustainable its consumption is given its available resources. Which Countries’ Consumption Leave the Highest Footprints? It’s no surprise that developed countries typically have larger ecological footprints than emerging markets. With higher levels of consumption—whether energy, goods, or resources—these nations also generate more waste on a per-person basis. The country with the highest footprint (which translates into a lower ranking) is Singapore, at 10.1 global hectares per person. It’s followed by Canada (8.1), the U.S. (7.5), Australia (7.3), and Russia (6.2). From Smallest to Largest Ecological Footprints RankCountryEcological Footprint (global hectares) 1 Bangladesh0.68 2 Pakistan0.73 3 Myanmar1.11 4 India1.11 5 Laos1.12 6 Papua New Guinea1.17 7 Sri Lanka1.20 8 Philippines1.40 9 Cambodia1.64 10 Ecuador1.71 11 Indonesia1.86 12 Peru2.41 13 Thailand2.46 14 Mexico2.55 15 Vietnam2.70 16 China3.68 17 United Kingdom3.81 18 Japan4.04 19 Malaysia4.23 20 Chile4.27 21 New Zealand5.43 22 South Korea5.47 23 Russia6.21 24 Australia7.28 25 United States7.48 26 Canada8.11 27 Singapore10.07 Among developed markets, the UK ranks most favorably at #17, with an ecological footprint of 3.8 global hectares per person. Which Countries’ Consumption the Lowest Footprints? In contrast, emerging economies typically have less resource-intensive lifestyles. As a result, Bangladesh ranks #1 at 0.7 global hectares per person. Pakistan (0.7) and Myanmar (1.1) round out the top three. Explore the Sustainable Trade Index This infographic was just a small subset of what the Sustainable Trade Index has to offer. To learn more, visit the Hinrich Foundation, where you can download additional resources including the entire report for free. Visit the Hinrich Foundation to download the entire report, for free. Related Topics: #ecological #2025 #sustainable trade index #Hinrich Foundation #footprint #consumption Click for Comments var disqus_shortname = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com"; var disqus_title = "Which Economies Have the Largest Ecological Footprints?"; var disqus_url = "https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/hf07-which-economies-have-the-largest-ecological-footprints/"; var disqus_identifier = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com-195194"; You may also like Economy4 weeks ago How Balanced Is Economic Growth Within Countries? Levels of economic development differ not only from one country to another, but also dramatically within their own borders. Which countries lead versus lag? Markets3 months ago Ranked: Number of Trade Agreements Across 30 Economies Based on data from the World Trade Organization, which countries have the highest and lowest number of trade agreements? Markets4 months ago Ranked: The World’s Most Sustainable Economies in 2025 Based on the Hinrich Foundation’s 2025 Sustainable Trade Index, which economies are the most and least sustainable? Economy4 months ago Ranked: Countries Losing the Most (and Least) from Trump’s Tariffs Trump’s tariffs affect all major U.S. trading partners, but what matters is how each country’s tariffs compare to its competitors. Economy6 months ago Charting How U.S. Tariffs Will Hit Key Products U.S. tariffs have climbed to an average rate of 18.6%—the highest since 1933. But what does this mean for everyday consumers? Economy8 months ago Breaking Down the $450 Billion of Trade Destruction from U.S. Tariffs The UN has crunched the numbers projecting the ripple effects of Trump’s May 12th tariffs. Which economies are bracing for the biggest hits? Economy10 months ago Ranked: America’s Services Trade Balances America’s goods trade deficits have dominated headlines, but a critical part of the equation is being ignored: services trade. AI11 months ago Visualized: All of the World’s Data More data will be created, captured, and replicated in the next three years than in the rest of human history. But by how much? Economy12 months ago Visualized: The Growing Opportunities in Global Trade Careers Visual Capitalist has partnered with the Hinrich Foundation to explore the landscape of global trade and find out what students and trade professionals can do to… Green12 months ago Ranked: CO₂ Emissions Per Person in 30 Economies CO₂ emissions are reshaping the flows of international trade. Which countries have the highest and lowest CO₂ emissions per capita? Healthcare1 year ago Mapped: Life Expectancy in Major Economies Which countries have the highest and lowest life expectancies at birth? Markets1 year ago Ranked: Government Debt Across Major Economies Based on data from the IMF’s World Economic Outlook, which countries have the highest and lowest government debt ratios? Markets1 year ago Ranked: The World’s Most Sustainable Economies in 2024 Based on the Hinrich Foundation’s 2024 Sustainable Trade Index, which economies are the most and least sustainable? Oil and Gas2 years ago How Oil Is Adding Fuel to Geopolitical Fragmentation Which countries and regions decreased, banned, or increased Russian oil imports following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine? Politics2 years ago The Start of De-Dollarization: China’s Gradual Move Away from the USD The de-dollarization of China’s trade settlements has begun. What patterns do we see in USD and RMB use within China and globally? Politics2 years ago The Bloc Effect: International Trade with Geopolitical Allies on the Rise Rising geopolitical tensions are shaping the future of international trade, but what is the effect on trading among G7 and BRICS countries? Green2 years ago Ranked: Resource Dependency Across 30 Major Economies High resource dependency in trade makes countries more susceptible to market fluctuations and climate change. Misc2 years ago Visualizing the Global Education Gap This graphic adds visual context to the global education gap, using data from 29 major economies. Money2 years ago Ranking the Credit Ratings of Major Economies This graphic visualizes 30 country’s credit ratings, using data from the 2023 Sustainable Trade Index. Economy2 years ago Ranked: The World’s Most Sustainable Economies in 2023 The Sustainable Trade Index 2023 is an annual ranking of the world’s most sustainable economies. View this infographic to see the results. Economy2 years ago Visualizing the Impact of the G20’s Corporate Subsidies The Hinrich Foundation visualizes the impact of corporate subsidies by G20 nations between 2008 and Q1 2023. Economy3 years ago Economic Coercion: China’s Leverage in Trade The Hinrich Foundation explores China’s use of economic coercion and the implications of its control over the solar energy sector. Politics3 years ago Ranking the Trade Policies of the G20 We analyze recent trade policies implemented by G20 members to determine whether they are liberalizing or harmful. Green3 years ago Global Carbon Markets: Highlights from the Latest Report We highlight key findings from the Hinrich Foundation’s latest report on carbon markets, produced in partnership with Visual Capitalist. Green3 years ago Ranked: Air Pollution by Economy Which economies have hazy air, and which ones enjoy mostly clear skies? Find out in this geographic breakdown of air pollution levels. Politics3 years ago Mapped: Geopolitical Risk by Economy Prior to invading Ukraine, Russia had one of the highest levels of geopolitical risk. How does geopolitical uncertainty vary around the world? Economy3 years ago Ranked: Harmful Tariffs by Economy The U.S. has by far the most harmful tariffs, with nearly 5,000 in force. Which economy has the least tariffs? Business3 years ago Interested in a Career in Global Trade? Global trade is growing across regions and countries which is creating an explosion in new jobs and education opportunities. Economy3 years ago Introducing the 2022 Sustainable Trade Index See which economies have the most sustainable trade policies in the Hinrich Foundation’s 2022 Sustainable Trade Index. Economy3 years ago Global Trade Series: Fragmentation in the Digital Economy In this infographic, we examine the current state of digital fragmentation and it’s implications on the world.  Economy3 years ago Global Trade Series: Asia’s Digital Economy Asia’s digital economy is expanding quicker than ever, but cooperation between governments is needed to reduce barriers. Economy4 years ago Global Trade Series: The Benefits of Free Trade Free trade is a powerful engine for economic growth, but rising protectionism stands in the way. See what the data says in this infographic. Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: Where Incomes Are Rising Fastest, by State 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 Colorado led the nation, with median household income up 46.9% from 2019 to 2024 Household incomes rose 21.9% nationally over the same period (not adjusted for inflation) Since 2019, U.S. household incomes have surged—rising from $68,700 to $83,730 nationally, a 21.9% increase in just five years. But where you live matters a lot. While some states tracked close to the national average, others saw incomes climb at nearly double the pace, driven by booming local industries and major investment. States like Colorado posted outsized gains, while Georgia’s expanding EV industry brought billions in investment and rising paychecks. The map shows which states saw the fastest growth in median household income from 2019 to 2024, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Trends in Median Income by State Below, we show the change in median household income for all 50 U.S. states and D.C. between 2019 and 2024 using nominal figures (not adjusted for inflation): RankStateChange in Median Household Income2019-2024Median Household Income 2019Median Household Income 2024 1Colorado46.9%$72,500$106,500 2Georgia43.4%$56,630$81,210 3Maine36.3%$66,550$90,730 4Montana36.1%$60,190$81,920 5Tennessee34.0%$56,630$75,860 6Rhode Island31.6%$70,150$92,290 7Massachusetts29.9%$87,710$113,900 8Florida29.6%$58,370$75,630 9Iowa29.4%$66,050$85,480 10Missouri29.4%$60,600$78,390 11California28.8%$78,100$100,600 12New Hampshire28.7%$86,900$111,800 13North Dakota25.8%$70,030$88,080 14Mississippi25.0%$44,790$55,980 15Ohio24.5%$64,660$80,520 16South Dakota24.3%$64,260$79,850 17Michigan23.9%$64,120$79,460 18South Carolina23.8%$62,030$76,780 19Idaho23.7%$65,990$81,650 20Utah23.0%$84,520$104,000 21Wisconsin22.6%$67,350$82,560 22New York20.8%$71,850$86,830 23Texas20.8%$67,440$81,490 24Wyoming20.8%$65,130$78,680 25New Mexico20.8%$53,110$64,140 26Oregon20.5%$74,410$89,700 27Virginia20.2%$81,310$97,720 28Kansas19.9%$73,150$87,690 29Arizona19.9%$70,670$84,700 30Arkansas18.9%$54,540$64,840 31Washington18.3%$82,450$97,500 32New Jersey18.0%$87,730$103,500 33Nebraska17.9%$73,070$86,140 34West Virginia17.6%$53,710$63,150 35Louisiana17.5%$51,710$60,740 36Alabama16.7%$56,200$65,560 37Alaska16.4%$78,390$91,260 38Kentucky16.4%$55,660$64,790 39Delaware15.7%$74,190$85,860 40Indiana15.0%$66,690$76,710 41Maryland14.8%$95,570$109,700 42Vermont14.7%$74,310$85,260 43Connecticut13.7%$87,290$99,240 44Nevada13.7%$70,910$80,590 45Pennsylvania13.4%$70,580$80,060 46Minnesota13.4%$81,430$92,350 47Illinois13.2%$74,400$84,210 48District of Columbia12.6%$93,110$104,800 49Hawaii11.6%$88,010$98,240 50Oklahoma9.9%$59,400$65,310 51North Carolina9.9%$61,160$67,220 Colorado’s thriving tech industry helped push median income up 46.9%, the fastest rise across states. With $165,606 in average earnings across the sector in 2023, Colorado ranked sixth-highest nationally. From software to renewable energy, employment growth has expanded by double- or even triple-digit percentages across various roles since 2018. Georgia ranks in a close second, with median incomes climbing 43.4%. In particular, the EV and aerospace sectors are playing a key role in job creation. Since 2018, the state has seen $27.3 billion in investment across EV, aerospace, and battery manufacturers including Rivian and SK Battery America. Maine, meanwhile, saw wages rise 36.3%. In 2024, wages across the tech sector saw the steepest jump of 11.4% while those in the construction sector saw strong gains of 8.5%. Other factors, such as its older population and tight labor market, have further boosted wages. Falling near the middle of the pack were New York and Texas, each with wage gains of 20.8% between 2019 and 2024. By contrast, North Carolina and Oklahoma saw only 9.9% cumulative wage growth, the weakest performance nationwide. Median household income in both states remains well below the U.S. average and still trails pre-pandemic levels. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on average hourly earnings by state in 2025.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. View the high-resolution version of this infographic. Use This Visualization Ranked: The World’s 50 Largest Cities, From 1975 to 2050 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 Since 1975, the world’s largest cities have shifted decisively from developed economies to Asia and Africa. By 2050, Asia and Africa are projected to account for 37 of the world’s 50 largest cities, reshaping the global urban hierarchy. Several cities that once dominated the rankings are projected to see slow growth—or fall sharply in rank—by mid-century. In 1975, the world’s largest cities were dominated by Japan, Europe, and North America. By 2025, that balance had already shifted toward Asia. Looking ahead to 2050, Africa is projected to emerge as a major force in the global urban hierarchy. Urbanization has been the driving force behind this transformation—and it’s far from finished. This visualization tracks how the world’s 50 largest cities have risen, stagnated, or fallen in rank across four points in time—1975, 2000, 2025, and 2050—using data from the UN World Urbanization Prospects 2025. How the World’s Largest Cities Have Risen and Fallen In 1975, Tokyo and Osaka were the world’s two largest cities, followed by New York, Jakarta, and Mexico City. By 2000, Asian megacities like Shanghai, Beijing, and New Delhi climbed the rankings as population growth accelerated across Asia. Fast forward to 2025, and the shift has become more pronounced, with many of the world’s largest cities now located in South and East Asia. As urbanization continues, this shift is projected to continue through 2050. The table below shows the world’s 50 largest cities in 2050, along with their population sizes in 1975, 2000, and 2025: 2050 Population RankCityCountry1975 Population2000 Population2025 Population2050 Population 1Dhaka Bangladesh5,037,17417,434,59636,585,47952,123,000 2Jakarta Indonesia11,696,36925,591,96641,913,86051,784,000 3Shanghai China4,542,78714,034,55829,558,90834,912,000 4New Delhi India6,091,89117,969,09230,222,40533,891,000 5Karachi Pakistan4,626,70110,799,50321,422,59032,593,000 6Cairo Egypt7,440,91415,676,61925,566,10232,366,000 7Tokyo Japan24,281,61830,302,56033,412,51230,658,000 8Guangzhou China1,644,24018,970,25827,563,37229,243,000 9Manila Philippines8,329,01217,799,06424,735,30527,120,000 10Kolkata India10,527,60518,355,28622,549,73823,768,000 11Mumbai India8,338,77315,952,86220,203,05623,059,000 12Seoul Republic of Korea10,079,04618,962,54422,490,48221,225,000 13Bangkok Thailand3,650,7728,377,06618,180,28020,462,000 14Lahore Pakistan4,402,7667,978,80515,156,43020,388,000 15Luanda Angola306,000714,64311,370,12720,286,000 16São Paulo Brazil10,536,12116,702,00818,949,79018,217,000 17Beijing China5,154,9719,635,38017,013,30318,004,000 18Mexico City Mexico11,119,40217,598,16217,734,21217,679,000 19Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam2,384,0346,006,09014,052,71317,201,000 20Istanbul Türkiye5,305,19310,633,60215,014,76316,303,000 21Lagos Nigeria2,612,4507,908,96112,791,69916,180,000 22Moscow Russian Federation8,520,84211,194,62714,524,75315,522,000 23Shenzhen China487,9448,180,96013,878,39614,661,000 24Bengaluru India2,369,5416,051,92813,187,09814,258,000 25Buenos Aires Argentina8,560,90011,711,63414,017,73614,236,000 26Los Angeles United States7,717,83711,195,62612,740,42013,862,000 27Hajipur India745,9623,363,8059,941,51013,695,000 28New York City United States12,076,41613,044,48313,920,14813,225,000 29Kinshasa DR Congo1,035,6225,328,17410,943,64113,211,000 30Dar es Salaam Tanzania299,1512,071,6457,795,11413,160,000 31Bogotá Colombia3,389,7506,340,84010,624,31512,478,000 32Lima Peru3,519,7856,991,68510,580,24112,358,000 33London United Kingdom7,369,8427,654,55310,416,42011,869,000 34Chennai India4,484,1157,612,50811,153,20511,757,000 35Addis Ababa Ethiopia868,9012,791,7246,705,70510,783,000 36Kuala Lumpur Malaysia170,7774,143,9158,443,73110,627,000 37Osaka Japan14,448,05414,487,83012,964,14510,449,000 38Abidjan Côte d’Ivoire1,024,7453,441,8066,621,7119,775,000 39Bandung Indonesia3,475,7596,333,4118,909,1049,747,000 40Hangzhou China1,113,6164,964,8977,500,2089,625,000 41Hyderabad India2,810,4796,340,6619,190,7959,546,000 42Tehran Iran4,265,1016,999,1959,174,9649,499,000 43Khartoum Sudan870,5534,135,1026,809,3559,444,000 44Paris France7,423,8598,385,1569,381,9219,326,000 45Rio de Janeiro Brazil5,880,6698,416,7549,500,3369,300,000 46Riyadh Saudi Arabia126,0002,557,2696,916,4179,153,000 47Alexandria Egypt2,647,6754,477,7187,266,9579,023,000 48Johannesburg South Africa1,180,5602,767,8037,077,1758,916,000 49Onitsha Nigeria756,8832,353,0865,627,7068,681,000 50Yaoundé Cameroon455,2191,578,6315,106,0878,661,000 Looking ahead to 2050, Dhaka is projected to be the world’s most populous city with over 52 million residents, followed closely by Jakarta. Asian cities are projected to remain population hubs, with Shanghai, New Delhi, and Karachi rounding out the top five, and the Asian continent accounting for 24 of the 50 largest cities. Meanwhile, Africa emerges as the fastest-growing urban region in the world, accounting for 13 of the 50 largest cities. Cities such as Lagos, Kinshasa, Cairo, and Dar es Salaam are projected to see explosive population growth over the coming decades, driven by high fertility rates and urbanization. Overall, the number of megacities, those with over 10 million inhabitants, is projected to increase to 37, up from 33 megacities in 2025. Slower Growth in Developed Economies While cities in emerging markets surge, many historically large cities in Europe, Japan, and North America are projected to grow relatively slowly, or even plateau. For example, Osaka’s population is projected to decline by 2.5 million, or 20%, and New York’s by 5%. Other large metros including Tokyo, Paris, and Seoul, are expected to hit similar population plateaus. However, despite slow growth, these cities are likely to remain global economic powerhouses, supported by long histories of commercial and economic activity. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed this infographic, explore more insights on Voronoi, including The Countries Set to Double Their Population the Fastest.

Published 3 hours ago on February 9, 2026 By Ryan Bellefontaine Article & Editing Niccolo Conte Graphics & Design Amy Kuo Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email See this visualization first on the Voronoi app. Mapped: Countries with the Most Top Hospital Brands Key Takeaways The U.S. dominates globally, with 25 hospital brands in the top 100. The UK leads Europe, placing eight hospital brands in the top 100. Australia over-indexes for its size, with five hospital brands in the top 100. Hospital brand strength increasingly shapes patient choice, clinician recruitment, and institutional prestige. As a result, only a handful of countries are home to a large share of the world’s strongest hospital brands. This map shows how many hospital brands each country has in the global top 100, based on Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals 2026 report. The U.S. Sets the Global Benchmark for Hospital Brands Brand Finance scores more than 500 academic medical centers using a Brand Strength Index of 30+ metrics, drawing on surveys of 2,500 healthcare professionals. Below is a table showing how many hospital brands each country has in the global top 100. CountryHospitals United States25 United Kingdom8 Australia5 Saudi Arabia4 Japan4 Germany4 Canada4 Bangladesh3 Singapore3 Brazil3 Spain3 Qatar3 France3 India3 Colombia3 Morocco2 Indonesia2 South Korea2 Argentina2 Egypt2 South Africa2 UAE2 Sweden1 Netherlands1 Switzerland1 Ireland1 China1 Bahrain1 Sri Lanka1 Pakistan1 North America leads the top 100 by a wide margin. The region has 29 hospitals in total. The U.S. accounts for 25 entries, while Canada adds four. In the lead, Johns Hopkins Medicine ranks first overall for the second year in a row. Meanwhile, four other American hospitals appear in the top 10. The U.K. Remains Competitive The United Kingdom has eight hospitals in the global top 100. That concentration makes the U.K. one of Europe’s strongest performers on the map. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ranks #2 globally, while Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ranks #9. Six other U.K. hospitals join them in the top 100 worldwide. MENA’s Growing Presence Among Top-Rated Hospitals The Middle East and North Africa also show strong representation. Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre leads the region at #12 globally. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi ranks #23 globally, providing another example of a top 100 hospital. In total, 14 MENA hospitals appear in the global top 100. Reputation spreads through professional networks. As a result, stronger brands can build trust and attract talent. For hospitals, reputation is not just perception—it can shape patient choices, clinician careers, and long-term global standing. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on investment peaks by industry. The data for this visualization was sourced from Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 Report, a publication by one of our data partners, Brand Finance. Our data partnerships are commercial agreements that may or may not include compensation, and partners are not involved with our editorial or graphical processes in any capacity. Related Topics: #hospitals #medical care #Brand Strength #Medical Research #united states Click for Comments var disqus_shortname = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com"; var disqus_title = "Mapped: Countries With the Most Top Hospital Brands"; var disqus_url = "https://www.visualcapitalist.com/dp/mapped-countries-with-the-most-top-rated-hospitals/"; var disqus_identifier = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com-195380"; You may also like Healthcare2 days ago Mapped: Health Insurance Costs by U.S. State in 2026 The average health insurance cost is surging in America as enhanced subsidies expire and hospital costs continue to climb. Healthcare2 weeks ago Mapped: America’s Healthiest States, Ranked America’s healthiest states cluster in one distinct region, highlighting how social, economic, and clinical factors shape health outcomes. Healthcare3 months ago Ranked: America’s Most Expensive Drugs America’s most expensive drugs now top $4 million per dose. See why gene therapies carry record-breaking price tags. Business4 months ago Ranked: America’s Most Common Drugs by Medicare Spending Looking at what’s shaping U.S. healthcare trends by sifting through data about America’s most common drugs by Medicare spending, who manufactures them, and how much they… Healthcare4 months ago Ranked: Countries With the Most Years in Poor Health Discover the countries where the population lives the most years in poor health by comparing average life expectancy to healthy life expectancy. Healthcare4 months ago Mapped: States With the Highest Opioid Prescription Rates Mapped data reveals Southern states lead U.S. opioid prescription rates, while coastal states sit lowest. Explore the latest CDC data. Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Ranked: Defense Spending Per Capita, by Country 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 Israel spends nearly $5,000 per person on defense, the highest per capita level globally. Smaller, security-focused nations often outspend many larger military powers on a per-person basis. Global military spending is often measured in massive national budgets, where the United States and China dominate the conversation. But looking at defense spending on a per-person basis tells a very different story, one where smaller countries rise to the top. This visualization ranks major countries by how much they spent on defense per citizen in 2024, revealing which nations invest the most in military power relative to their population — and how countries like the U.S. compare when spending is measured per person rather than in total dollars. Data comes from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Why Israel Leads the World in Defense Spending Per Capita Israel ranks first, spending nearly $5,000 per person on defense in 2024. This figure reflects the country’s ongoing security challenges and mandatory military service. Despite a total defense budget of $47 billion—small compared to global superpowers—the per-person cost is unmatched. Below are the world’s 30 largest military spenders, ranked by defense spending per capita: RankCountryTotal Spend (2024)Per Capita 1 Israel$47B$4,989 2 U.S.$997B$2,895 3 Singapore$15B$2,591 4 Saudi Arabia$80B$2,386 5 Norway$10B$1,880 6 Ukraine$65B$1,728 7 Denmark$10B$1,670 8 Kuwait$8B$1,596 9 Netherlands$23B$1,276 10 Australia$34B$1,272 11 Finland$7B$1,245 12 United Kingdom$82B$1,186 13 Sweden$12B$1,138 14 Germany$88B$1,044 15 Russia$149B$1,026 16 Poland$38B$982 17 France$65B$973 18 South Korea$48B$919 19 Canada$29B$742 20 Taiwan$16B$708 21 Italy$38B$639 22 Spain$25B$514 23 Algeria$22B$469 24 Japan$55B$446 25 Türkiye$25B$292 26 Colombia$15B$287 27 China$314B$221 28 Mexico$17B$128 29 Brazil$21B$99 30 Indonesia$11B$39 Several smaller or wealthy nations rank near the top of the list. Singapore spends over $2,500 per person, driven by its strategic location and emphasis on technological superiority. Norway and Denmark also appear in the top 10, supported by high incomes and growing commitments to NATO. How Major Powers Compare The U.S. ranks second overall, with nearly $2,900 spent per person, reflecting both its enormous military budget and large population. China, by contrast, ranks much lower at $221 per capita despite spending more than $300 billion in total. Meanwhile, European powers like Germany, France, and the U.K. cluster in the middle of the ranking, balancing defense commitments with larger populations. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Ranked: Countries With the Highest Cost of Violence on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.