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United States

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China and United States

China and United States compared on 310 statistics from 61 publishers, each reading with its own year. In the Country Index 2026, China is placed 48th and United States is placed 37th of 183 countries.

Share

Country Index 2026 · standing

48thChinaof 183 placed · would sit between 46th and 52nd if any one key statistic were dropped
37thUnited Statesof 183 placed · would sit between 36th and 38th if any one key statistic were dropped

A standing is a place in this site’s own index of published statistics, not a score. The full Country Index 2026

At a glance

  • Population4.1×

    China: 1,422,584,933people

    United States: 343,477,335people

    2023 · UN DESA Population Division

  • Land area

    China: 9,388,210km²

    United States: 9,147,420km²

    2024 · FAO

  • GDP per person

    China: 25,067international $, PPP

    United States: 76,931international $, PPP

    2025 · World Bank Group

  • Life expectancy

    China: 77.95years at birth

    United States: 79.3years at birth

    2023 · UN DESA Population Division

  • Human development

    China: 0.797HDI, 0–1

    United States: 0.938HDI, 0–1

    2023 · UNDP Human Development Report Office

  • Unemployment

    China: 4.615% of the labour force

    United States: 4.198% of the labour force

    2025 · ILO

The newest published figure for each, as each country’s profile prints it. A multiple is given for the two sizes only.

01The answer first

In short

United States’s GDP per person is the higher of the two: China 25,067 and United States 76,931 international dollars at purchasing power parity (World Bank Group, 2025).

China has 4.1 times as many people.

Measured as places in each statistic’s own field, the two are furthest apart on paid maternity leave (158 and 0, World Bank Group 2025), participatory democracy (0.036 and 0.51, V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg 2025) and firms with a website (29.33 and 89.61, World Bank Group 2024). They are closest on maternal mortality ratio (16.25 and 16.63, MMEIG 2023), size of the informal economy (8.019 and 7.953, World Bank Group (Prospects Group) 2020) and confidence that vaccines are safe (72.29 and 72.09, Wellcome Trust 2018).

For 21 of the 310 shared statistics the newest readings describe different years. Those rows print both years and are left out of every comparison above.

Nothing here counts the statistics on which one country is placed higher than the other: such a count would weigh a minor survey question the same as life expectancy. The one overall answer this site gives is the Country Index 2026, below.

02Country Index 2026

Subject by subject in the Country Index

Each country’s place among the countries with a standing on each subject, first on the left. A standing is built from a few key statistics per subject; how it is made is on the index’s own page.

The full index
  1. Governance & Institutions125th · joint 25th of 194
  2. Economy & Innovationjoint 46th · 28th of 176
  3. Work & Labour60th · 14th of 182
  4. Education & Knowledge51st · 60th of 198
  5. Health & Wellbeing43rd · 32nd of 200
  6. Development & Human Capital62nd · 46th of 196
  7. Environment & Sustainability157th · 171st of 186
  8. Gender & Equality124th · joint 43rd of 183
  9. Democracy & Civil Liberties178th · 68th of 198
  10. Peace & Security102nd · 136th of 177
  11. Risk & Resilience80th · 72nd of 193
  12. Mobility & Trade9th · 7th of 177
  13. Food & Agriculture6th · 12th of 184
  14. Poverty & Inequality39th · 79th of 159
  15. Energyjoint 87th · 59th of 165
  16. Digital & Technologyjoint 23rd · 8th of 198

Not voting in this edition, so no standings for anybody: Money & Public Finance, People & Population. Their statistics are still compared below.

03The evidence

Every statistic, subject by subject

310 statistics measure both countries; 38 more measure only China and 42 only United States. Each subject opens with its key statistics on a strip of every country measured, then lists the rest.

All statistics

Governance & Institutions

China:125thUnited States:joint 25thof 194

China on Governance & Institutions →United States on Governance & Institutions →

Key statistics · the 4 the Governance & Institutions standing is built from

  1. Corruption Perceptions Index

    Transparency International · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9 to 89; the middle country is at 39.

    9dashed: the middle country, 3989

    China: 4376th of 181 · rank

    United States: 6429th of 181 · rank

  2. Government Effectiveness

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 209 countries measured, values run from -2.251 to 2.092; the middle country is at 0.101.

    -2.251dashed: the middle country, 0.1012.092

    China: 0.624

    United States: 1.191

  3. Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.003 to 0.988; the middle country is at 0.676.

    0.003dashed: the middle country, 0.6760.988

    China: 0.03

    United States: 0.844

  4. Statistical Performance Indicators

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 188 countries measured, values run from 27.12 to 94.14; the middle country is at 69.3.

    27.12dashed: the middle country, 69.394.14

    China: 57.93

    United States: 90.06

Governance & Institutions: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 26ChinaUnited States
Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better0.143169th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.793128th of 175 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · No better end0.4830.391
Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better2.9202182.42023
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better0.45569th of 192 · rank0.63220th of 192 · rank
Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better96.720201002024
Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better0.07192nd of 211 · position · derived0.86546th of 211 · position · derived
Disability Benefit CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better43.920211002023
Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.368139th of 176 · position · derived0.608102nd of 176 · position · derived
Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better0.288171st of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.591165th of 178 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · Higher is better99.0289.8
Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · Higher is better1.755
Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.039168th of 176 · position · derived0.57151st of 176 · position · derived
Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.32188th of 176 · position · derived1.71722nd of 176 · position · derived
Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.85724th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.123144th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better10020221002023
Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · Higher is better39143rd of 168 · rank7819th of 168 · rank
Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.55485th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.06155th of 176 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · years differ · No better end14.97201369th of 135 · position · derived12.88201876th of 135 · position · derived
Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-0.111107th of 209 · position · derived1.00632nd of 209 · position · derived
Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-0.684130th of 176 · position · derived1.22352nd of 176 · position · derived
Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · 2024 · No better end0.8235.754
State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better97.1397.46
State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · Higher is better0.71562nd of 166 · position · derived1.8616th of 166 · position · derived
State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better1.86354th of 176 · position · derived2.37733rd of 176 · position · derived
Trade Union DensityILO · years differ · Higher is better44.25201710th of 139 · position · derived10.292020100th of 139 · position · derived
Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better-1.721192nd of 206 · position · derived0.64559th of 206 · position · derived

Measured for China only: Debt Service on External Debt · External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)

Measured for United States only: Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons · Public Sector Wage Bill

Economy & Innovation

China:joint 46thUnited States:28thof 176

China on Economy & Innovation →United States on Economy & Innovation →

Key statistics · the 4 the Economy & Innovation standing is built from

  1. Account Ownership at a Financial Institution

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 14.83 to 99.85; the middle country is at 72.83.

    14.83dashed: the middle country, 72.8399.85

    China: 89.38

    United States: 97.02

  2. Economic Complexity Index

    Growth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 145 countries measured, values run from -3.53 to 1.729; the middle country is at 0.131.

    -3.53dashed: the middle country, 0.1311.729

    China: 1.27110th of 145 · rank

    United States: 1.12218th of 145 · rank

  3. Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 2.113 to 88.52; the middle country is at 35.95.

    2.113dashed: the middle country, 35.9588.52

    China: 29.49

    United States: 33.87

  4. GDP per Capita (PPP)

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 185 countries measured, values run from 1,067 to 139,593; the middle country is at 17,265.

    1,067dashed: the middle country, 17,265139,593

    China: 25,067

    United States: 76,931

Economy & Innovation: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 41ChinaUnited States
Actual Individual Consumption per Capita (PPP)World Bank Group · 2021 · Higher is better9,286102nd of 173 · position · derived52,6541st of 173 · position · derived
Adjusted Net SavingsWorld Bank Group · 2021 · Higher is better16.3328th of 118 · position · derived4.30580th of 118 · position · derived
Commodity Export DependenceUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end6.2935.25
Complexity Outlook IndexGrowth Lab at Harvard University · 2024 · No better end-0.6561.372
Comprehensive Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better82,71254th of 150 · position · derived751,6328th of 150 · position · derived
Container Port TrafficUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end299,703,8001st of 103 · position · derived59,707,4902nd of 103 · position · derived
Creative Goods ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end6.0812.259
Creative Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · No better end16.1625.54
Crop Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better111.8568th of 195 · position · derived92.96165th of 195 · position · derived
Export Concentration IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end0.0930.106
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better12.18169th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst22.94145th of 181 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Firms with an International Quality CertificationWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better16.046.887
Food Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better111.7575th of 195 · position · derived100.86130th of 195 · position · derived
Foreign Direct Investment InflowsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end0.5370.901
Foreign Value Added Share of Gross ExportsOECD · 2022 · No better end16.998.313
Frontier Technology Readiness IndexUNCTAD · 2023 · Higher is better0.83921st of 170 · position · derived11st of 170 · position · derived
GDP GrowthWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better4.9647th of 186 · position · derived2.161128th of 186 · position · derived
Gini Index of Disposable Income (SWIID)Frederick Solt, University of Iowa · 2023 · Lower is better40.817th of 79 · position · derived · 1 = worst39.220th of 79 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Global Innovation IndexWorld Intellectual Property Organization · 2025 · Higher is better56.5610th of 139 · rank61.693rd of 139 · rank
Gross Savings (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2024 · No better end42.724th of 146 · position · derived16.6108th of 146 · position · derived
Historical GDP per Capita (Maddison)GGDC · 2022 · Higher is better19,23861st of 166 · position · derived58,4878th of 166 · position · derived
ICT Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better22.4913th of 118 · position · derived6.89568th of 118 · position · derived
Inflation, GDP DeflatorWorld Bank Group · 2025 · No better end-0.9222.801
Informal Output (DGE Model Estimate)World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · 2020 · Lower is better8.0197.953
Livestock Production IndexFAO · 2022 · Higher is better109.587th of 194 · position · derived110.5581st of 194 · position · derived
Management Practices IndexWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better60.4332nd of 169 · position · derived63.6817th of 169 · position · derived
Merchant Fleet by Country of OwnershipUNCTAD · 2026 · No better end377,04745,645
Price Level of Household ConsumptionGGDC · 2023 · No better end0.5611.067
Productive Capacities IndexUNCTAD · 2022 · Higher is better61.5828th of 195 · position · derived70.492nd of 195 · position · derived
Research and Development SpendingUIS · 2023 · Higher is better2.57715th of 84 · position · derived3.4475th of 84 · position · derived
Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · years differ · Higher is better2,107202346th of 145 · position · derived4,937202224th of 145 · position · derived
Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · No better end1,094,890700,214
Services ExportsUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end2.6034.024
Statutory Corporate Income Tax RateOECD · 2026 · No better end2525.53
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · No better end543.541,257
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All ProductsWorld Bank Group · 2022 · No better end2.181.49
Tax Revenue (% of GDP)OECD · 2024 · No better end19.5125.62
Terms of Trade IndexUNCTAD · 2025 · No better end82.52108.14
Total Factor Productivity LevelGGDC · 2023 · Higher is better0.4711
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · No better end1.70899th of 180 · position · derived1.28106th of 180 · position · derived
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · Higher is better27.649.26

Measured for China only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · Interest Payments on External Debt · Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · New Business Density · Trade (% of GDP)

Measured for United States only: Average Monthly Earnings of Employees · Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · Income Share Held by Richest 10% · Palma Ratio

Work & Labour

China:60thUnited States:14thof 182

China on Work & Labour →United States on Work & Labour →

Key statistics · the 4 the Work & Labour standing is built from

  1. Employment-to-Population Ratio

    ILO · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 21.21 to 86.9; the middle country is at 57.72.

    21.21dashed: the middle country, 57.7286.9

    China: 61.57

    United States: 59.11

  2. Labour Income Share

    ILO · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 9.691 to 75.13; the middle country is at 46.23.

    9.691dashed: the middle country, 46.2375.13

    China: 51.23

    United States: 55.81

  3. Unemployment Rate

    ILO · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.13 to 34.2; the middle country is at 5.084.

    0.13dashed: the middle country, 5.08434.2

    China: 4.615

    United States: 4.198

  4. Vulnerable Employment

    ILO · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 182 countries measured, values run from 0.456 to 90.22; the middle country is at 28.67.

    0.456dashed: the middle country, 28.6790.22

    China: 33.4

    United States: 3.81

Work & Labour: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 17ChinaUnited States
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · No better end44.5625th of 182 · position · derived36.27122nd of 182 · position · derived
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · Lower is better9.133.83
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · No better end21.6879th of 182 · position · derived1.525165th of 182 · position · derived
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · No better end31.7913th of 182 · position · derived18.9190th of 182 · position · derived
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · No better end46.53139th of 182 · position · derived79.5623rd of 182 · position · derived
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · years differ · Higher is better35.9202187.22023
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better59.1553rd of 182 · position · derived56.3474th of 182 · position · derived
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better79.1240.76
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better48,12681st of 168 · position · derived156,9839th of 168 · position · derived
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better50,83557th of 151 · position · derived503,3504th of 151 · position · derived
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · Higher is better64.5567th of 182 · position · derived61.791st of 182 · position · derived
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · Higher is better20.5995th of 182 · position · derived81.812th of 182 · position · derived
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better1580
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better140
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · No better end37.6782nd of 182 · position · derived6.074175th of 182 · position · derived
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2021 · Higher is better21.950.5
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · Lower is better15.7969th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst9.34120th of 182 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Measured for China only: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per Worker · Working Poverty Rate

Measured for United States only: Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4) · Fatal Occupational Injuries · Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · Gini Index of Monthly Earnings · Low Pay Rate · Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training

Education & Knowledge

China:51stUnited States:60thof 198

China on Education & Knowledge →United States on Education & Knowledge →

Key statistics · the 4 the Education & Knowledge standing is built from

  1. Government Spending on Education

    UIS · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 123 countries measured, values run from 0 to 16.39; the middle country is at 3.709.

    0dashed: the middle country, 3.70916.39

    China: 3.897

    United States: no reading in this edition

  2. Out-of-School Rate, Primary

    UIS · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 192 countries measured, values run from 0.004 to 65.6; the middle country is at 3.691.

    0.004dashed: the middle country, 3.69165.6

    China: no reading in this edition

    United States: 3.9822022

  3. Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary

    UIS · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 187 countries measured, values run from 3.411 to 100; the middle country is at 85.9.

    3.411dashed: the middle country, 85.9100

    China: no reading in this edition

    United States: 86.512022

  4. Upper Secondary Completion Rate

    UIS · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 164 countries measured, values run from 2.13 to 99.27; the middle country is at 64.87.

    2.13dashed: the middle country, 64.8799.27

    China: 89.82

    United States: 93.5

Education & Knowledge: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 13ChinaUnited States
Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.071167th of 176 · position · derived0.397117th of 176 · position · derived
Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better15.4858th of 195 · position · derived15.9247th of 195 · position · derived
Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better44161st of 172 · position · derived511.824th of 172 · position · derived
Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better0.461201270th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.413201594th of 153 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Learning PovertyWorld Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · years differ · Lower is better18.2201678th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst9.692202195th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better9.2750th of 172 · position · derived10.5634th of 172 · position · derived
Lower Secondary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better94.763rd of 164 · position · derived99.0318th of 164 · position · derived
Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better8.036127th of 193 · position · derived13.913rd of 193 · position · derived
Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of BirthNobel Prize Outreach · 2025 · No better end12296
Outbound Mobility Ratio, TertiaryUIS · 2023 · No better end1.8110.655
Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · Higher is better99.0257th of 165 · position · derived99.996th of 165 · position · derived
Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end52.9553.94
Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary CompletionUIS · years differ · Closer to 1 is better0.90620200.9942019

Measured for China only: Adult Literacy Rate · Gender Parity Index, Tertiary Enrolment · Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · Primary Schools with Electricity · Primary Schools with Internet for Teaching · Pupils per Qualified Teacher, Primary · Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · Youth Literacy Rate

Measured for United States only: Bachelor's or Higher Attainment · Female Share of STEM Graduates · Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower Secondary · Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Primary · Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Lower Secondary · Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Primary · PISA Mathematics Performance · PISA Reading Performance · PISA Science Performance · Share of Graduates from ICT Programmes · Upper Secondary Attainment

Health & Wellbeing

China:43rdUnited States:32ndof 200

China on Health & Wellbeing →United States on Health & Wellbeing →

Key statistics · the 4 the Health & Wellbeing standing is built from

  1. Life Expectancy at Birth

    UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 222 countries measured, values run from 54.46 to 86.37; the middle country is at 74.63.

    54.46dashed: the middle country, 74.6386.37

    China: 77.95

    United States: 79.3

  2. Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity

    FAO · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 133 countries measured, values run from 0 to 63.1; the middle country is at 4.7.

    0dashed: the middle country, 4.763.1

    China: no reading in this edition

    United States: 1

  3. Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five

    UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 162 countries measured, values run from 0.518 to 52.8; the middle country is at 13.8.

    0.518dashed: the middle country, 13.852.8

    China: 4.82017

    United States: 3.82022

  4. Under-Five Mortality Rate

    UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 200 countries measured, values run from 1.26 to 115.65; the middle country is at 14.54.

    1.26dashed: the middle country, 14.54115.65

    China: 5.724

    United States: 6.472

Health & Wellbeing: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 34ChinaUnited States
Adolescent Birth Rate (Ages 15–19)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better5.227190th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst13.14148th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Adult Mortality (Probability of Dying Between 15 and 60)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Lower is better82.26160th of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst107.7133rd of 222 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Adults Who Have Been Too Anxious or Depressed to Carry OnWellcome Trust · 2020 · No better end8.56621.26
Agreement That Vaccines Are SafeWellcome Trust · 2018 · Higher is better72.2995th of 144 · position · derived72.0997th of 144 · position · derived
Antenatal Care Coverage, At Least Four VisitsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better92.9201837th of 153 · position · derived96.62011too old to compare14th of 153 · position · derived
Caesarean Section RateUNICEF · years differ · No better end412013too old to compare31.12007too old to compare
Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health SpendingWorld Bank Group · 2016 · No better end23.984.467
Coefficient of Variation of Habitual Caloric ConsumptionFAO · 2024 · Lower is better0.180.17
Contraceptive Prevalence (Any Method)UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end67.260.4
Cost of a Healthy DietFAO · 2025 · No better end3.642.86
Days Above 35°CECMWF · 2025 · Lower is better10.1612.49
Demand for Family Planning Satisfied by Modern MethodsUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better922nd of 196 · position · derived80.149th of 196 · position · derived
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six MonthsUNICEF · years differ · Higher is better35.1201784th of 136 · position · derived25.82018108th of 136 · position · derived
Fish and Seafood Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end41.6821.94
Fruit Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better114.36169.2
Gender Inequality IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better0.13241st of 172 · rank0.16945th of 172 · rank
Human Capital IndexWorld Bank Group · 2020 · Higher is better0.65345th of 172 · position · derived0.70235th of 172 · position · derived
Immunisation Coverage, DTP3WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better9794
Immunisation Coverage, Measles First Dose (MCV1)WUENIC · 2025 · Higher is better9592
Infant Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better4.079162nd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst5.482146th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Life Expectancy at Age 65UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · Higher is better17.4587th of 222 · position · derived2043rd of 222 · position · derived
Low Birthweight PrevalenceUNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates) · 2020 · Lower is better4.974147th of 158 · position · derived · 1 = worst8.261103rd of 158 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end73.54122.06
Modern Contraceptive PrevalenceUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end6552.8
Mortality Rate, Ages 5–14UN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better1.694139th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst1.487149th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Neonatal Mortality RateUN IGME · 2024 · Lower is better2.594165th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst3.652148th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Overweight Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · 2024 · Lower is better11.1326th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst9.69440th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · No better end1.8889th of 178 · position · derived2.7873rd of 178 · position · derived
PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · Lower is better32.628th of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst8.6162nd of 220 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Prevalence of UndernourishmentFAO · 2023 · Lower is better2.5104th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.5104th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Share of Dietary Energy Supply from Cereals, Roots and TubersFAO · 2022 · Lower is better5024
Stillbirth RateUN IGME · 2023 · Lower is better4.669138th of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.681173rd of 200 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Vegetable Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · Higher is better412.72129.06
Wasting Prevalence in Children Under FiveUNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · years differ · Lower is better1.92017122nd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.12022163rd of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Measured for China only: Early Initiation of Breastfeeding · Global Multidimensional Poverty Index · Institutional Deliveries · Minimum Dietary Diversity, Children Aged 6–23 Months · Severe Child Food Poverty, Children Aged 6–23 Months

Measured for United States only: Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic · HPV Vaccination Coverage, Girls · Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity

Development & Human Capital

China:62ndUnited States:46thof 196

China on Development & Human Capital →United States on Development & Human Capital →

Key statistics · the 3 the Development & Human Capital standing is built from

  1. Human Development Index

    UNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.388 to 0.972; the middle country is at 0.762.

    0.388dashed: the middle country, 0.7620.972

    China: 0.79778th of 193 · rank

    United States: 0.93817th of 193 · rank

  2. Maternal Mortality Ratio

    MMEIG · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 0.11 to 992.83; the middle country is at 46.65.

    0.11dashed: the middle country, 46.65992.83

    China: 16.25

    United States: 16.63

  3. Social Protection Coverage

    ILO · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 209 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 52.1.

    0dashed: the middle country, 52.1100

    China: 75.62021

    United States: 78.82023

Development & Human Capital: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 7ChinaUnited States
Access to ElectricityWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better100100
Access to Electricity, RuralWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better100100
Coefficient of Human InequalityUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Lower is better15.2498th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst10.7120th of 169 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Gender Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Closer to 1 is better0.97674th of 184 · position · derived1.00933rd of 184 · position · derived
Inequality-adjusted Human Development IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better0.6767th of 169 · position · derived0.83229th of 169 · position · derived
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · Higher is better0.64492nd of 156 · position · derived0.68673rd of 156 · position · derived
Poverty Headcount at $3.00 a Day, Line-up EstimatesWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better01.02

Measured for China only: Adequacy of Social Protection and Labour Benefits · Child Marriage · Net Official Development Assistance Received

Measured for United States only: Multidimensional Poverty Measure · Official Development Assistance Given (% of GNI) · Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · Poverty Headcount Ratio at $4.20 a Day · Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · Poverty Severity (Squared Poverty Gap) at $3.00 a Day · Prosperity Gap

Environment & Sustainability

China:157thUnited States:171stof 186

China on Environment & Sustainability →United States on Environment & Sustainability →

Key statistics · the 4 the Environment & Sustainability standing is built from

  1. CO₂ Emissions per Capita

    Global Carbon Project · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 210 countries measured, values run from 0.054 to 41.27; the middle country is at 3.21.

    0.054dashed: the middle country, 3.2141.27

    China: 8.658

    United States: 14.2

  2. Ecological Footprint

    Global Footprint Network · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 0.514 to 11.73; the middle country is at 2.296.

    0.514dashed: the middle country, 2.29611.73

    China: 3.757

    United States: 7.053

  3. Organic Agricultural Area

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 0 to 86.38; the middle country is at 0.725.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.72586.38

    China: 0.92

    United States: 0.76

  4. Water Stress

    FAO · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 177 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 3,851; the middle country is at 10.

    0.03dashed: the middle country, 103,851

    China: 41.59

    United States: 24.54

Environment & Sustainability: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 34ChinaUnited States
Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · No better end951,4922nd of 193 · position · derived501,6314th of 193 · position · derived
Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · Lower is better0.68163rd of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.97141st of 190 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · No better end55.4347th of 209 · position · derived46.0874th of 209 · position · derived
Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · Higher is better0.77-0.04
Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · No better end0.077133rd of 206 · position · derived0.4517th of 206 · position · derived
Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better2.82.604
Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · No better end2,623,0652,560,985
Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · Lower is better6.740th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst580th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst
Coal Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Lower is better58.2214.85
Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · No better end2,9631,482
Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · No better end152.0635.6
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · Lower is better5.834.16
Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · No better end394.0211th of 188 · position · derived127.869th of 188 · position · derived
Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · No better end70,500,8414,220,467
Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · No better end24.03123rd of 210 · position · derived33.8796th of 210 · position · derived
Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · Higher is better14.479.99
Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · No better end99,987,2552nd of 179 · position · derived55,537,6733rd of 179 · position · derived
Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · No better end0.5199th of 188 · position · derived0.31133rd of 188 · position · derived
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Higher is better37.6682nd of 162 · position · derived41.8779th of 162 · position · derived
Mangrove AreaGlobal Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · 2025 · No better end25,284252,545
Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · No better end51,09329,362
Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · years differ · Lower is better0.9662022101st of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.178201818th of 201 · position · derived · 1 = worst
ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Higher is better53.0461st of 190 · rank65.7517th of 190 · rank
Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end1,263,101184,448
Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · No better end542,758157,594
Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · No better end4.8791.98
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · Higher is better1,992106th of 181 · position · derived8,43754th of 181 · position · derived
Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · No better end886.66176.68
Solar Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end8.3696.918
Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · No better end1.9231.758
Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · No better end650,7851,573,245
Tropical Moist Forest DeforestationJRC · 2025 · No better end00
Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · No better end62.1487th of 171 · position · derived39.66109th of 171 · position · derived
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · Higher is better18.3217.21

Measured for United States only: Agricultural Irrigated Land

Gender & Equality

China:124thUnited States:joint 43rdof 183

China on Gender & Equality →United States on Gender & Equality →

Key statistics · the 4 the Gender & Equality standing is built from

  1. Firms with a Female Top Manager

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 1.429 to 62.9; the middle country is at 19.16.

    1.429dashed: the middle country, 19.1662.9

    China: 19.6

    United States: 23.21

  2. Social Institutions and Gender Index

    OECD · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 140 countries measured, values run from 6.7 to 67.4; the middle country is at 25.2.

    6.7dashed: the middle country, 25.267.4

    China: 27.1

    United States: 19.1

  3. Women, Business and the Law

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 3.125 to 100; the middle country is at 81.25.

    3.125dashed: the middle country, 81.25100

    China: 78.13

    United States: 91.25

  4. Women's Political Empowerment Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.028 to 0.954; the middle country is at 0.772.

    0.028dashed: the middle country, 0.7720.954

    China: 0.587

    United States: 0.829

Gender & Equality: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 8ChinaUnited States
Account Ownership Among WomenWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better89.235th of 139 · position · derived97.1125th of 139 · position · derived
Female-Headed HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end14.82000too old to compare50.192020
Firms with Female Participation in OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better4457th of 181 · position · derived31.32106th of 181 · position · derived
Gender Social Norms IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2022 · Lower is better91.8146th of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst50.2282nd of 91 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Global Gender Parity IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better0.7250.787
Mean Age at First Marriage, WomenUN DESA Population Division · years differ · No better end25.4201627.52010
Sex Ratio at BirthUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end110.8104.9
Women's Empowerment IndexUNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · 2022 · Higher is better0.6640.752

Democracy & Civil Liberties

China:178thUnited States:68thof 198

China on Democracy & Civil Liberties →United States on Democracy & Civil Liberties →

Key statistics · the 4 the Democracy & Civil Liberties standing is built from

  1. Civic Space Ratings

    CIVICUS · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 198 countries measured, values run from 2.17 to 100; the middle country is at 50.46.

    2.17dashed: the middle country, 50.46100

    China: 9.67

    United States: 56.4

  2. Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Index

    EIP · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 171 countries measured, values run from 12.86 to 88.61; the middle country is at 54.78.

    12.86dashed: the middle country, 54.7888.61

    China: no reading in this edition

    United States: 53.792024

  3. Rule of Law

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.199 to 2.012; the middle country is at -0.102.

    -2.199dashed: the middle country, -0.1022.012

    China: -0.429

    United States: 0.791

  4. V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.016 to 0.913; the middle country is at 0.497.

    0.016dashed: the middle country, 0.4970.913

    China: 0.072

    United States: 0.735

Democracy & Civil Liberties: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 15ChinaUnited States
Deliberative Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.064156th of 176 · position · derived0.48158th of 176 · position · derived
Egalitarian Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.078168th of 176 · position · derived0.47257th of 176 · position · derived
Exclusion by Socio-Economic GroupV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2023 · Lower is better0.44878th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.194129th of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.045167th of 176 · position · derived0.72984th of 176 · position · derived
Freedom of Foreign MovementV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.476170th of 176 · position · derived1.59468th of 176 · position · derived
Freedom of Peaceful AssemblyV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-1.889158th of 172 · position · derived0.42893rd of 172 · position · derived
Freedom of ReligionV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.497171st of 176 · position · derived0.953109th of 176 · position · derived
Government Censorship of the MediaV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.425169th of 176 · position · derived0.87572nd of 176 · position · derived
Government Dissemination of False Information (Domestic)V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-2.202160th of 176 · position · derived-0.664112th of 176 · position · derived
Government Internet ShutdownsV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-0.609132nd of 176 · position · derived1.02588th of 176 · position · derived
Government Social Media CensorshipV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better-3.007174th of 176 · position · derived1.05764th of 176 · position · derived
Mass MobilizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · No better end0.1132.481
Military Dimension IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better0.1110
Participatory Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better0.036171st of 176 · position · derived0.5136th of 176 · position · derived
Political PolarizationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better-0.1199th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst2.316th of 172 · position · derived · 1 = worst

Peace & Security

China:102ndUnited States:136thof 177

China on Peace & Security →United States on Peace & Security →

Key statistics · the 4 the Peace & Security standing is built from

  1. Global Militarisation Index

    BICC · 2023 · Lower is better

    Across the 149 countries measured, values run from 3.512 to 351.09; the middle country is at 100.66.

    3.512dashed: the middle country, 100.66351.09

    China: 81.83102nd of 149 · rank

    United States: 153.2928th of 149 · rank

  2. Physical Violence Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from 0.053 to 0.989; the middle country is at 0.79.

    0.053dashed: the middle country, 0.790.989

    China: 0.345

    United States: 0.789

  3. Political Stability and Absence of Violence

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 211 countries measured, values run from -2.506 to 1.563; the middle country is at 0.171.

    -2.506dashed: the middle country, 0.1711.563

    China: 0.022

    United States: -0.302

  4. Political Violence by Non-State Actors

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 171 countries measured, values run from -3.182 to 3.375; the middle country is at -0.661.

    -3.182dashed: the middle country, -0.6613.375

    China: -0.506

    United States: 0.752

Peace & Security: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 6ChinaUnited States
Arms Imports (% of total imports)U.S. Department of State · 2019 · No better end00.2
Civilian Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better00
Deaths in Non-State ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better00
Deaths in Organized ViolenceUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better059th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst059th of 59 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Deaths in State-Based Armed ConflictUCDP · 2025 · Lower is better00
Refugees by Country of OriginUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end153,9623,667

Measured for China only: Armed Forces Personnel (% of population)

Risk & Resilience

China:80thUnited States:72ndof 193

China on Risk & Resilience →United States on Risk & Resilience →

Key statistics · the 4 the Risk & Resilience standing is built from

  1. Able to Raise Emergency Funds Within 30 Days

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Higher is better

    Across the 142 countries measured, values run from 16.49 to 93.69; the middle country is at 53.85.

    16.49dashed: the middle country, 53.8593.69

    China: 83.722024

    United States: 76.112021

  2. Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)

    Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 190 countries measured, values run from 0.263 to 0.655; the middle country is at 0.45.

    0.263dashed: the middle country, 0.450.655

    China: 0.39456th of 190 · rank

    United States: 0.31713th of 190 · rank

  3. INFORM Risk Index

    European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 191 countries measured, values run from 0.7 to 8.5; the middle country is at 3.7.

    0.7dashed: the middle country, 3.78.5

    China: 2.9

    United States: 3.2

  4. World Risk Index

    Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · Lower is better

    Across the 193 countries measured, values run from 0.18 to 46.56; the middle country is at 4.17.

    0.18dashed: the middle country, 4.1746.56

    China: 30.62

    United States: 23.09

Risk & Resilience: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 7ChinaUnited States
Asylum-Seekers by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end4823,718,945
Drought Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better3.03740th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst1.974112th of 138 · rank · 1 = worst
Firms Whose Assets Were Damaged by Extreme WeatherWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better5.363112th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst7.413100th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Per Capita Food Supply VariabilityFAO · 2024 · Lower is better4213
Refugee Population by Country of AsylumUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · 2025 · No better end230457,647
Riverine Flood Risk (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · Lower is better1.988104th of 163 · rank · 1 = worst0.834141st of 163 · rank · 1 = worst
World Risk Poll Resilience IndexLloyd's Register Foundation · 2023 · Higher is better6663

Measured for China only: Adults Who Experienced a Natural Disaster or Severe Weather

Mobility & Trade

China:9thUnited States:7thof 177

China on Mobility & Trade →United States on Mobility & Trade →

Key statistics · the 4 the Mobility & Trade standing is built from

  1. Container Import Dwell Time

    World Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 156 countries measured, values run from 1 to 21.6; the middle country is at 4.4.

    1dashed: the middle country, 4.421.6

    China: 4

    United States: 3.4

  2. ICT Goods Exports

    UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 120 countries measured, values run from 0 to 61.45; the middle country is at 0.975.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.97561.45

    China: 21.32

    United States: 9.05

  3. Liner Shipping Connectivity Index

    UNCTAD · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 168 countries measured, values run from 4.13 to 1,313; the middle country is at 60.84.

    4.13dashed: the middle country, 60.841,313

    China: 1,3131st of 177 · rank

    United States: 514.975th of 177 · rank

  4. Logistics Performance Index

    World Bank Group · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 139 countries measured, values run from 1.9 to 4.3; the middle country is at 2.9.

    1.9dashed: the middle country, 2.94.3

    China: 3.719th of 139 · rank

    United States: 3.817th of 139 · rank

Mobility & Trade: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 8ChinaUnited States
Average Time to Clear Exports Through CustomsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better3.149123rd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst8.22542nd of 174 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Cereal Import Dependency RatioFAO · 2022 · No better end9.2-20.3
Digital Services Trade Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2025 · Lower is better0.28640th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.061115th of 125 · position · derived · 1 = worst
EmigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end11,701,6193,186,999
FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness IndexOECD · 2024 · Lower is better0.22718th of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst0.05162nd of 104 · position · derived · 1 = worst
International MigrantsUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end1,638,71852,375,047
International Migrants as a Share of PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2024 · No better end0.11515.16
Net Migration RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end-0.3993.851

Measured for China only: Cost of Sending Remittances

Food & Agriculture

China:6thUnited States:12thof 184

China on Food & Agriculture →United States on Food & Agriculture →

Key statistics · the 4 the Food & Agriculture standing is built from

  1. Agriculture Orientation Index

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 132 countries measured, values run from 0.03 to 5.38; the middle country is at 0.305.

    0.03dashed: the middle country, 0.3055.38

    China: 0.95

    United States: 0.37

  2. Cereal Yield

    FAO · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 179 countries measured, values run from 23 to 29,147; the middle country is at 3,072.

    23dashed: the middle country, 3,07229,147

    China: 6,418

    United States: 8,330

  3. Dietary Energy Supply

    FAO · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 155 countries measured, values run from 1,757 to 3,962; the middle country is at 2,982.

    1,757dashed: the middle country, 2,9823,962

    China: 3,504

    United States: 3,962

  4. Across the 186 countries measured, values run from 1.67 to 4.57; the middle country is at 3.14.

    1.67dashed: the middle country, 3.144.57

    China: 4.17

    United States: 4

Poverty & Inequality

China:39thUnited States:79thof 159

China on Poverty & Inequality →United States on Poverty & Inequality →

Key statistics · the 3 the Poverty & Inequality standing is built from

  1. Gini Index

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 23 to 59.07; the middle country is at 33.72.

    23dashed: the middle country, 33.7259.07

    China: 36.052022

    United States: 41.822023

  2. Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day

    World Bank Group · latest reading per country · Lower is better

    Across the 159 countries measured, values run from 0 to 48.69; the middle country is at 0.345.

    0dashed: the middle country, 0.34548.69

    China: 02022

    United States: 0.952023

  3. Across the 145 countries measured, values run from 0.6 to 93.9; the middle country is at 26.4.

    0.6dashed: the middle country, 26.493.9

    China: 11.3

    United States: 4.5

Poverty & Inequality: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 1ChinaUnited States
Income Growth of the Poorest 40%World Bank Group · years differ · Higher is better5.42320201.4542022

Measured for China only: Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Lines

Measured for United States only: Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · Societal Poverty Rate

Money & Public Finance

No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.

Money & Public Finance: statistics measuring both China and United States
Measured · 2ChinaUnited States
Firms Using Banks to Finance InvestmentWorld Bank Group · 2024 · No better end12.6619.5
Share of Firms' Payments Made ElectronicallyWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better97.7673.75

Measured for China only: Made or Received a Digital Payment · Saved at a Financial Institution or with Mobile Money · Short-Term Share of External Debt

Energy

China:joint 87thUnited States:59thof 165

China on Energy →United States on Energy →

Key statistics · the 3 the Energy standing is built from

  1. Carbon Intensity of Electricity

    Ember · 2024 · Lower is better

    Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 23.73 to 1,306; the middle country is at 433.75.

    23.73dashed: the middle country, 433.751,306

    China: 558.97

    United States: 383.81

  2. Renewable Share of Electricity Generation

    Ember · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 165 countries measured, values run from 0 to 100; the middle country is at 32.06.

    0dashed: the middle country, 32.06100

    China: 33.16

    United States: 24.06

  3. World Energy Trilemma Index

    World Energy Council · 2023 · Higher is better

    Across the 126 countries measured, values run from 27.7 to 83.2; the middle country is at 63.8.

    27.7dashed: the middle country, 63.883.2

    China: 64.447th of 99 · rank

    United States: 78.910th of 99 · rank

Energy: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 13ChinaUnited States
Crude Oil ProductionEIA · 2025 · No better end4,32513,586
Firms Identifying Electricity as a Major ConstraintWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better0.672176th of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst7.716152nd of 179 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Firms Owning or Sharing a GeneratorWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better5.75320.53
Gas Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end3.19942.59
Hydro Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end13.65.398
Natural Gas ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end258.441,069
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)Ember · 2024 · No better end-0.170.315
Nuclear Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · No better end4.49717.81
Photovoltaic Power Potential (PVOUT)World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · 2020 · No better end3.8824.358
Primary Energy Consumption per CapitaEIA · 2024 · No better end120.18278.47
Primary Energy ProductionEIA · 2024 · No better end130.76103.55
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better68.7381.64
RISE Renewable Energy Policy ScoreESMAP · 2023 · Higher is better58.4174.8

Measured for China only: RISE Clean Cooking Policy Score

Digital & Technology

China:joint 23rdUnited States:8thof 198

China on Digital & Technology →United States on Digital & Technology →

Key statistics · the 4 the Digital & Technology standing is built from

  1. Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports

    UNCTAD · 2024 · Higher is better

    Across the 170 countries measured, values run from 0.377 to 87.15; the middle country is at 25.42.

    0.377dashed: the middle country, 25.4287.15

    China: 50.47

    United States: 65.92

  2. Government AI Readiness Index

    Oxford Insights · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 195 countries measured, values run from 12.12 to 88.36; the middle country is at 40.19.

    12.12dashed: the middle country, 40.1988.36

    China: 76.278th of 195 · rank

    United States: 88.361st of 195 · rank

  3. Government Cyber Security Capacity

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 176 countries measured, values run from -2.66 to 3.715; the middle country is at 0.196.

    -2.66dashed: the middle country, 0.1963.715

    China: 3.226

    United States: 2.555

  4. GovTech Maturity Index

    World Bank Group · 2025 · Higher is better

    Across the 196 countries measured, values run from 0.01 to 0.997; the middle country is at 0.63.

    0.01dashed: the middle country, 0.630.997

    China: 0.651

    United States: 0.771

Digital & Technology: statistics measuring both China and United States
Also measured · 9ChinaUnited States
AI User Share of the Working-Age PopulationMicrosoft AI Economy Institute · 2026 · Higher is better17.533
Firms Experiencing Internet DisruptionsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Lower is better4.22155th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst24.68111th of 163 · position · derived · 1 = worst
Firms with Their Own WebsiteWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better29.33159th of 181 · position · derived89.6121st of 181 · position · derived
GitHub DevelopersGitHub · 2026 · No better end11,351,93932,410,529
GitHub Git PushesGitHub · 2025 · No better end2,330,86140,768,192
GitHub RepositoriesGitHub · 2026 · No better end18,424,70277,284,974
Internet Use Among AdultsWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better86.2361st of 140 · position · derived97.816th of 140 · position · derived
Mobile Phone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better96.6529th of 140 · position · derived98.0115th of 140 · position · derived
Smartphone OwnershipWorld Bank Group · 2024 · Higher is better88.2430th of 140 · position · derived92.649th of 140 · position · derived

Measured for United States only: Anthropic AI Usage Index

People & Population

No standings: this subject does not vote in the Country Index this edition.

People & Population: statistics measuring both China and United States
Measured · 16ChinaUnited States
Average Household SizeUN DESA Population Division · 2020 · No better end2.622.49
Crude Birth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end6.25610.65
Crude Death RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end8.2138.663
Historical Index of Ethnic FractionalizationLenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · 2013 · No better end0.190.527
Mean Age at ChildbearingUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end29.0229.9
Median Age of the PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end39.0738.02
One-Person HouseholdsUN DESA Population Division · 2020 · No better end25.3928
Population Aged 65 and OverUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end14.3217.43
Population DensityUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end148.1937.55
Population Growth RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end-0.2360.584
Population Living in Cities (Degree of Urbanisation)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end44.2434.97
Population Under Age 15UN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end16.5917.59
Sex Ratio of the Total PopulationUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end104100.99
Total Dependency RatioUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end44.7353.91
Total Fertility RateUN DESA Population Division · 2023 · No better end11.624
Urban Population Share (National Definitions)UN DESA Population Division · 2025 · No better end66.3480.19

04Over time

How the two have moved

China solid, United States dashed. Values from 2000; ranks are the publisher’s own, each year counted in that year’s field.

GDP per person

international $, PPP · World Bank Group

020,00040,00060,000200020132025China: 25,067 in 2025United States: 76,931 in 2025
China, 2025
25,067
United States, 2025
76,931

United States’s GDP per person was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2025.

Life expectancy at birth

years at birth · UN DESA Population Division

0204060200020122023China: 77.95 in 2023United States: 79.3 in 2023
China, 2023
77.95
United States, 2023
79.3

The two changed places 2 times after 2000; United States’s has been higher in every year since 2023.

Population

people · UN DESA Population Division

0500,000,0001,000,000,000200020122023China: 1,422,584,933 in 2023United States: 343,477,335 in 2023
China, 2023
1,422,584,933
United States, 2023
343,477,335

China’s population was the higher of the two in every year from 2000 to 2023.

Human Development Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office

25th50th75th100th200020122023China: 78th of 193 in 2023United States: 17th of 193 in 2023
China, 2023
78th of 193
United States, 2023
17th of 193

Corruption Perceptions Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Transparency International

20th40th60th80th201220192025China: 76th of 181 in 2025United States: 29th of 181 in 2025
China, 2025
76th of 181
United States, 2025
29th of 181

Gender Inequality Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · UNDP Human Development Report Office

10th20th30th40th200020122023China: 41st of 172 in 2023United States: 45th of 172 in 2023
China, 2023
41st of 172
United States, 2023
45th of 172

Global Innovation Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · World Intellectual Property Organization

2.5th5th7.5th10th202220242025China: 10th of 139 in 2025United States: 3rd of 139 in 2025
China, 2025
10th of 139
United States, 2025
3rd of 139

Economic Complexity Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Growth Lab at Harvard University

10th20th30th200020122024China: 10th of 145 in 2024United States: 18th of 145 in 2024
China, 2024
10th of 145
United States, 2024
18th of 145

Government AI Readiness Index rank

The publisher’s own rank, each year with its own field · Oxford Insights

5th10th15th20th202020232025China: 8th of 195 in 2025United States: 1st of 195 in 2025
China, 2025
8th of 195
United States, 2025
1st of 195

05Recorded facts

The two countries

Fact China United States
CapitalBeijingWashington, D.C.
LanguagesChinese, Putonghua, Standard Chinese, languages of ChinaCarolinian, Chamorro, English, Hawaiian, Samoan, Spanish
Currencyrenminbi (CNY)United States dollar (USD)
Calling code+86+1
Internet domain.cn.us
ISO codesCN · CHNUS · USA
WhereEastern Asia · AsiaNorthern America · Americas

No shared land border

China in black and United States in blue-grey on a map
China United StatesOutlines from Natural Earth, which draws borders as they are held on the ground. No line on this map is a statement about where a border should be.

06Keep comparing

Compare more

Every comparison, and a picker for any two countries →

07Questions

China and United States: common questions

Which is bigger, China or United States?

People: China 1,422,584,933 and United States 343,477,335 in 2023, according to UN DESA Population Division. China has 4.1 times as many. Land area, in square kilometres: China 9,388,210 and United States 9,147,420 in 2024, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Which has the higher GDP per person, China or United States?

United States. GDP per person at purchasing power parity, in international dollars: China 25,067 and United States 76,931 in 2025, according to World Bank Group.

Where are China and United States placed in the Country Index 2026?

China is placed 48th of 183, and United States is placed 37th of 183. The Country Index 2026 is this site’s own ordering of published statistics, subject by subject; it is not a rank any publisher printed.

Do China and United States share a border?

No: the two share no land border in the Natural Earth outlines.

How many statistics compare China and United States?

310 statistics from 61 publishers measure both. 38 more measure only China, and 42 only United States; those are listed under each subject rather than left out.

Why do some rows give two different years?

For 21 of the 310 shared statistics the publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, so the two readings describe different years. Both years are printed, and those rows are left out of every comparison in the summary.

08Method

Sources and how to read them

Every value is the newest reading the publisher issued, exactly as each country’s profile prints it: China and United States. A rank is a number the publisher printed; a position · derived is this site’s ordering of one published statistic; a standing is a place in the Country Index 2026.

Where a publisher compiles each country’s latest survey, the two readings can describe different years. Both years are then printed, and the row is left out of every comparison in the summary. How every number on the site is read is set out on the methodology page.

The banner photographs are credited beside each picture.

The 61 publishers behind the shared statistics

Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · CIVICUS · Ember · European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) · European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR) · European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC) · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Frederick Solt, University of Iowa · GitHub · Global Carbon Project · Global Energy Monitor · Global Footprint Network · Global Mangrove Watch (Aberystwyth University, JAXA, soloEO, Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy) · Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Growth Lab at Harvard University · Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · International Labour Organization (ILO) · Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · Lenka Dražanová, European University Institute (Migration Policy Centre) · Lloyd's Register Foundation · Maddison Project, Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) · Microsoft AI Economy Institute · Nobel Prize Outreach · Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · OECD · Open Data Watch · OpenAlex (OurResearch) · Oxford Insights · Transparency International · U.S. Department of State · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · UN DESA Population Division · UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · UNDP Human Development Report Office · UNDP Human Development Report Office and UN Women · UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · UNICEF · UNICEF and WHO (Joint Low Birthweight Estimates) · UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Wellcome Trust · WHO and UNICEF (WUENIC) · World Bank Group · World Bank Group (Climate Change Knowledge Portal), from Copernicus ERA5 (ECMWF) · World Bank Group (ESMAP) · World Bank Group (ESMAP), data by Solargis · World Bank Group (ID4D) · World Bank Group (Prospects Group) · World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · World Energy Council · World Intellectual Property Organization · World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · World Resources Institute (WRI)

Cite this page

Nations Inquiry. China and United States, compared. Country Index 2026 edition. https://nationsinquiry.com/compare/china-vs-united-states

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