Columns
Data stories built on this site’s numbers. Each one follows a question through decades of data: who took first place, when, and what changed.
- Food
Which Country Produces the Most Rice? India Overtook China in 2023
India was the world’s top rice producer in 2024 (217.9 million tonnes). FAO data back to 1961 show when it passed China, who follows, and how Japan fell from 3rd to 12th.
- People
Which Countries Cut Infant Mortality the Most Since 1960?
Yemen cut infant deaths the most since 1960 (276 to 34 per 1,000 births); the UAE cut them the most as a share. Japan went from 19th lowest to tied 3rd. Data for 129 countries.
- Economy
When Did China Overtake Japan's GDP? World Rankings Since 1960
In World Bank nominal GDP, China passed Japan in 2010 ($6.19 trillion vs $5.81 trillion). Japan lost a 42-year run at No. 2, then fell to 4th behind Germany in 2023. Per person, Japan is still 2.6 times China.
- Nature
Which Country Emits the Most CO2? When China Passed the US, and Where Japan Stands
In World Bank data China emits the most CO2 (13.1 billion tonnes in 2024, 35% of the world) and passed the United States in 2005. Per person the picture differs: the leaders are small countries. Cumulative totals and the outlook, too.
- Food
Which Country Catches the Most Fish? Japan Led for 20 Years
China catches the most wild fish (13.3 million tonnes in 2024, World Bank/FAO data). Japan was first from 1972 to 1991 and is 8th now (2.8 million tonnes). Why it fell, Peru’s swings, and what aquaculture changed.
- Economy
Which Country Exports the Most Goods? When China Took the Lead, and Where Japan Stands
China exports the most goods ($3.77 trillion in 2025, 15% of the world, World Bank data) and passed Germany in 2009. Japan is 5th, its share down from 11% (1986) to 3%.
- People
Which Country Has the Highest Share of Women in Parliament? Where Japan Stands
Rwanda has the highest share of women in parliament (63.8%, World Bank/IPU data). Japan is 141st of 184 at 15.7%, last in the G7. Why Rwanda leads, whether quotas work, and Japan’s latest elections.
- Food
Which Country Produces the Most Coffee? When Vietnam Became No. 2, and Where Japan Buys Its Beans
Brazil produced the most coffee in 2024 (3.39 million tonnes of green beans, 30% of the world, FAO data). Vietnam passed Colombia in 1999 to take second. The 1975 frost, Japan’s imports and the price of beans, too.