World

land

148.94 million sq km

water

361,899,999 sq km

total

510.072 million sq km

Climate

A broad equatorial zone features hot and humid tropical climates, flanked to the north and south by subtropical temperate zones that demarcate two extensive regions characterized by cold and arid polar climates.

ten driest places on Earth (average annual precipitation)

McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica 0 mm (0 in)
Arica, Chile 0.76 mm (0.03 in)
Al Kufrah, Libya 0.86 mm (0.03 in)
Aswan, Egypt 0.86 mm (0.03 in)
Luxor, Egypt 0.86 mm (0.03 in)
Ica, Peru 2.29 mm (0.09 in)
Wadi Halfa, Sudan 2.45 mm (0.1 in)
Iquique, Chile 5.08 mm (0.2 in)
Pelican Point, Namibia 8.13 mm (0.32 in)
El Arab (Aoulef), Algeria 12.19 mm (0.48 in)

ten wettest places on Earth (average annual precipitation)

Mawsynram, India 11,871 mm (467.4 in)
Cherrapunji, India 11,777 mm (463.7 in)
Tutunendo, Colombia 11,770 mm (463.4 in)
Cropp River, New Zealand 11,516 mm (453.4 in)
San Antonia de Ureca, Equatorial Guinea 10,450 mm (411.4 in)
Debundsha, Cameroon 10,299 mm (405.5 in)
Big Bog, US (Hawaii) 10,272 mm (404.4 in)
Mt Waialeale, US (Hawaii) 9,763 mm (384.4 in)
Kukui, US (Hawaii) 9,293 mm (365.9 in)
Emeishan, China 8,169 mm (321.6 in)

ten coldest places on Earth (lowest average monthly temperature)

Verkhoyansk, Russia (Siberia) -47°C (-53°F) January
Oymyakon, Russia (Siberia) -46°C (-52°F) January
Eureka, Canada -38.4°C (-37.1°F) February
Isachsen, Canada -36°C (-32.8°F) February
Alert, Canada -34°C (-28°F) February
Kap Morris Jesup, Greenland -34°C (-29°F) March
Cornwallis Island, Canada -33.5°C (-28.3°F) February
Cambridge Bay, Canada -33.5°C (28.3°F) February
Ilirnej, Russia -33°C (-28°F) January
Resolute, Canada -33°C (-27.4°F) February

ten hottest places on Earth (highest average monthly temperature)

Death Valley, US (California) 39°C (101°F) July
Iranshahr, Iran 38.3°C (100.9°F) June
Ouallene, Algeria 38°C (100.4°F) July
Kuwait City, Kuwait 37.7°C (100°F) July
Medina, Saudi Arabia 36°C (97°F) July
Buckeye, US (Arizona) 34°C (93°F) July
Jazan, Saudi Arabia 33°C (91°F) June
Al Kufrah, Libya 31°C (87°F) July
Alice Springs, Australia 29°C (84°F) January
Tamanrasset, Algeria 29°C (84°F) June

terrain

Details on extreme landforms can be referenced in the World elevation section; the ocean floors globally also exhibit significant diversity, as outlined in the bathymetry and major ocean currents sections for each of the five oceans (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern).

top ten world caves

Sourced from Geography - note(s) under country entries

largest cave: Son Doong, located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, holds the title of the world's largest cave (greatest cross-sectional area) and is recognized as the largest known cave passage by volume; its total volume is currently measured at 38.5 million cu m (approximately 1.35 billion cu ft); it links to Thung cave, although this connection has yet to be officially acknowledged -- once recognized, it will contribute an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume.

largest ice cave: The Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) within the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, Austria, is the longest and largest ice cave system globally, extending 42 km (26 mi).

longest cave: Mammoth Cave, situated in west-central Kentucky, is the longest known cave system in the world, featuring over 650 km (405 mi) of mapped passageways.

longest salt cave: Malham Cave, located in Mount Sodom, Israel, is recognized as the longest salt cave in the world at 10 km (6 mi); its survey remains incomplete, indicating that its recorded length may eventually increase.

longest underwater cave: The Sac Actun cave system in Mexico is the world's longest underwater cave, measuring 348 km (216 mi), and ranks as the second-longest cave overall.

longest lava tube cave: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is acknowledged as the longest and deepest lava tube cave, with a measured length of 66 km (41 mi) and a depth of 1,102 m (3,614 ft).

deepest cave: Veryovkina Cave in Georgia is recognized as the deepest cave in the world, reaching a depth of 2,212 m (7,257 ft).

deepest underwater cave: The Hranice Abyss in Czechia is noted as the deepest surveyed underwater cave, at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not yet complete, and it may reach depths of 800-1,200 m.

largest cave chamber: The Miao Room in the Gebihe cave system within China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park has an estimated volume of approximately 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft).

largest bat cave: Bracken Cave, located outside San Antonio, Texas, is recognized as the world's largest bat cave; it is home to an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats from March to October, making it the largest known concentration of mammals.

bonus "cave" - the world's largest sinkhole: The Xiaoxhai Tiankeng sinkhole in Chongqing Municipality, China, has a depth of 660 m and a volume of 130 million cu m.

other

31.4% (2022 est.)

forest

30.6% (2022 est.)

agricultural land

38% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 10.7% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1.5% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 25.8% (2022 est.)

lowest point

Denman Glacier (Antarctica) more than -3,500 m (the lowest point in the oceanic realm is Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, at -10,924 m beneath the Pacific Ocean's surface)

highest point

Mount Everest 8,849 m

mean elevation

840 m

The New Seven Wonders of the World

In the early 2000s, a private endeavor emerged to create a contemporary list of seven wonders of the world. This global voting process, conducted through the internet and telephone, featured a selection of 200 existing monuments. Over the span of several years, it is estimated that more than 100 million votes were cast, with the final results being revealed on 7 July 2007 (7-7-2007). The selected wonders are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

1. Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico
This archaeological site showcases the remarkable remnants of a vast pre-Columbian Mayan city that thrived between A.D. 600 and 1100. Among the notable constructions within the site are the grand Temple of the Warriors complex, the observatory known as El Caracol, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote (a sinkhole) where offerings were traditionally placed. The most renowned edifice is the step-pyramid called the Temple of Kukulcan, which dominates the site's center and symbolizes Chichen Itza. This pyramidal structure stands at 24 m (79 ft) tall, with an additional 6 m (20 ft) contributed by the temple at its summit. Nestled within the lush jungles of Yucatan, it ranks as one of Mexico's most frequented tourist destinations.

2. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Construction of the Colosseum was initiated by the Roman Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 72, and it was completed by his son Titus in A.D. 80, with further enhancements made by Domitian (A.D. 81-96). Collectively, these emperors are known as the Flavian Dynasty, and the structure is additionally referred to as the Flavian Amphitheater. It is estimated that the Colosseum could accommodate approximately 65,000 spectators and was famously utilized for gladiatorial contests and public events. Although much of the original structure has been lost due to earthquakes and looting, it remains an iconic emblem of Rome. Today, the Colosseum is one of the most visited tourist attractions worldwide.

3. Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Erected between 1922 and 1931, this 30-m (98-ft) sculpture is recognized as the largest Art Deco statue globally. Its pedestal adds an additional 8 m (26 ft) in elevation, while its outstretched arms reach 28 m (92 ft). Constructed from reinforced concrete and soapstone, the statue has become a cultural symbol for both Rio and Brazil.

4. Great Wall, China
The term refers to a collection of fortification systems that extended across the historical northern borders of China, serving as a defense against nomadic tribes. Archaeological investigations have determined that the wall and its branches span a total of 21,196 km (13,171 mi). The earliest segments date back to the 7th century B.C., with connections being made in the 3rd century B.C., and various dynasties contributing to the construction and maintenance of the walls. The most recognized and well-preserved sections were constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Great Wall is celebrated as one of history's most remarkable architectural achievements.

5. Machu Picchu, Cuzco Region, Peru
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located at an elevation of 2,430 m (7,972 ft) on an Andean mountain ridge, is believed to have been built as an estate for Inca Emperor Pachacuti (r. 1438-1471) and may have also functioned as a religious sanctuary. Constructed between approximately 1450 and 1460, it was deserted a century later during the Spanish conquest. The site exemplifies classic Inca architectural style, featuring polished, fitted, dry-stone walls, and was home to roughly 750 inhabitants, primarily support personnel for the nobility. Among its religious structures are the Intiwatana, a carved ritual stone functioning as a sundial, known as "The Hitching Post of the Sun," the Torreon or Temple of the Sun, and the Intimachay, a sacred cave.

6. Petra, Ma’an, Jordan
Established in the 4th century B.C., Petra is thought to have served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, which prospered as a central trade hub in the southern Levant. The city was annexed by the Roman Empire in A.D. 106. Renowned for its rock-cut architecture and sophisticated water conduit system, which enabled the Nabataeans to create an artificial oasis, Petra may have boasted a population of around 20,000 at its zenith in the first century A.D.

7. Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
This ivory-white mausoleum was commissioned in 1632 by Shah Jahan (r. 1628-1658) as a final resting place for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also contains the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The Taj Mahal is the focal point of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex that encompasses a guest house, a mosque, and meticulously designed gardens. The entire construction was finalized in 1653.

note: The Great Pyramid of Egypt, the sole surviving wonder from the ancient seven, was accorded honorary status on the New Seven Wonders list.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The military campaigns of Alexander the Great (r. 336-323 B.C.) during the 4th century B.C. facilitated the dissemination of Greek culture across the regions surrounding the eastern Mediterranean and a significant portion of the Middle East, marking the beginning of what is known today as the Hellenistic Period (323-31 B.C.). Hellenistic travelers created guidebooks highlighting remarkable monuments in these areas, which included Persia, Egypt, and Babylon. Typically, seven sites were emphasized, as this number was regarded as magical, perfect, and complete. Although there was some variation in ancient lists of wonders, six sites appeared consistently (with the Walls of Babylon occasionally replacing the Lighthouse of Alexandria). Below is a list of the most frequently cited "classic" Seven Wonders.

1. The Great Pyramid of Egypt
The Great Pyramid, the oldest of the Seven Wonders, is the only one that has largely survived intact. Commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu (r. ca. 2589-2566 B.C.), it is the largest of the three pyramids located at Giza. Serving as the ruler's tomb, it was constructed over approximately 20 years, finishing around 2560 B.C. Initially, the pyramid reached an estimated height of 146.5 m, making it the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years (until the 14th century A.D.). Most of the original limestone casing that formed the outer smooth surface has been lost. Presently, the pyramid’s height measures around 139 m.

2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
This is the sole ancient wonder for which no definitive location has ever been confirmed. No existing Babylonian texts refer to the Gardens, nor have any archaeological remnants been found in contemporary Iraq. According to tradition, the gardens were an extraordinary engineering achievement, featuring a series of ascending mud-brick tiered gardens with a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, which, when viewed from below, appeared as a verdant mountain. The Gardens are often credited to King Nebuchadnezzar II (r. 605-562 B.C.) of Neo-Babylon, who may have constructed them for his Median wife, Queen Amytis, due to her longing for the green hills and valleys of her native land.

3. The Temple of Artemis (Artemision) at Ephesus
This Greek temple located at Ephesus (3 km southwest of Selcuk in modern-day western Turkey) was dedicated to the goddess Artemis and underwent complete reconstruction twice: once following a flood in the 7th century B.C. and again after an act of arson in 356 B.C. In its final iteration, it was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders, enduring for 600 years. The edifice was crafted entirely from marble, measuring approximately 130 m by 69 m, and was adorned with 127 columns, each about 18 m tall. The temple suffered damage from a Gothic raid in A.D. 268, and Christians ultimately closed it in the early to mid-5th century. In the centuries that followed, the structure was dismantled, leaving almost no remnants of the temple today.

4. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
Built around 350 B.C., the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was situated in the area of modern Bodrum in southwestern Turkey. It served as the tomb of Mausolus, a Persian governor, and his spouse—the term "mausoleum" is derived from his name. The monument reached a height of approximately 45 m and required about 20 years for construction. A sequence of earthquakes between the 12th and 15th centuries A.D. severely damaged the structure, which was the last of the original Seven Wonders to be destroyed.

5. The Colossus of Rhodes
This statue of the Greek sun god Helios was erected at the entrance of Rhodes' harbor to commemorate the city's successful defense against a siege. It was constructed using iron tie bars with brass or bronze plates affixed to create a skin. Descriptions from the time indicate its height was roughly 70 cubits, or 33 m—comparable to the height of the Statue of Liberty (34 m)—making it the tallest statue of the ancient world. Finished around 280 B.C., the statue stood for only about 54 years before it was toppled by an earthquake in 226 B.C. The remnants lay on the ground for over 800 years before ultimately being sold as scrap metal.

6. The Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria
Completed circa 275 B.C., the lighthouse was situated on Pharos Island at the entrance to the Egyptian city of Alexandria and lasted for approximately 1,600 years. It sustained significant damage from three earthquakes between A.D. 956 and 1323, at which point it was rendered inactive. The structure's silhouette appeared on various ancient coins: a solid square base, which accounted for about half of its height, supported an octagonal middle section and a cylindrical top. Its height is believed to have ranged between 100 m (328 ft) and 140 m (459 ft). A mirror at the pinnacle reflected sunlight during the day, while a fire was maintained at night.

7. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia in Greece
The immense seated figure of the king of the Greek gods, located in the sanctuary of Olympia, was completed by the Greek sculptor Phidias around 435 B.C. Standing approximately 13 m (43 ft) tall, it was made from ivory plates and gold panels mounted on a wooden framework, with the god’s throne embellished with ebony, ivory, gold, and precious stones. As Christianity gained prominence, the sanctuary at Olympia fell into neglect, and the specifics surrounding the statue’s eventual destruction remain unknown.

note: The Lighthouse of Alexandria may have been the final wonder to be finished (ca. 275 B.C.), while the Colossus of Rhodes was the first to be destroyed around 226 B.C., resulting in the Seven Wonders coexisting for only about 50 years in the midst of the third century B.C.

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years

1.03 male(s)/female

total population

1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

65 years and over

0.81 male(s)/female

male

30.3 years

total

31 years (2020 est.)

female

31.8 years

male

4,046,854,454

total

8,057,236,243 (2024 est.)

female

4,010,381,789

urban population

57.5% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization

1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

0-14 years

24.5% (male 1,018,005,046/female 958,406,907)

15-64 years

65.2% (male 2,658,595,672/female 2,592,930,538)

65 years and over

10.3% (2024 est.) (male 370,253,736/female 459,044,344)

men married by age 18

2.7% (2022)

women married by age 15

4.3% (2023)

women married by age 18

18.7% (2023)

total dependency ratio

53.4 (2024 est.)

youth dependency ratio

37.7 (2024 est.)

potential support ratio

6.4 (2024 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

15.7 (2024 est.)

improved: rural

rural: 84% of population (2022 est.)

improved: total

total: 91.8% of population (2022 est.)

improved: urban

urban: 97.9% of population (2022 est.)

unimproved: rural

rural: 16% of population (2022 est.)

unimproved: total

total: 8.2% of population (2022 est.)

unimproved: urban

urban: 2.1% of population (2022 est.)

total

28.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

male

68.4 years

female

72.6 years

total population

70.5 years (2020)

improved: rural

rural: 70.1% of population (2022 est.)

improved: total

total: 80.8% of population (2022 est.)

improved: urban

urban: 88.9% of population (2022 est.)

unimproved: rural

rural: 29.9% of population (2022 est.)

unimproved: total

total: 19.2% of population (2022 est.)

unimproved: urban

urban: 11.1% of population (2022 est.)

Climate

A broad equatorial zone characterized by hot and humid tropical climates is flanked to the north and south by subtropical temperate regions that demarcate two extensive zones of cold and arid polar climates.

ten driest places on Earth (average annual precipitation)

McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica 0 mm (0 in)
Arica, Chile 0.76 mm (0.03 in)
Al Kufrah, Libya 0.86 mm (0.03 in)
Aswan, Egypt 0.86 mm (0.03 in)
Luxor, Egypt 0.86 mm (0.03 in)
Ica, Peru 2.29 mm (0.09 in)
Wadi Halfa, Sudan 2.45 mm (0.1 in)
Iquique, Chile 5.08 mm (0.2 in)
Pelican Point, Namibia 8.13 mm (0.32 in)
El Arab (Aoulef), Algeria 12.19 mm (0.48 in)

ten wettest places on Earth (average annual precipitation)

Mawsynram, India 11,871 mm (467.4 in)
Cherrapunji, India 11,777 mm (463.7 in)
Tutunendo, Colombia 11,770 mm (463.4 in)
Cropp River, New Zealand 11,516 mm (453.4 in)
San Antonia de Ureca, Equatorial Guinea 10,450 mm (411.4 in)
Debundsha, Cameroon 10,299 mm (405.5 in)
Big Bog, US (Hawaii) 10,272 mm (404.4 in)
Mt Waialeale, US (Hawaii) 9,763 mm (384.4 in)
Kukui, US (Hawaii) 9,293 mm (365.9 in)
Emeishan, China 8,169 mm (321.6 in)

ten coldest places on Earth (lowest average monthly temperature)

Verkhoyansk, Russia (Siberia) -47°C (-53°F) January
Oymyakon, Russia (Siberia) -46°C (-52°F) January
Eureka, Canada -38.4°C (-37.1°F) February
Isachsen, Canada -36°C (-32.8°F) February
Alert, Canada -34°C (-28°F) February
Kap Morris Jesup, Greenland -34°C (-29°F) March
Cornwallis Island, Canada -33.5°C (-28.3°F) February
Cambridge Bay, Canada -33.5°C (28.3°F) February
Ilirnej, Russia -33°C (-28°F) January
Resolute, Canada -33°C (-27.4°F) February

ten hottest places on Earth (highest average monthly temperature)

Death Valley, US (California) 39°C (101°F) July
Iranshahr, Iran 38.3°C (100.9°F) June
Ouallene, Algeria 38°C (100.4°F) July
Kuwait City, Kuwait 37.7°C (100°F) July
Medina, Saudi Arabia 36°C (97°F) July
Buckeye, US (Arizona) 34°C (93°F) July
Jazan, Saudi Arabia 33°C (91°F) June
Al Kufrah, Libya 31°C (87°F) July
Alice Springs, Australia 29°C (84°F) January
Tamanrasset, Algeria 29°C (84°F) June

other

31.4% (2022 est.)

forest

30.6% (2022 est.)

agricultural land

38% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 10.7% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1.5% (2022 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 25.8% (2022 est.)

urban population

57.5% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization

1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Desert biome

The most important characteristic of a desert biome is that it receives very little rainfall, usually about 250 mm (10 in) of rain per year. During the day, desert temperatures rise to an average of 38°C (100°F). At night, desert temperatures fall to an average of -4°C (about 25°F). Vegetation is sparse, consisting of cacti, small bushes, and short grasses. Perennials survive for several years by becoming dormant and flourishing when water is available. Annuals are referred to as ephemerals because some can complete an entire life cycle in weeks. Since desert conditions are so severe, the plants that live there need to adapt to compensate. Some, such as cacti, store water in their stems and use it very slowly, while others, like bushes, conserve water by growing few leaves or by having large root systems to gather water.

Tundra biome

The tundra is the coldest of the biomes. It also receives low amounts of precipitation, making the tundra similar to a desert. Tundra comes from the Finnish word tunturia, meaning "treeless plain." Tundra is found in the regions just below the ice caps of the Arctic, extending across North America to Europe and to Siberia in Asia. Temperatures usually range between -40°C (-40 °F) and 18°C (64°F). The temperatures are so cold that there is a layer of permanently frozen ground below the surface, called permafrost. This permafrost is a defining characteristic of the tundra biome. In the tundra summers, the top layer of soil thaws only a few inches down, providing a growing surface for the roots of vegetation. This biome sees 150 to 250 mm (6 to 10 in) of rain per year. Vegetation in the tundra has adapted to the cold and the short growing season and consists of lichens, mosses, grasses, sedges, and shrubs, but almost no trees.

Grassland biome

Grasslands are expansive, uninterrupted, and relatively flat regions dominated by grass. They are present on every continent except Antarctica and are typically situated between temperate forests at higher latitudes and deserts at subtropical latitudes.  The annual temperature variation may range from -20°C (-4°F) to 30°C (86°F), depending on the latitude. These regions receive precipitation of approximately 500 to 900 mm (20 to 35 in) annually. Tropical grasslands experience both dry and wet seasons while maintaining warm temperatures throughout the year. In contrast, temperate grasslands endure cold winters and warm summers, accompanied by some rainfall. While grasses predominantly characterize the vegetation, sedges, rushes, certain legumes (such as clover), and herbs may also be present. A limited number of trees can be found near streams within this biome; however, their occurrence is sparse due to insufficient rainfall.

Shrubland biome

Shrublands include chaparral, woodland, and savanna, and are composed of shrubs or short trees. Many shrubs thrive on steep, rocky slopes, but there is usually not enough rain to support tall trees. Shrublands are located in west coastal regions between 30° and 40° North and South latitude and are usually found on the borders of deserts and grasslands. The summers are hot and dry with temperatures up to 38°C (100°F). Winters are cool and moist, with temperatures around -1 °C (30°F). Annual rainfall in the shrublands varies greatly, but 200 to 1,000 mm (8 to 40 in) of rain per year can be expected. Vegetation includes aromatic herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano), shrubs, acacia, chamise, grasses. Plants have adapted to fire caused by frequent lightning strikes in the summer.

Types of biomes

A biome is a biogeographical classification that describes a biological community of plants and animals shaped by a particular physical environment and a shared regional climate. Biomes can span across multiple continents. Various classification systems identify different quantities of biomes. The World Factbook identifies the following seven biomes recognized by NASA: tundra, coniferous forest, temperate deciduous forest, rainforest, grassland, shrubland, and desert.

Rainforest biome

The rainforest biome is characterized by a consistently warm climate throughout the year, remaining free from frost. Daily average temperatures typically range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rainforests receive the highest annual precipitation of any biome, with a typical yearly rainfall of 2,000 to 10,000 mm (79 to 394 in). The vegetation is commonly comprised of vines, palm trees, orchids, and ferns. There are two primary types of rainforests: tropical rainforests, which are located nearer to the equator, and temperate rainforests, which are situated further north in coastal regions. The majority of commonly found houseplants originate from rainforest ecosystems.

Coniferous forest biome

The coniferous forest is positioned between the tundra to the north and the deciduous forest to the south. Regions of coniferous forest experience prolonged, cold, snowy winters; warm, humid summers; clearly defined seasons; and a minimum of four to six months free from frost. Winter temperatures typically average between -40°C (-40°F) and 20°C (68°F), while summer averages are generally around 10°C (50°F). Precipitation in this biome can vary from 300 to 900 mm (12 to 35 in) annually. The vegetation is primarily composed of cone-bearing trees, known as coniferous or evergreen trees, some of which retain their needles year-round. Common conifer species include spruces, pines, and firs.

Temperate deciduous forest biome

Temperate deciduous forests are located in the mid-latitude areas, which means that they are found between the polar regions and the tropics. The deciduous forest regions are exposed to warm and cold air masses, which cause this area to have four seasons. Hot summers and cold winters are typical. The average daily temperatures range between -30°C (-22°F) and 30°C (86°F), with a yearly average of 10°C (50°F). On average, this biome receives 750 to 1,500 mm (30 to 59 in) of rain per year. Vegetation includes broadleaf trees (oaks, maples, beeches), shrubs, perennial herbs, and mosses.

total emissions

37.079 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from consumed natural gas

7.964 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke

16.652 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids

12.463 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

time difference

a total of 21 global entities (20 countries and 1 dependency) have multiple time zones: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, France, Greenland (part of the Danish Kingdom), Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Russia, Spain, and the United States

note 1: in certain cases, the time zones apply to overseas territories of a country

note 2: in 1851, the British established their prime meridian (0° longitude) at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England; this meridian became the international standard in 1884, forming the foundation for the world’s standard time zones; presently, GMT is officially referred to as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and is also known as "Zulu time"; UTC serves as the basis for all civil time, dividing the globe into time zones expressed as positive or negative deviations from UTC

note 3: each time zone is determined by 15° increments starting from the prime meridian; theoretically, there are 24 time zones based on a solar day, but the actual number exceeds 40 due to fractional hour offsets that accommodate various political and geographical factors; refer to the Standard Time Zones of the World map included with the World and Regional Maps

daylight saving time

approximately 67 countries -- including the majority of the world’s leading industrialized nations -- implement daylight savings time (DST) in at least part of their territory; major industrialized nations such as China, Japan, India, and Russia do not observe DST; regions in Asia and Africa typically do not practice DST, and it is generally absent near the equator, where variations in sunrise and sunset times are insufficient to warrant it; some nations apply DST only in specific areas; only around 20% of the global population utilizes DST

chief of state

there are 27 nations worldwide with royal families: the majority are situated in Asia (13) and Europe (10), with three located in Africa and one in Oceania; the distribution of monarchies by continent is as follows: Asia (Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates); Europe (Belgium, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom); Africa (Eswatini, Lesotho, Morocco); Oceania (Tonga)

total World Heritage Sites

1,223 (952 cultural, 231 natural, 40 mixed) (2024)

title

nearly every nation has a national anthem (with Denmark and New Zealand having two each); most anthems include lyrics, typically in the official language or the most widely spoken language of the country; nations with multiple official languages often provide several variations

revenues

$21.68 trillion (2017 est.)

expenditures

$23.81 trillion (2017 est.)

Exports 2022

$31.782 trillion (2022 est.)

Exports 2023

$31.271 trillion (2023 est.)

Exports 2024

$32.379 trillion (2024 est.)

Imports 2022

$30.871 trillion (2022 est.)

Imports 2023

$30.334 trillion (2023 est.)

Imports 2024

$31.244 trillion (2024 est.)

Public debt 2016

67.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

Remittances 2022

0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)

Remittances 2023

0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)

Remittances 2024

0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate 2022

5.3% (2022 est.)

Unemployment rate 2023

5% (2023 est.)

Unemployment rate 2024

4.9% (2024 est.)

Real GDP per capita 2022

$20,300 (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita 2023

$20,800 (2023 est.)

Real GDP per capita 2024

$21,300 (2024 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2022

3.4% (2022 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2023

2.9% (2023 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2024

2.9% (2024 est.)

household consumption

56.4% (2023 est.)

government consumption

16.6% (2023 est.)

investment in inventories

0.6% (2023 est.)

investment in fixed capital

25.9% (2023 est.)

exports of goods and services

29.1% (2023 est.)

imports of goods and services

-28.3% (2023 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022

7.9% (2022 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023

5.9% (2023 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024

3% (2024 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022

$162.058 trillion (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023

$167.633 trillion (2023 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024

$173.163 trillion (2024 est.)

male

13.2% (2024 est.)

total

13.6% (2024 est.)

female

15.3% (2024 est.)

industry

26% (2024 est.)

services

66.2% (2024 est.)

agriculture

4% (2024 est.)

exports

1.494 billion metric tons (2023 est.)

imports

1.507 billion metric tons (2023 est.)

production

9.368 billion metric tons (2023 est.)

consumption

9.382 billion metric tons (2023 est.)

proven reserves

1.166 trillion metric tons (2023 est.)

total petroleum production

99.887 million bbl/day (2023 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves

1.697 trillion barrels (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption

101.86 million bbl/day (2023 est.)

exports

810.999 billion kWh (2023 est.)

imports

804.542 billion kWh (2023 est.)

consumption

27.047 trillion kWh (2023 est.)

installed generating capacity

9.08 billion kW (2023 est.)

transmission/distribution losses

2.053 trillion kWh (2023 est.)

exports

1.219 trillion cubic meters (2023 est.)

imports

1.226 trillion cubic meters (2023 est.)

production

4.143 trillion cubic meters (2023 est.)

consumption

4.1 trillion cubic meters (2023 est.)

proven reserves

206.683 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Number of operational nuclear reactors

416 (2025)

Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors

376.59GW (2025)

Number of nuclear reactors under construction

62 (2025)

Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down

214 (2025)

electrification - rural areas

84%

electrification - urban areas

97.7%

electrification - total population

91.4% (2022 est.)

Total energy consumption per capita 2023

73.108 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

wind

8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

solar

5.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

nuclear

9.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

geothermal

0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

fossil fuels

60.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

hydroelectricity

14.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

biomass and waste

2.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

percent of population

74% (2025 est.)

total subscriptions

839.8 million (2024 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

11 (2023 est.)

total subscriptions

9.01 billion (2024 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

110 (2024 est.)

total

1,495,600,000 (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

18 (2022 est.)

total

1,148,186 km (2013)

total

103,577 (2023)

by type

bulk carrier 13,141, container vessel 5,815, general cargo ship 19,918, oil tanker 11,604, miscellaneous 53,099

Military Expenditures 2020

2.3% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military Expenditures 2021

2.2% of GDP (2021 est.)

Military Expenditures 2022

2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)

Military Expenditures 2023

2.3% of GDP (2023 est.)

Military Expenditures 2024

2.4% of GDP (2024 est.)

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List: (25 countries) Algeria, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Fiji, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Maldives, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe (2025)

Tier 3: (20 countries) Afghanistan, Belarus, Burma, Cambodia, Chad, People's Republic of China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Laos, Macau, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Sint Maarten, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela (2025)