Most Populous Country
China has the world's largest population, with an estimated 1.24 billion people in 1998. It grows at a rate of approximately 44,000 people a day.

Least Populous Country
The Vatican City, with an estimated 870 people in July 1999, is officially the world's least inhabited country.

Most Densely Populated Countries
In 1997, Bangladesh had approximately 2,200 people inhabiting every square mile.

Most sparsely Populated Country
In 1997, Mongolia had approximately 4 people inhabiting every square mile.

Highest Life Expectancy
People in Japan enjoy the highest life expectancy in the world at approximately 84 years for women and 77 years for men.

Lowest Life Expectancy
In Sierra Leone, life expectancy is approximately 40 years for women and 36 years for men.

Highest Birth Rate
Niger's has the highest birth rate in the world with approximately 55 births per 1000 people in 1996.

Highest Death Rate
Sierra Leone has the highest death rate in the world, with approximately 25 deaths per 1000 people in 1995-96.

Lowest Death Rate
Kuwait enjoys the lowest death rate in the world, with approximately 2 deaths per 1000 people in 1995-96.

Most Polluted Major City
Mexico City has levels of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and suspended atmospheric particulate matter more than double those considered acceptable by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Highest CO₂ Emissions
Based on sheer volume, the United States emits more carbon dioxide than any other country in the world. In 1995, the US emitted an estimated 5.1 billion tons. Relative to population, the United Arab Emirates is the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, with a total of 29.6 tons per capita emitted in 1995. This is compared to 20.2 emitted per capita by the US in 1995.

Biggest Consumer of Energy
The United States holds the record for being the world's largest consumer of both fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) and of commercial energy (nuclear and hydro power). In 1998, the US consumed almost 2 billion tons of oil equivalent of fossil fuels and an equal amount of oil equivalent of commercial energy.

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