Empathy AbilityThe world in numbers

Empathy Ability

The world in numbers

Short, sourced explainers built from official open data. Every chart shows its source, year and method.

Latest charts

South Korea has the world's lowest birth ratePOPULATIONSouth Korea has the world's lowest birth rateSouth Korea's fertility rate fell to 0.75 births per woman in 2024, the lowest of any economy with at least one million people. Here is how it compares.Nearly 1 in 3 people in Japan is 65 or olderAGINGNearly 1 in 3 people in Japan is 65 or older30% of Japan's population is 65 or older, the highest share of any large economy. Southern Europe follows, and South Korea is aging faster than almost anyone.Where internet use exploded since 2012TECHWhere internet use exploded since 2012Iraq went from 7% of people online to 82% in twelve years. The biggest jumps in internet use happened far from Silicon Valley.The 10 richest countries per personECONOMYThe 10 richest countries per personIreland tops GDP per person at $131,592 in 2025, but that number says more about multinational profits than household income. Here is how to read the ranking.Who emits the most CO2 per person?CLIMATEWho emits the most CO2 per person?The average person in Qatar is linked to 47 tonnes of CO2 a year, ten times the world average. Per-person emissions tell a very different story from national totals.Birth rates are falling almost everywherePOPULATIONBirth rates are falling almost everywhereFrom 2012 to 2024 the world fertility rate fell from 2.56 to 2.19. In East Asia the drop was far steeper: China from 1.80 to 1.01, South Korea from 1.30 to 0.75.