The Top 10 Most Fascinating 'Firsts' About Countries You Might Not Know

With a population of just 1.8 million people but a total GDP of $202.45 billion per year and a per capita GDP of $102,211 annually, Qatar in the Middle East is currently the wealthiest country on Earth. Its citizens enjoy a high standard of living, access to numerous social services, and modern amenities. Qatar has a robust economic potential and is striving to become a financial and economic hub in the region.

When thinking of the largest coffee producer in the world, Brazil is likely the first country that comes to mind. With 45,342,000 bags (60kg per bag), it accounts for one-third of the global total of 141,850,000 bags. As of 2014, Brazil remains the largest coffee exporter. Joining Brazil in the top three are Vietnam and Colombia, the South American nation is immensely proud of its unique soil and climate that support coffee cultivation.

Canada is the second-largest country in the world and the largest in North America. Spanning 9,984,670 square kilometers, Canada's territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, with the Arctic Ocean to the north. As a developed country, Canada ranks among the wealthiest nations globally, with a per capita GDP ranking 8th worldwide and a Human Development Index ranking 11th. Canada excels internationally in education, government transparency, democratic freedom, quality of life, and economic freedom.

With 8,514,877 square kilometers, Brazil is the largest country in South America. Bordering 11 countries and territories in the region, Brazil is also the fifth-largest country in the world by both land area and population, with over 190 million people. The country boasts a rich ecosystem, with the Amazon River Basin being one of its most iconic ecological reserves.

With an area of 2,724,900 km², Kazakhstan holds the title of the largest landlocked country in the world, bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea. With a population of 14.7 million (as of 2003), Kazakhstan ranks as the ninth largest country globally.

The world's smallest sovereign state is Vatican City, covering just 0.44 km² and home to around 840 residents. Situated within the city of Rome, Italy, Vatican City is recognized as an independent entity under the Lateran Treaty, signed on February 11, 1929, between the Holy See and the Italian government.

With a total area of 41,526 km², approximately 27% of which is below sea level, the Netherlands is the lowest country in the world relative to sea level. This unique geographic feature has led to the country's famous system of dikes that protect the land from the sea, maintain rivers, and safeguard farmland. The Dutch have been building and maintaining these systems for over 2,000 years.

Can you guess which country is the happiest? The answer is Switzerland. But why? Happiness is determined by many factors, and Switzerland excels in several. It boasts wealth, a high life expectancy, delicious chocolate, low obesity rates, political stability, short work hours, an excellent healthcare system, a high number of Nobel laureates (25 Swiss Nobel Prize winners), and a strong democratic culture. On April 23, 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network named Switzerland the happiest country in the world.

The stunning island nation of the Maldives, with a maximum elevation of just 2.4 meters above sea level, holds the title of the flattest country in the world. Located to the south of the Lakshadweep Archipelago in India, and 700 kilometers southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives consists of 26 coral atolls encircling a territory made up of 1,192 small islands. Around 200 of these islands are home to local communities.

Russia dominates global diamond production, accounting for 25% of the world's total output. As a leading power in mineral resources, Russia not only excels in oil and gas but also leads the world in diamond production, surpassing African and American nations in this area.