Country-by-Country Snapshot of the World’s 100 Largest Companies by Market Cap

This chart breaks down how many of the world’s 100 largest publicly listed companies by market capitalization(according to MarketCapWatch) come from each country. The United States dominates with 63 firms, China follows with 11, and a mix of European and Asian markets rounds out the rest. 

Key Takeaways

• United States dominance
• Hosts 63 of the top 100 companies, accounting for roughly 77% of the combined market cap.
• China in a distant second
• With 11 firms, China contributes about 6–7% of total market value.
• Europe’s collective strength
• Seven European markets (UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland) combine for 19 companies, roughly 8% of total market cap.
• Emerging and regional players
• Asia ex-China (India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan) accounts for 5 companies (~4% of market cap).
• The Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE) holds 2 companies (~3.7% of market cap).
• Minimal representation
• Australia and Canada each have a single top-100 company, together under 1% of total market value.

Analysis

The chart exposes a stark concentration of market power in the U.S., driven largely by mega-cap tech and financial firms. China’s growing presence still trails well behind, suggesting both opportunity and barriers for non-U.S. companies seeking global scale. Europe’s spread across multiple markets dilutes individual country impact but signals diversified strength in banking, luxury goods, and energy. Emerging markets beyond China remain underrepresented, hinting at room for growth in equity market development and IPO activity.

Short Takeaways

• The top 100 global giants are overwhelmingly U.S.-centric.
• Only three countries (U.S., China, UK) supply over 80% of these market-cap leaders.
• Europe’s combined weight rivals China but skews across seven national exchanges.
• Fast-rising markets like India and South Korea are still punch-below their economic size.
• Middle East and Australia/Canada play niche roles, each with just one or two marquee names.