International Mathematical Olympiad Cumulative Scores by Year

The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is an annual global math competition for high school students, where each country’s yearly results are accumulated to create a historical total score ranking.

The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is one of the most prestigious global competitions for high school students, where cumulative country scores reflect decades of participation and performance. In 1959, the inaugural year, Romania ranked first with 249 points, followed by Hungary and Czechoslovakia. By 1980, Hungary had surged to the top with 4,992 points, while the Soviet Union and Romania followed with 4,683 and 4,374 points, respectively. Other notable countries at that time included Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Bulgaria, and Poland.

By 2000, Hungary maintained its lead with 8,429 points, Romania was second with 7,989 points, and Bulgaria secured third place with 7,106 points. The United States had moved into the top 10 with 5,452 points, and China had emerged on the list with 3,006 points at 17th place. South Korea had entered the rankings at 24th with 1,822 points, reflecting its growing focus on mathematical education and competitions.

By 2024, Hungary remained the cumulative leader with 11,791 points, with Romania close behind at 11,567 points and Bulgaria at 10,540 points. The United States climbed to fourth with 9,997 points, the United Kingdom followed with 9,144 points, and China, Germany, Vietnam, France, and the Soviet Union completed the top 11. South Korea had advanced significantly to 12th place with 6,171 points, while Japan ranked 23rd with 5,271 points and Taiwan entered at 25th with 5,090 points. Former countries like the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and East Germany still appear in the rankings due to their historical records.

These cumulative scores represent more than just competition results; they reflect decades of educational emphasis, talent development, and national investment in mathematics training. While European countries, especially from Eastern Europe, have historically dominated, Asian nations like China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan have shown remarkable progress in recent decades, reshaping the competitive landscape. The rankings demonstrate the shifts in mathematical strength worldwide, shaped by educational systems, training programs, and national priorities.