Countries and Chess

by Bill Wall

Afghanistan joined FIDE in

1984. It has 4 FIDE-titled
chess players (3 FIDE masters
and 1 Candidate Master). The
country is ranked 133rd out of
178 active chess federations
(189 total federations), with no
GM or IM. Chess was banned
in Afghanistan from 1996 to
2000 by the Taliban. It was the
only place in the world that
chess was illegal. Afghanistan Bill Wall
first played in a Chess
Olympiad in 1996, but did not
participate in 2000 or 2010. In
the 1996 Chess Olympiad in
Yerevan, the Afghanistan team
showed up after the 7th round Those who say they understand
and still played. Afghanistan chess, understand nothing. —
joined FIDE in 1984. They Robert Huebner
took 135th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 80th out of 184 in
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1970.

Albania joined FIDE in 1974.

It took 53rd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 57th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Albania is
69th out of 178 countries, with
1 GM (Erald Dervishi) and 6
IMs.

Algeria joined FIDE in 1974.

It took 86th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 78th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Algeria is
66th out of 178 countries, with
3 GMs and 13 IMs. The
Algerian Chess Federation was
established in 1973.

Andorra joined FIDE in 1979.

It took 103rd out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 105th at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Andorra is 98th out of 178
countries, with 2 GMs and IM.
The Andorran Chess
Federation was founded in
1967.

Angola joined FIDE in 1980. It

took last place (81st out of 81)
at the 1980 Chess Olympiad.
Angola played in every Chess
Olympiad from 1980 to 2018.
Angola has 4 players rated
over 2200. Angola joined
FIDE in 1980. Angola took
124th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2259.
Angola has 7 masters. Angola
is ranked 94th out of 178
countries, with no GM and 10
IMs. They took 75th out of 171
at the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku.

Antigua and Barbuda joined

FIDE in 2017. It took 185th
place (last place) in the 2018
Batumi Chess Olympiad. They
had one rated player (rated
1060) and 4 unrated players.
The rated player, Matthew
Bailey, lost all 10 games. They
only won 5 games out of 46
games played. The team only
won 1 game out of 11. Antigua
and Barbuda is ranked 178th
(last) out of 178 countries.
They only have 2 active FIDE-
rated players.

Argentina joined FIDE in

1924. It took 41st out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 32nd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Argentina
is ranked 28th out of 178
countries, with 24 GMs and 75
IMs.

Armenia joined FIDE in 1992.

Armenia took 3rd in the 2002
Chess Olympiad. They took
3rd in the 2004 Olympiad. The
took 1st in the 2006 Olympiad.
They took 1st in the 2008
Olympiad. They took 7th in
the 2010 Olympiad. They took
1st in the 2012 Olymp[iad.
They took 8th in the 2014
Olympiad. They did not
participate in the 2016
Olympiad in Baku due to bad
relations between Armenia and
Azerbaijan. It took 8th out of
184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad at Batumi. Armenia
is ranked 8th out of 178
countries, with 42 GMs and 29
IMs.

Aruba joined FIDE in 2001. It

took 144th out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad. They
took 121st in the 2010 Chess
Olympiad. They took 135th
out of 146 in the 2008 Chess
Olympiad. They took 144th
out of 147 in the 2006 Chess
Olympiad. Aruba has 12
FIDE-titled chess players (one
chess master). Aruba is ranked
146th out of 178 chess
federations, with no GM or
IM. Aruba first participated in
a Chess Olympiad in 2002, and
has played in each Chess
Olympiad ever since. They
Aruba Chess Federation was
formed in 1946. Aruba joined
FIDE in 2001. They took
146th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Aruba took 164th out of 184 in
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1754.

Australia joined FIDE in 1926.

It took 35th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 30th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Australia is
ranked 43rd out of 178
countries, with 7 GMs and 27
IMs.

Austria joined FIDE in 1926. It

took 14th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 43rd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Austria is
ranked 38th out of 178
countries, with 9 GMs and 58
IMs. The Austrian Chess
Federation was founded in
1920 and re-founded in 1946.

Azerbaijan joined FIDE in

1992. It took 15th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 12th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. It took 5th
out of 172 at the 2014 Chess
Olympiad in Tromso.
Azerbaijan is ranked 5th out of
178 countries, with 24 GMs
and 30 IMs.

Bahamas is ranked 158th out

of 178 chess federations. The
Bahamas Chess Federation
was founded in 1974 and has
been affiliated with FIDE since
1974. Their highest rated
player is rated 1892. The
Bahamas participated in the
1974 Chess Olympiad (took
72nd out of 73), but did not
take part from 1976 to 1984.
The Bahamas played in the
1986, 1988, and 1990 Chess
Olympiads, but have not
participated since then. In
1988, P. Benevex of the
Bahamas played 12 games in
the Olympiad and lost all 12
games. The Bahamas joined
FIDE in 1974. They took
157th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Bahamas took 175th out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1705.

Bahrain joined FIDE in 1982.

It has two FIDE Masters. They
are ranked 132nd out of 178
federations, with no GM or
IM. Bahrain first played in a
chess Olympiad in 1982. In
2010, they took 117th place
out of 148. They did not
participate in 2012. They took
110th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2090.
They took 111th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku.

Bangladesh joined FIDE in

1979. It took 56th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 76th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Bangladesh
is 67th out of 178 countries,
with 5 GMs and 3 IMs.

Barbados joined FIDE in 1981.

It is ranked 116th out of 178
chess federations, with no GM
and 4 IMs. They took 97th out
of 184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 2177. They
took 90th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Belarus joined FIDE in 1992.

It took 30th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 14th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Belarus is
ranked 22nd out of 178
countries, with 18 GMs and 29
IMs.

Belgium joined FIDE in 1924.

It took 71st out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 53rd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Belgium is
ranked 40th out of 178
countries, with 8 GMs and 26
IMs.

Belize (British Honduras)

joined FIDE in 1990. It has
never participated in a Chess
Olympiad. The Belize Chess
Federation was formed in
1987.

Benin Republic (Dahomey) is

no longer a member of FIDE.
They have never played in a
Chess Olympiad.

Bermuda joined FIDE in 1976.

It took 153rd out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad. They
took 141st out of 148 in the
2010 Chess Olympiad. They
took 137th out of 146 in the
2008 Chess Olympiad. They
took 143rd out of 147 in the
2006 Chess Olympiad.
Bermuda is ranked 147th out
of 178 chess federations, with
no GM or IM. The Bermuda
party (and its Gosling's Rum)
is one of the highlights of
chess Olympiads. Bermuda has
been playing in the chess
Olympiads since 1976 and
only missed 1998. Bermuda
joined FIDE in 1976. They
took 158th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 162nd out of 184 in
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had one FIDE
Master. Their average rating
was 1929. For the first time,
Bermuda also had a team in the
women's section.

Bhutan took 170th out of 172

at the 2014 Chess Olympiad in
Tromso. It was the only time
they played in a Chess
Olympiad. They won 6, drew
4, and lost 30 games as a team.
They currently have no active
FIDE players.

Bolivia joined FIDE in 1939. It

took 72nd out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 102nd out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Bolivia is 90th out of
178 countries, with 1 GM
(Oswaldo Zambrana) and 7
IMs.

Bosnia & Herzegovina joined

FIDE in 1992. It took 65th out
of 184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They
took 34th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
The country is ranked 44th out
of 178 countries, with 8 GMs
and 26 IMs.

Botswana joined FIDE in

1982. It took 90th out of 91 at
the 1982 Chess Olympiad.
Botswana played in every
Chess Olympiad from 1982 to
2018, except for 1984.
Botswana has two players
rated over 2200. They are
ranked 115th out of 178
countries, with no GM and 1
IM. They took 145th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
98th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2145.

Brazil joined FIDE in 1928. It

took 63rd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 23rd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Brazil is
ranked 26th out of 178
countries, with 14 GMs and 32
IMs. The Brazilian Chess
Confederation was founded in
1924.

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

joined FIDE in 1934. It took
145th out of 147 in the 2006
Chess Olympiad. They took
last place (65th out of 65) at
the 1978 Chess Olympiad.
They took last place (73rd out
of 73) in the 1974 Chess
Olympiad. BVI has no titled
players. BVI first joined FIDE
in 1934. The Virgin Islanders
made their first appearance in a
chess Olympiad in 1968. As
one team, they played in the
1968, 1970, and 1972 chess
Olympiad. In 1974, the
islanders were represented at
the chess Olympiad by two
teams, the British Virgin
Islands and the US Virgin
Islands. For many years, player
and team captain Bill Hook
(1925-2010) represented BVI
at the chess Olympiads. The
BVI issued a chess stamp in
Bill HookÂ’s honor. In 1980 at
the Malta Chess Olympiad,
John Jarecki played for the
British Virgin Islands at the
age of 11. The BVI delegate to
FIDE is Carol Jarecki. BVI
played in the 1974-1990, 1994,
2002-2008, and 2014 Chess
Olympiads. In 2014, they took
171st place (out of 172) at the
41st Chess Olympiad in
Tromso.

Brunei Darussalam joined

FIDE in 1980. It is ranked
130th out of 178 chess
federations, with no GM or
IM. Brunei joined FIDE in
1980. They took 137th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
118th out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2036.

Bulgaria joined FIDE in 1936.

It took 66th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They did not play in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
They were suspended due to
ethics compaints and financial
irregularities. The Bulgarian
Chess Union was founded in
1928.

Burkina Faso in West Africa is

ranked 174th out of 178
countries in chess. They joined
FIDE at the 2014 Chess
Olympiad in Tromso, but did
not play and has not played in
any Chess Olympiad. Their
highest rated player is rated
1625.

Burundi joined FIDE in 1999.

Burundi first appeared at the
2010 Chess Olympiad, where
they took 145th out of 148. It
took last place (156th out of
156) in the 2012 Chess
Olympiad. As a team, they did
not win a single match. They
won 3 games, drew 1 game,
and lost 40 games. Their
highest rated player, Yves
Ndikumana was rated 2088.
One team player lost all 11
games that he played. Another
team player lost all 10 games
that he played. They took
166th out of 172 at the 2014
Chess Olympiad in Tromso.
Their women's team failed to
show up in the final rounds
and disappeared. Burundi did
not play in the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Barundi
took 172nd place out of 184 at
the 2018 Batumi Chess
Olympiad. They had 2 rated
players (1765 and 1720) and 3
unrated players. Burundi is
ranked 150th out of 178
countries. The country has one
FIDE master.

Cameroon joined FIDE in

2008. It took 137th out of 148
at the 2010 Chess Olympiad.
Cameroon is ranked 170th out
of 178 chess federations.
Cameroon did not play in the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Cameroon took 156th out of
184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They had
a 2060-rated player, 2058-rated
player, and 3 unrated players.

Cambodia (Kampuchea) joined

FIDE in 2000. It has never
played in a Chess Olympiad.

Canada joined FIDE in 1934.

It took 23rd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 11th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Canada is
ranked 41st out of 178
countries, with 13 GMs and 38
IMs. The Chess Federation of
Canada was founded in 1872.

Cape Verde joined FIDE in

2016. It took 170th out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1772. They are ranked
169th out of 178 countries.

Central African Republic

joined FIDE in 2010. It did not
play in the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
179th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
They had no rated players.
Central African Republic
joined FIDE in 2010. Of the 45
countries in Africa, Central
African Republic is ranked
last.

Chad is no longer a member of

FIDE. They have never played
in a Chess Olympiad.

Chile joined FIDE in 1939. It

took 62nd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 44th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Chile is
ranked 53rd out of 178
countries, with 5 GMs and 12
IMs.

China joined FIDE in 1075. It

took 1st in tiebreaks out of 184
chess federations at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
The women't team took 1st out
of 150 chess federations. They
took 13th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku
(they were seeded #3). China is
ranked 2nd out of 178
countries, with 45 GMs and 36
IMs.

Colombia joined FIDE in

1950. took 64th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 83rd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Colombia
is ranked 50th out of 178
countries, with 6 GMs and 38
IMs.

Congo joined FIDE in 2008. It

took 168th out of 170 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 173rd place out of
184 in the 2018 Batumi Chess
Olympiad. They had 2 rated
players (1760 and 1495) and 2
unrated players.

Costa Rica joined FIDE in

1966. It took 55th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 56th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Costa Rica
is 74th out of 178 countries,
with 1 GM (Bernal Gonzalez
Acosta) and 8 IMs.

Croatia joined FIDE in 1992. It

took 26th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 21st out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Croatia is
ranked 18th out of 178
countries, with 31 GMs and 64
IMs.

Cuba joined FIDE in 1939. It

took 61st out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 25th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Cuba is
ranked 23rd out of 178
countries, with 24 GMs and 55
IMs.

Cyprus joined FIDE in 1961. It

is ranked 114th out of 178
chess federations, win no GM
or IM. In 1910 the Cyprus
Chess Association was
founded and the first Cyprus
chess championship took
place. In 1962 Cyprus scored
the worst score of any Chess
Olympiad team, with only 3
points. It took 37th place out of
37. At Varna the team went 0
for 20 and one of their players,
Ioannidis also went 0 for 20.
Their team only won 2 games,
drew 2 games, and lost 76
games. In 1964 at the Tel Aviv
Olympiad, Ionnidis lost all his
games (4) and Cyprus, again,
took last place (50th out of 50),
drawing 1 and losing 13. Their
team won 5 games, drew 4
games, and lost 47 games.
Cyprus has played in every
chess Olympiad from 1962 to
the present, except for 1976
and 1978. They took 118th out
of 156 in the 2012 chess
Olympiad in Istanbul. They
took 149th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2098. They took 117th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku.

Czech Republic joined FIDE

in 1963. It took 12th out of 184
at the 2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 29th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Czech
Republic is ranked 17th out of
178 countries, with 36 GMs
and 79 IMs.

Denmark joined FIDE in 1926.

It took 44th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 45th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Denmark is
ranked 33rd out of 178
countries, with 13 GMs and 43
IMs.

Djibouti took 170th place (last

place) out of 170 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. They
took 177th out of 184 in the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had a 1662 and a
1576 rated player with 2
unrated players. They are
ranked 162nd out of 178
countries. They have 18 titled
players.

Dominican Republic joined

FIDE in 1963. It took 84th out
of 184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad at Batumi. They
took 99th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Dominican Republic is 85th
out of 178 countries, with 1
GM and 6 IMs.

Ecuador joined FIDE in 1939.

It took 38th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 54th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Ecuador is
77th out of 178 countries, with
1 GM (Carlos Matamoros
Franco) and 14 IMs.

Egypt joined FIDE in 1950. It

took 19th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. The took 62nd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Egypt is
ranked 47th out of 178
countries, with 5 GMs and 30
IMs.

El Salvador joined FIDE in

1966. It is ranked 108th out of
178 chess federations, with no
GM and 4 IMs. In 2014, they
took 102nd out of 172
countries. The country has 5
masters. They took 92nd out of
184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They
took 106th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.

England joined FIDE in 1924.

It took 4th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 9th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. England is
ranked 12th out of 178
countries, with 36 GMs and 62
IMs.

Eritea joined FIDE in 2016. It

took 166th out of 170 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 158th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had a 1723-rated
player and 4 unrated players.
They are ranked 167th out of
178 countries. The Eritrean
Chess Federation was formed
in 2001.

Estonia joined FIDE in 1931

(1991). It took 54th out of 184
at the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 77th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Estonia is
ranked 56th out of 178
countries, with 6 GMs and 13
IMs.

Ethiopia joined FIDE in 1994.

It took 125th out of 170 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 136th out of 184 in
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2024. They are ranked
120th out of 178 countries.
Ethiopia is 120th out of 178
countries, with no GM or IM.

Faroe Islands joined FIDE in

1970. It took 101st out of 171
at the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. They took 103rd out of
184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Faro
Islands is 75th out of 178
countries, with 1 GM (helgi
Dam Ziska) and 2 IMs.

Fiji joined FIDE in 1982. It

took 153rd out of 172 at the
2014 Chess Olympiad in
Tromso. They took 147th out
of 156 in the 2012 Chess
Olympiad. They took 143rd
out of 146 in the 2008 Chess
Olympiad. They took 139th
out of 147 in the 2006 Chess
Olympiad. Fiji played in the
Chess Olympiads in 1986-
1994, 2004-2008, and 2012-
2014. Fiji has 11 FIDE-titled
chess players. They are ranked
159th out of 178 chess
federations. The Fiji Chess
Federation was formed in
1979. They took 160th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They did
not play in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi.

Finland joined FIDE in 1924.

It took 46th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 55th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Finland is
ranked 55th out of 178
countries, with 5 GMs and 22
IMs.

France joined FIDE in 1924. It

took 9th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad at Batumi.
They took 8th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
France is ranked 9th out of 178
countries, with 50 GMs and
110 IMs.

Gabon took 142nd out of 146

in the 2008 Chess Olympiad,
the only chess Olympiad they
have entered. They only had
three players. There are no
Gabon titled chess players.
Gabon joined FIDE in 2007. In
2018, they took 184th out of
184 in the Batumi Chess
Olympiad. They had one rated
player (1765) and 3 unrated
players. One of their players
lost all 11 games. Gabon is
ranked 168th out of 178
countries.

Gambia joined FIDE in 1978.

It took 169th out of 184 in the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Thier average rating
was 1693. They are ranked
138th out of 178 countries,
with no GM or IM. They took
161st out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. The
Gambia Chess Federation was
established in 1976.

Georgia joined FIDE in 1992.

It took 28th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 24th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Georgia is
ranked 16th out of 178
countries, with 32 GMs and 39
IMs.

Germany joined FIDE in 1950.

It took 13th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 37th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Germany is
ranked 14th out of 178
countries, with 96 GMs and
267 IMs.

Ghana joined FIDE in 1990. It

took 146th out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad. They
took 140th out of 148 in the
2010 Chess Olympiad. They
took 140th out of 146 in the
2008 Chess Olympiad. Ghana
has 9 titled chess playesr.
Ghana is ranked 142nd out of
178 chess federations, with no
GM and 1 IM. Ghana first
played in a chess Olympiad in
1986 (95th out of 108 teams).
They did not play again until
2008, and participated in the
2010-2018 Chess Olympiads.
Ghana joined FIDE in 1990.
They took 154th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. They took 147th out of
184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 1984.

Greece joined FIDE in 1948. It

took 20th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 18th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Greece is
ranked 25th out of 178
countries, with 14 GMs and 28
IMs.

Guam joined FIDE in 2011. It

has 1 titled player, with an
average rating of 1671 for the
players of that island. It is
ranks 156th out of 178 chess
federations. The Guam Chess
Federation (Guam Echecs) was
formed and joined FIDE in
2010. Guam took 162nd out of
172 at the 2014 Chess
Olympiad in Tromso, Norway.
They took 147th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. In 2018, Guam took
152nd out of 184 at the Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They had
one rated player (1793) and 4
unrated players.

Guatemala joined FIDE in

1971. It took 81st out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 144th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Guatemala
is 99th out of 178 countries,
with no GM and 2 IMs.

Guernsey joined FIDE in 1969

(1995). It is ranked 148th out
of 178 chess federations, with
no GM or IM. Guernsey joined
Jersey and participated in the
Chess Olympiads from 1982 to
1994. Guernsey played in the
Chess Olympiads as its own
chess federation from 1970-
1976, 1980, 1996 to 2018. In
the 1982 Chess Olympiad in
Lucerne, the oldest player was
Ron Blow of Guernsey, age
74. Guernsey joined FIDE in
1969 and 1995. They took
136th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in [Link]
took 144th out of 184 in the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1908.

Guyana joined FIDE in 1975.

They are ranked 157th out of
178 chess federations. They
took 164th place out of 170 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. Guyana took 138th out
of 184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 1886.

Haiti joined FIDE in 1985. It

took 136th out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad. They
took 139th out of 148 in the
2010 Chess Olympiad. Haiti
participated in the Chess
Olympiads in 1986-1990,
1994, 1996, 2006, 2010-2014-
2018. They missed the 2008
Chess Olympiad due to
hurricanes that ravaged the
island. There are no titled
players from Haiti. The Haitian
Chess Federation was forme
din 1985 and Haiti joined
FIDE in 1985. They took
152nd out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. Haiti
took 137th out of 184 in the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Thier average rating
was 1474.
Honduras joined FIDE in
1975. It took 128th out of 146
in the 2008 Chess Olympiad.
Honduras has played in the
1976, 1982-1990, 1994-2014-
2018 Chess Olympiads.
Honduras has 5 players rated
over 2200. Honduras joined
FIDE in 1975. They are ranked
102nd out of 178 countries,
with no GM and 1 IM. They
took 120th place out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 110th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku.

Hong Kong joined FIDE in

1961. It took 132nd out of 146
in the 2008 Chess Olympiad.
Hong Kong has 19 titled chess
players. Hong Kong is ranked
126th out of 178 chess
federations, with no GM or
IM. The Hong Kong Chess
Federation was founded in
1960 and joined FIDE in 1961.
Hong Kong has participated in
the Chess Olympiads from
1966 to the present, except for
1998. The Hong Kong team in
the 1974 Students' Chess
Olympiad consisted of five
brothers aged 8 to 18. In 1990
the Hong Kong Olympiad
team consisted of four players
from four different countries.
They took 149th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. They took 106th place
out of 184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi.

Hungary joined FIDE in 1924.

It took 18th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 15th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Hungary is
ranked 7th out of 178
countries, with 56 GMs and
121 IMs.

Iceland joined FIDE in 1929. It

took 68th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 60th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Iceland is
ranked 39th out of 178
countries, with 14 GMs and 13
IMs.

India joined FIDE in 1956. It

took 6th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad at Batumi.
They took 4th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 3rd at the 2014
Chess Olympiad in Tromso.
India is ranked 6th out of 178
countries, with 52 GMs and
104 IMs.

Indonesia joined FIDE in

1969. It took 57th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 52nd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Indonesia
is ranked 59th out of 178
countries, with 6 GMs and 18
IMs.

Iran joined FIDE in 1990. It

took 17th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 16th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Iran is
ranked 27th out of 178
countries, with 15 GMs and 22
IMs.

Iraq joined FIDE in 1955. It

took 93rd out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 107th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Iraq is 81st out of 178
countries, with no GMs and 7
IMs.

Ireland joined FIDE in 1933. It

took 82nd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 81st out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Ireland is
65th out of 178 countries, with
1 GM and 8 IMs.

Israel joined FIDE in 1935. It

took 39th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 27th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Israel is
ranked 13th out of 178
countries, with 43 GMs and 61
IMs.

Italy joined FIDE in 1924. It

took 33rd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 22nd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Italy is
ranked 31st out of 178
countries, with 13 GMs and 48
IMs.
Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivorie)
joined FIDE in 2000. It took
167th out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 1680.
They are ranked 151st out of
178 countries. They took 138th
out of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. The
country is 151st out of 178
countries, with no GM or IM.

Jamaica joined FIDE in 1972.

It is ranked 107th out of 178
chess federations, with no GM
and 2 IMs. They took 102nd
out of 180 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad at Baku. They took
117th place out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi.

Japan joined FIDE in 1968. It

took 58th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 68th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Japan is
93rd out of 178 countries, with
no GM and 3 IMs.

Jersey joined FIDE in 1995. It

has 7 titled chess players.
Jersey is ranked 136th out of
178 chess federations, with no
GM or IM. Jersey combined
with Guernsey participated in
the Chess Olympiads from
1982 to 1994. Jersey
participated in the Chess
Olympiads as a separate chess
federation from 1996 to 2012.
They took 143rd out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. Jersey took 141st out of
184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Thier
average rating was 1876.

Jordan joined FIDE in 1974. It

took 70th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 136th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had 2
International Masters and 2
FIDE Masters, with an average
rating of 2345. Jordan is 89th
out of 178 countries, with no
GMs and 3 IMs.

Kazakhstan joined FIDE in

1972. It took 21st out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 28th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Kazakhstan
is ranked 42nd out of 178
countries, with 15 GMs and 39
IMs.

Kenya joined FIDE in 1980. It

took 139th out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad. They
took 131st out of 146 in the
2008 Chess Olympiad. They
took last place (108th out of
108) at the 1990 chess
Olympiad. Kenya has 7 titled
chess players. Kenya is ranked
122nd out of 178 chess
federations, with no GM or
IM. Kenya played in the Chess
Olympiad from 1980-1992,
1998-2014, and 2018. Kenya
did not play at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Kenya took
143rd out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2024.

Kosovo joined FIDE in 2016.

It took 78th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 109th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Kosovo is
84th out of 178 countries, with
no GMs and 2 IMs. The
Kosovo Chess Federaton was
established in 1990.

Kuwait joined FIDE in 1979. It

took 143rd out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad, its first
time playing in a Chess
Olympiad. Kuwait has 6 titled
chess players. Kuwait is
ranked 153rd out of 178 chess
federations, with no GM or
IM. Kuwait took 154th out of
184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 1898. They
took 123rd out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Kyrgyzstan joined FIDE in

1992. It took 75th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 79th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Kyrgyzstan
is 86th out of 178 countries,
with 1 GM and 7 IMs.

Laos joined FIDE in 2004. It is

ranked 176th in chess out of
178 countries. It has never
participated in a Chess
Olympiad. In January 2018, it
organized its first international
chess tournament.

Latvia joined FIDE in 1927

(1991). It took 45th out of 184
at the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 17th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Latvia is
ranked 35th out of 178
countries, with 12 GMs and 10
IMs.

Lebanon joined FIDE in 1957.

It took 126th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2239. They are ranked
104th out of 178 countries, win
no GM and 3 IMs. They took
113th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Lesotho joined FIDE in 2012.

It has no FIDE titled chess
player and is the lowest rated
country, with an average rating
of 1562. Its highest rated
player, Klaas Tokeli, is rated
1827. It is ranked as the 171st
out of 178 chess federations.
They took 156th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. They took 129th out of
184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 1729. The
Lesotho Chess Federation was
established in 2003.

Liberia joined FIDE in 2016. It

did not play in the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
130th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 1631.
They are ranked 154th out of
178 countries. The Liberia
Chess Federation was
established in 2014.

Libya joined FIDE in 1977. It

took 133rd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2060. They are ranked
110th out of 178 countries,
with no GM or IM. They took
124th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Liechtenstein joined FIDE in

1985. It took 139th out of 146
in the 2008 Chess Olympiad.
Liechtenstein has 5 titled chess
players. Liechtenstein is
ranked 140th out of 178 chess
federation, with no GM or IM.
Liechtenstein played in every
Chess Olympiad from 1988 to
2018, except for 1998 and
2010. They took 155th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
131st out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2040.

Lithuania joined FIDE in 1930

(1991). It took 24th out of 184
at the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 65th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Lithuania
is ranked 48th out of 178
countries, with 8 GMs and 19
IMs.

Luxembourg joined FIDE in

1946. It took 88th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 96th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku.
Luxembourg is 72nd out of
178 countries, with no GMs
and 4 IMs.

Macau joined FIDE in 1994. It

took 133rd out of 148 in the
2010 Chess Olympiad. They
took 134th out of 146 in the
2008 Chess Olympiad. Macau
has 6 FIDE-titled players.
Macau has played in every
chess Olympiad since 1994.
They are ranked 175th out of
178 chess federations. They
took 132nd out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Macau took 145th out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1792.

Macedonia (FYROM) joined

FIDE in 1993. It took 48th out
of 184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They
took 67th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Macedonia is ranked 49th out
of 178 countries, with 10 GMs
and 11 IMs.

Madagascar joined FIDE in

1991. It took 135th out of 148
in the 2010 Chess Olympiad.
They took 145th out of 146 in
the 2008 Chess Olympiad. In
2008, one of its players lost all
10 of his games. Madagascar
has 2 International Masters and
9 titled chess players.
Madagascar is ranked 113th
out of 178 chess federations.
They took 83rd out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 114th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku.

Malawi joined FIDE in 1985.

It took 138th out of 146 in the
2008 Chess Olympiad. They
took 140th out of 147 in the
2006 Chess Olympiad. Malawi
has 9 titled chess players. They
are ranked 123rd out of 178
chess federations. Malawi has
played in the Chess Olympiads
from 2006 to 2018. They took
128th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. They
took 132nd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2119. Malawi is 123rd out
of 178 countries, with no GM
or IM.

Malaysia joined FIDE in 1960.

It took 93rd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 134th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Malaysia is
82nd out of 178 countries, with
no GMs and 7 IMs.

Maldives (the smallest country

in Asia) has 4 FIDE titled
players, with an average rating
of 1658 for the players of that
country. It is ranked 177th out
of 178 chess federations. It
played in its first Chess
Olympiad in 2012 and took
127th out of 156 teams. The
took 150th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Maldives took 139th out of
184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 1834.

Mali did not play in the 2016

Chess Olympiad in Baku. took
135th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
They had an average ratng of
2017. They are ranked 137th
out of 178 countries. Mali is
137th out of 178 countries,
with no GM or IM.

Malta joined FIDE in 1959. It

took 141st out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad. Malta
has played in the Chess
Olympiads in 1960, then from
1970 to 2012, except for 1976
and 1978. The first recorded
chess game in Malta was in
1880. Leone Benjacar wrote
chess articles for the Daily
Malta Chronicle in 1880 and
created the Malta Chess Club.
The Maltese Chess Association
was formed in 1923. The first
official chess championship
occurred in Malta in 1925, won
by Oscar Serracino-Inglott.
Malta joined FIDE in 1959 and
played in the Chess Olympiad
in 1960. They took 127th out
of 184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 2072. They
are ranked 118th out of 178
countries. Malta is 118th out of
178 countries, with no GM and
1 IM.

Mauritania took 142nd out of

156 in the 2012 Chess
Olympiad. They took 131st out
of 148 in the 2010 Chess
Olympiad. Mauritania played
in the Chess Olympiads in
1978, 1986, 1988, 2010, and
2012-2018. The took 153rd out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
171st out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 1935.
They are ranked 138th out of
178 countries. Mauritani is
139th out of 178 countries,
with no GM or IM.

Mauritius joined FIDE in

1978. It took 137th out of 156
in the 2012 Chess Olympiad.
They took 129th out of 146 in
the 2008 Chess Olympiad.
They have 5 titled players.
They are ranked 141st out of
178 chess federations, with no
GM or IM. Mauritius played in
every chess Olympiad from
1986 to 2018, except for 1998.
Mauritus took 142nd out of
184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 1873. They
took 115th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Mexico joined FIDE in 1956.

It took 74th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 94th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Mexico is
ranked 58th out of 178
countries, with 4 GMs and 29
IMs.

Moldava joined FIDE in 1992.

It took 31st out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 35th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Moldova is
ranked 51st out of 178
countries, with 7 GMs and 23
IMs.

Monaco joined FIDE in 1958.

It took 73rd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 82nd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Monaco is
70th out of 178 countries, with
5 GMs and 2 IMs.

Mongolia joined FIDE in

1955. It took 22nd out of 184
at the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 51st out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Mongolia
is ranked 52nd out of 178
countries, with 4 GMs and 11
IMs.

Montenegro joined FIDE in

2007. It took 36th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 47th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku.
Montenegro is ranked 54th out
of 178 countries, with 6 GMs
and 16 IMs. The Montenegro
Chess Federation was
established in 1949.

Moroccojoined FIDE in 1976.

It took 69th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 98th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Morocco is
71st out of 178 countries, with
1 GM and 8 IMs.

Mozambique joined FIDE in

1989. It took 134th out of 148
in the 2010 Chess Olympiad.
Mozambique has 10 titled
chess players. Mozambique
played in Chess Olympiads in
1996 and 2006-2018.
Mozambique is ranked 121st
out of 178 chess federations.
with no GM or IM. They took
139th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. They
took 99th out of 184 at the 208
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.

Myanmar joined FIDE in

1990. It took 123rd out of 184
at the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2356. They took 105th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Myanmar
is 68th out of 178 countries,
with 1 GM and 5 IMs.

Namibia joined FIDE in 1933.

It took 138th out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad.
Namibia participated in Chess
Olympiads in 1994 and 1998-
2012. The took 122nd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
128th out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2079.
They are ranked 128th out of
178 countries. Namibia is
128th out of 178 countries,
with no GM or IM.

Nauru (an island in Micronesia

in the Central Pacific) joined
FIDE in 2016. It took 163rd
out of 184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They had
an average rating of 1685. The
Nauru Chess Federation was
established in 2004.

Nepal joined FIDE in 1988. It

has 22 titled chess players.
Nepal has played in the Chess
Olympiads from 2004 through
2018. Nepal is ranked 110th
out of 178 chess federations,
with no GM or IM. They took
120th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. They
took 111th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi.

Netherlands joined FIDE in

1924. It took 40th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 36th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku.
Netherlands is ranked 11th out
of 178 countries, with 35 GMs
and 96 IMs.

Netherlands Antilles joined

FIDE in 1972. It took 136th
out of 148 in the 2010 Chess
Olympiad. They took last place
(48th out of 48) in the 1976
Chess Olympiad. They have 10
titled players. Netherlands
Antilles has played in the chess
Olympiads in 1974, 1976, and
1986-2012. They are ranked
124th out of 178 chess
federations, with no GM or
IM. They took 148th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
150th out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2084.

New Zealand joined FIDE in

1948. It took 87th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 95th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. New
Zealand is 78th out of 178
countries, with 1 GM and 6
IMs.

Nicaragua joined FIDE in

1961. It took out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 121st out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Nicaragua is 97th out
of 178 countries, with no GM
and 3 IMs.

Nigeria joined FIDE in 1975.

It took 76th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 73rd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Nigeria is
88th out of 178 countries, with
no GMs and 6 IMs.

Norway joined FIDE in 1926.

It took 29th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 5th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Noray is
ranked 19th out of 178
countries, with 14 GMs and 35
IMs.

Oman has 5 titled chess

players. Oman played in the
1976 Tripoli “Against Chess
Olympiad,” where it took
33rd out of 34 teams. Oman is
ranked 143rd out of 178 chess
federations. It joined FIDE in
2016. They took 131st out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
115th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Oman is 143rd out of 178
countries, with no GM or IM.
The Oman Chess Committee
was established in 2014.

Pakistan joined FIDE in 1957

(1973). It has two International
Masters (Mahmood Lodhi and
Shahzad Mirza) and 8 FIDE-
titled players. It has played in
the Chess Olympiads in 1974,
1980-1992, 2000, and 2004-
2016. Pakistan is ranked 101st
out of 178 chess federations.
They did not play at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
They took 100th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku.

Palau joined FIDE in 2005. It

took 154th out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad, its first
time playing in a Chess
Olympiad. Its menÂ’s team
had a woman, Elizabeth
Manuel, who lost all 11 of her
games. Palau has one titled
player. They are ranked 165th
out of 178 chess federations.
Palau took 168th out of 172 at
the 2014 Chess Olympiad in
Tromso. They took 163rd out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Palau took
178th out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 1802.
The Palau Chess Federation
was established in 2002.

Palestine joined FIDE in 1982.

It has one International Master
and 9 titled players. Palestine
is ranked 127th out of 178
chess federations. Palestine
played in Chess Olympiads
from 1984 to 2018, except for
1990 and 1996. They took last
place (88th out of 88) in the
1984 Chess Olympiad.
Palestine took 114th out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had one
International Master. Their
average rating was 2033. They
took 112th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Panama joined FIDE in 1966.

It took 96th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 127th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Panama is
96th out of 178 countries, with
no GM and 1 IM.
Papua New Guinea joined
FIDE in 1976. took 143rd out
of 148 in the 2010 Chess
Olympiad. They took 133rd
out of 146 in the 2008 Chess
Olympiad. They took 141st out
of 147 in the 2006 Chess
Olympiad. Papua New Guinea
played in Chess Olympiads in
1976, 1980-1986, 1992, and
2000-2018. Papua New Guinea
has 5 titled chess players. They
are ranked 164th out of 178
chess federations. They took
162nd out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. They
took 161st out of 184 in the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1894.

Paraguay joined FIDE in 1939.

It took 67th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 19th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Paraguay is
ranked 61st out of 178
countries, with 4 GMs and 4
IMs.

Peru joined FIDE in 1941. It

took 49th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 10th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Peru is
ranked 20th out of 178
countries, with 7 GMs and 17
IMs.

Philippines joined FIDE in

1956. It took 37th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 58th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Philippines
is ranked 46th out of 178
countries, with 13 GMs and 29
IMs.

Poland joined FIDE in 1924. It

took 4th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad at Batumi.
They took 7th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Poland is ranked 10th out of
178 countries, with 43 GMs
and 108 IMs.

Portugal joined FIDE in 1927.

It took 47th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 41st out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Portugal is
ranked 60th out of 178
countries, with 3 GMs and 16
IMs.

Puerto Rico joined FIDE in

1938. It took 134th out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2080. They are ranked
106th out of 178 countries,
with no GM and 3 IMs. They
took 140th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Qatar joined FIDE in 1985. It

has three Grandmasters
(Mohammed Al-Modiahki,
Mohammed Al-Sayed, and
Zhu Chen), one International
Master, and 13 titled chess
players. Qatar has played in
Chess Olympiads from 1986 to
2018, except for 2004. Qatar is
ranked 117th out of 178 chess
federations. They took 159th
out of 184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 2060. They
took 48th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Romania joined FIDE in 1924.

It took 27th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 33rd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Romanis is
ranked 21st out of 178
countries, with 21 GMs and 84
IMs.

Russia joined FIDE in 1947. It

took 3rd out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad at Batumi.
They took 3rd out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Russia is ranked 1st out of 178
countries, with 249 GMs and
537 IMs.

Rwanda joined FIDE in 1997.

It took 155th out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad. They
took 146th out of 148 in the
2010 Chess Olympiad. They
took last place (146th out of
146) in the 2008 Chess
Olympiad. They took 146th
out of 147 in the 2006 Chess
Olympiad. Rwanda took last
place (126th out of 126) at the
2000 Chess Olympiad.
Rwanda has played in the
Chess Olympiads from 2000 to
2012. Rwanda has 3 titled
players. They are ranked 155th
out of 178 chess federations.
Rwanda did not play in the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Rwanda took 181st out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1803. Their players
missed round 1 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad, arriving in
Batumi late in the day.

San Marino joined FIDE in

1984. It took 148th out of 156
in the 2012 Chess Olympiad.
They took 144th out of 148 in
the 2010 Chess Olympiad. San
Marino has played in chess
Olympiads from 1984 to 2018.
San Marino has 6 titled chess
players. San Marino is ranked
145th out of 178 chess
federations, with no GM or
IM. They took 151st out of 171
at the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. They took 160th out of
184 in the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. Their
average rating was 1937.

Sao Tome and Principe took

150th out of 156 in the 2012
Chess Olympiad. They took
138th out of 148 in the 2010
Chess Olympiad. They have 2
titled players. They are ranked
160th out of 178 chess
federations. They took 130th
out of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
146th out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 1600.
Saudi Arabia joined FIDE in
2016. It has 3 titled chess
players. They are ranked 135th
out of 178 chess federations,
with no GM or IM. They took
157th out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 1976.
They took 116th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. The Saudi Chess
Federation was established in
2009.

Scotland joined FIDE in 1932.

It took 94th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 69th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Scotland is
ranked 57th out of 178
countries, with 7 GMs and 9
IMs.

Senegal is ranked 149th out of

178 chess federations, with no
GM or IM. Senegal has played
in the Chess Olympiads in
1982, 1986, 1988, and 2010.
Senegal has no titled players.
They did not play in the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Senegal took 165th out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had a 2026 rated
player and an 1880 rated
player, with 3 unrated players.

Serbia joined FIDE in 1924. It

took 52nd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
[Link] took 38th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Serbia is
ranked 20th out of 178
countries, with 57 GMs and
123 IMs.

Seychelles joined FIDE in

1978. It took last place (148th
out of 148) in the 2010 Chess
Olympiad. They only won two
matches with 7 wins, 5 draws,
and 32 losses. Their highest
rated player was Benjamin
Hoareau at 2026, the only
titled chess player in
Seychelles. Seychelles took
144th out of 146 in the 2008
Chess Olympiad. Seychelles
took last place (128th out of
128) in the 2004 Chess
Olympiad. They took last place
(102nd out of 102) at the 1992
Chess Olympiad. Seychelles
took last place (107th out of
107) at the 1988 Chess
Olympiad. Seychelles took last
place (108th out of 108) in the
1986 chess Olympiad. In 1986
their players lost 12 out of 14
games, 11 out of 14 games, 13
out of 14 games, and 13 out of
14 games. They lost 49 out of
56 games, scoring only 5
points. Seychelles has played
in Chess Olympiads in 1986,
1988, 1992-2000, and 2004-
2010. They did not play in the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Seychelles is ranked 166th out
of 178 chess federations. They
took 180th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1640.

Sierra Leone took 149th out of

156 in the 2012 Chess
Olympiad. They took 142nd
out of 148 in the 2010 Chess
Olympiad. Sierre Leone did
not play in the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
154th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olkympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 1643.
They are ranked 134th out of
178 countries. The country is
134th out of 178 countries,
with no GM or IM.

Singapore joined FIDE in

1960. It took 85th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 63rd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Singapore
is 64th out of 178 countries,
with 3 GMs and 14 IMs.

Slovakia joined FIDE in 1993.

It took 66th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 61st out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Slovakia is
ranked 45th out of 178
countries, with 12 GMs and 29
IMs.

Slovenia joined FIDE in 1992.

It took 32nd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 20th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Slovenia is
ranked 34th out of 178
countries, with 12 GMs and 25
IMs.

Solomon Islands have no titled

chess players. It is ranked
160th out of 163 chess
federations. It became a
member of FIDE in 2008. In
2014, the took 172nd place
(last place) out of 172 chess
federations at the Tromso
Chess Olympiad.

Somalia joined FIDE in 2002.

It took last place (34th out of
34) in the 1976 “Against
Chess Olympiad” in Tripoli.
Somalia played in the 2002
Chess Olympiad, where it took
128th place out of 134 chess
federations. Somalia has no
titled chess players. They took
141st out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Somalia took 147th out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1802. They are ranked
172nd out of 178 countries.

South Africa joined FIDE in

1992. It took 70th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 97th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. South
Africa is 76th out of 178
countries, with 1 GM and 9
IMs.

South Korea joined FIDE in

1994. It has one Grandmaster
(Alexey Kim), 1 International
Master (Jose Camacho
Collados), and 21 titled chess
players. South Korea is ranked
105th out of 178 chess
federations. They took 142nd
out of 147 in the 2006 Chess
Olympiad. South Korea has
played in Chess Olympiads
from 2006 to 2012. South
Korea was admitted as a FIDE
member in 1994. They took
121st out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. They
took 108th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi.

South Sudan joined FIDE in

2016. took 116th out of 184 in
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had 3 experts
and 2 unrated players. The
South Sudan chess team won
its first gold medal by winning
Group E at the Olympiad.
They took 107th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku, their first Olympiad.
South Sudan is 129th out of
178 countries, with no GM or
IM. The South Sudan Chess
Federation was established in
2014.

Spain joined FIDE in 1928. It

took 25th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 31st out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Spain is
ranked 15th out of 178
countries, with 53 GMs and
131 IMs.

Sri Lanka joined FIDE in

1978. It is ranked 109th out of
178 chess federations, with no
GM and 1 IM. They took
108th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku. They
took 112th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi.

Sudan joined FIDE in 1986. It

has one International Master
(Omar Eltigani) and 13 titled
chess players. Sudan is ranked
112th out of 178 chess
federations. Sudan has played
in Chess Olympiads in 1986-
1990, 1994, 2006, and 2012-
2018. They took 91st out of
184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They
took 71st out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.

Surinam joined FIDE in 1974.

It took 132nd out of 148 in the
2010 Chess Olympiad. They
took 130th out of 146 in the
2008 Chess Olympiad. In the
1982 chess Olympiad, 12 year-
old Kien Tjing-Joe played for
Surinam. Surinam has played
in Chess Olympiads in 1982,
1984, 1988, and 2000-2018.
Surinam has 20 titled chess
players. Surinam is ranked
125th out of 178 chess
federations, with no GM or
IM. They took 142nd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
140th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Their average rating was 2033.

Swaziland joined FIDE in

2011. It took 169th out of 172
at the 2014 Chess Olympiad in
Tromso. They took 169th out
of 170 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
155th out of 184 in the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
Thier average rating was 1525.
They are raned 173rd out of
178 countries. The Swaziland
National Chess Federation was
established in 2006.

Sweden joined FIDE in 1926.

It took 11th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 59th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Sweden is
ranked 30th out of 178
countries, with 22 GMs and 42
IMs.

Switzerland joined FIDE in

1924. It took 34th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 40th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku.
Switzerland is ranked 37th out
of 178 countries, with 10 GMs
and 39 IMs.

Syria joined FIDE in 1972. It

took 125th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2219. They took 118th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Syria is
92nd out of 178 countries, with
no GM and 4 IMs.

Taipei joined FIDE in 2004. It

took 140th out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad. They
took 136th out of 146 in the
2008 Chess Olympiad. They
took 87th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Taipei has played in Chess
Olympiads from 2006 to 2018.
Taipei has 11 titled players.
They are ranked 131st out of
178 federations, with no GM
or IM. Chinese Taipei joined
FIDE in 2004.

Tajikistan joined FIDE in

1992. It took 72nd out of 184
at the 2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 80th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Tajikistan
is 83rd out of 178 countries,
with 1 GM and 4 IMs.

Tanzania joined FIDE in 2016.

took 168th out of 184 in the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1770. Their top-rated
player, Hemed Miawa, became
Tanzania's first FIDE Mater.
They took 159th out of 171 at
the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. They are ranked 161st
out of 178 countries. The
Tanzania Chess Association
was established in 1984.

Thailand joined FIDE in 1961.

It took 151st out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 2111 with three FIDE
Masters. They are ranked
111th out of 178 countries,
with no GM or IM. They took
119th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Timor-Leste joined FIDE in
2016. took 176th out of 184 in
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had a average
rating of 1655. The Timor-
Leste Chess Federation was
established in 2013.

Togo joined FIDE in 2012. It

took 152nd out of 156 in the
2012 Chess Olympiad, its first
Chess Olympiad. Two players
lost 9 out of 10 games. Togo
has no titled chess player. They
are ranked 163rd out of 178
chess federations. Togo joined
FIDE in 2012. They took
165th out of 171 at the 2016
Chess Olympiad in Baku.
Togo took 174thth out of 184
in the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Their average rating
was 1737.

Trinidad & Tobago joined

FIDE in 1972. It is ranked
100th out of 178 chess
federations. They took 104th
out of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
119th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad in Batumi.
They are 100th out of 178
countries, with no GM and 1
IM.

Tunisia joined FIDE in 1958.

It took 95th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 129th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Tunisia is
79th out of 178 countries, with
2 GMs and 7 IMs.

Turkey joined FIDE in 1962. It

took 42nd out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 6th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Turkey is
ranked 24th out of 178
countries, with 13 GMs and 21
IMs.

Turkmenistan joined FIDE in

1992. It took 50th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 50th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku.
Turkmenistan is 63rd out of
178 countries, with 5 GMs and
8 IMs.

Uganda joined FIDE in 1978.

It took 126th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
They took 104th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. Uganda is 95th out of
178 countries, with no GM and
2 IMs.

Ukraine joined FIDE in 1992.

It took 10th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 2nd out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Ukrained is
ranked 4th out of 178
countries, with 91 GMs and
201 IMs.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

joined FIDE in 1977. It took
64th out of 65 at the 1978
Chess Olympiad. The UAE has
played in the Chess Olympiads
from 1978 to 2018, except for
2004. The UAE Chess
Federation was established in
1976. The UAE joined FIDE
in 1977. They took 90th out of
184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They
took 86th out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
UAE is 87th out of 178
countries, with 2 GMs and 7
IMs.

United States of America

joined FIDE in 1927. The USA
team (Caruana, So, Nakamura,
Shankland, Robson) took 2nd
on tiebreaks out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 1st out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku (its 1st gold
in 40 years). The USA is
ranked 3rd out of 178
countries. It has 97GMs and
155 IMs.

Uruguay joined FIDE in 1937.

It took 77th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 84th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Uruguay is
73rd out of 178 countries, with
1 GM and 5 IMs.

U.S. Virgin Islands joined

FIDE in 1966. It took 167th
out of 170 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. 145th out
of 156 in the 2012 Chess
Olympiad. They took 147th
out of 148 in the 2010 Chess
Olympiad. They took 141st out
of 146 in the 2008 Chess
Olympiad. They took last place
(147th out of 147) in the 2006
Chess Olympiad. They took
last place (134th out of 134) in
the 2002 chess Olympiad.
They took last place (110th out
of 110) at the 1998 Chess
Olympiad. They took last place
(114th out of 114) in the 1996
Chess Olympiad. They took
last place (124th out of 124) at
the 1994 Chess Olympiad. The
U.S. Virgin Islands have
played in Chess Olympiads
from 1974 to 2012, except for
1986. The U.S. Virgin Islands
first joined FIDE in 1966.
They took 182nd out of 184 in
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They had a 2116-rated
player, an 1888-rated player
and 2 unrated players. One
player got one draw and lost 10
games. They are ranked 144th
out of 178 countries, with no
GM or IM.

Uzbekestan joined FIDE in

1992. It took 16th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 39th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Uzbekistan
is ranked 32nd out of 178
countries, with 14 GMs and 15
IMs.

Venezuela joined FIDE in

1939. It took 89th out of 184 at
the 2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. They took 46th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Venezuela
is 62nd out of 178 countries,
with 1 GM and 23 IMs.

Vietnam joined FIDE in 1988.

It took 7th out of 184 at the
2018 Chess Olympiad at
Batumi. They took 47th out of
171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. Vietnam
has 10 grandmasters and 16
International Masters. Vietnam
is ranked 36th out of 178
counties.

Wales took 85th out of 171 at

the 2016 Chess Olympiad in
Baku. They took 100th at the
2018 Chess Olympiad in
Batumi. The Welsh Chess
Union was formed in 1954.
They joined FIDE in 1970.
They completed in its first
Chess Olympiad at Skopje in
1972, finishing 43rd out of 62.
Wales is ranked 91st out of
178 countries, with 1 GM and
5 IMs.

Yemen joined FIDE in 1990. It

is ranked 152nd out of 178
chess federations, win no GM
and 5 IMs. It took 79th out of
184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad at Batumi. In 2010,
Yemen sacked its chess team
for playing against Israel at a
chess tournament in Belarus.
Yemen is ranked 152nd out of
178 countries.

Zambia joined FIDE in 1975.

It took last place (91st out of
91) at the 1982 Chess
Olympiad. Zambia played in
the Chess Olympiads in 1982,
1986-1990, 1994, 2000, 2002,
and 2006-2018. Zambia has 8
International Masters and 1
Grandmaster (Amon
Simutowe). They took 64th out
of 171 at the 2016 Chess
Olympiad in Baku. They took
109th out of 184 at the 2018
Chess Olympiad. Zambia is
80th out of 178 countries.

Zimbabwe joined FIDE in

1979. It is ranked 103rd out of
178 chess federations, with no
GM and 5 IMs. They took 59th
out of 184 at the 2018 Chess
Olympiad in Batumi. They
took 92nd out of 171 at the
2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku.
The country has 2 masters.

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