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 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 and still played. Afghanistan joined FIDE in 1984. They 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 Hook’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 Baku.They 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 men’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 Batumi.They 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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