The Trends in Gender and Nationality at the International Math Olympiad

Brandon Truong, last modified 19/10/2025

The Internaional Math Olympiad (IMO) is an annual competition for pre-university students from around the world. The first IMO was held in 1959 in Romania. More than 100 countries participate, with each country sending a team of up to six students, plus one leader, a deputy leader and observers. Due to its emphasis on nationality and gender, there can be underlying trends found in the relationships between nationality, gender and results.

Number of Contestants by Gender

Both genders show a steady increase in number of contestants
Males show greater growth in number of contestants
Notably, 1968 had no female contestants competing

Medals awarded at the IMO

Despite their numerous appearances, European contestants claim more silver and bronze medals than gold
China take home more gold medals than any other country
China, USA and Russia have been awarded the most gold medals
After 1991, Soviet Union countries entered separately

Countries' scores at the IMO

Although scores are determined individually, team scores are compared more often
In recent years, problems 1 and 4 tend to be better answered

Government Expenditure on Education as a % of GDP

Although they are the winningest country, China spends less than its competitors at around 4% per year
Australia spends a consistent amount on education
Australia spends more than notable European countries as well as China, yet does not have the medals to rival them

Female Participation at the IMO

Australia is consistently able to send at least 1 female representative
In 2024, all 6 representatives Oman sent were female