Paris 2024 Olympics: Southeast Asian Athletes' Ratio to Population

As the Paris 2024 Olympics progresses, an analysis of Southeast Asian nations' athlete-to-population ratios provides intriguing insights into the representation of these countries on the global stage. The ratio, which compares the number of athletes to the total population, reflects how each nation’s Olympic participation scales with its demographic size.

Athlete-to-Population Ratios

1. Brunei Darussalam

   • Number of Athletes: 3
   • Population: 0.45 million
   • Ratio: 6.6 athletes per million people

   Brunei Darussalam leads Southeast Asia with the highest athlete-to-population ratio. Despite sending only 3 athletes, the country's small population results in a high ratio of 6.6. This notable representation highlights Brunei Darussalam's strong focus on Olympic participation relative to its size.

2. Singapore

   • Number of Athletes: 23
   • Population: 6 million
   • Ratio: 3.83 athletes per million people

   Singapore follows with a ratio of 3.83. The country's substantial athlete contingent relative to its population reflects its robust sports programs and support systems for Olympians.

3. Timor-Leste

   • Number of Athletes: 4
   • Population: 1.3 million
   • Ratio: 3.07 athletes per million people

   Timor-Leste’s ratio of 3.07 showcases its significant Olympic representation given its population size, emphasizing the country’s dedication to sports despite its smaller scale.

4. Malaysia

   • Number of Athletes: 26
   • Population: 34.6 million
   • Ratio: 0.75 athletes per million people

   Malaysia’s ratio of 0.75 reflects its moderate representation, with a larger athlete pool spread over a relatively larger population.

5. Thailand

   • Number of Athletes: 51
   • Population: 71 million
   • Ratio: 0.72 athletes per million people

   Thailand’s ratio of 0.72 highlights a significant Olympic presence relative to its population, showcasing its strong sports culture.

6. Laos

   • Number of Athletes: 3
   • Population: 7.7 million
   • Ratio: 0.39 athletes per million people

   Laos has a ratio of 0.39, indicating a modest level of Olympic participation relative to its population.

7. Philippines

   • Number of Athletes: 22
   • Population: 119 million
   • Ratio: 0.18 athletes per million people

   The Philippines, with a ratio of 0.18, reflects a relatively lower representation of athletes compared to its large population.

8. Cambodia

   • Number of Athletes: 3
   • Population: 17 million
   • Ratio: 0.17 athletes per million people

   Cambodia’s ratio of 0.17 is similar to that of the Philippines, indicating limited Olympic representation relative to its population.

9. Viet Nam

   • Number of Athletes: 16
   • Population: 99.5 million
   • Ratio: 0.16 athletes per million people

   Viet Nam’s ratio of 0.16 highlights a lower athlete representation compared to its sizable population.

10. Indonesia

    • Number of Athletes: 29
    • Population: 280 million
    • Ratio: 0.10 athletes per million people

    Indonesia has the lowest ratio of 0.10, reflecting a lower level of Olympic representation relative to its large population.

11. Myanmar

    • Number of Athletes: 2
    • Population: 54 million
    • Ratio: 0.04 athletes per million people

    Myanmar’s ratio of 0.04 is the lowest in Southeast Asia, with just 2 athletes representing a large population base.

Summary

The athlete-to-population ratios for Southeast Asian nations at the Paris 2024 Olympics reveal diverse levels of representation and participation. Brunei’s high ratio underscores its significant Olympic focus relative to its size, while countries like Myanmar and Indonesia show lower ratios, reflecting the challenges they face in scaling Olympic participation to their larger populations. These figures provide a snapshot of how each country’s Olympic efforts align with its demographic profile.