Median Income
$114,063
52% higher than US avg
Home Value
$278,800
1% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.9%
48% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,750
50% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
42% lower than US avg
How Bellefonte Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,251
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density1,422/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$114,063
Per Capita$58,746
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty7.2%
County GDP$3,758M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$278,800
Rent$1,750
Ownership93.8%
Zillow$250,335
Housing Units431
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation648 ft (198 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.9%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+19.9%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute21 min
Broadband94.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Bellefonte a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bellefonte receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Bellefonte stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bellefonte is $114,063, which is significantly higher than the national average / 52% above $75,149. This places Bellefonte among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bellefonte is $278,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,750 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bellefonte is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bellefonte experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bellefonte has a population of 1,251 with a density of 1,422 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%), with 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bellefonte vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bellefonte vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bellefonte is $114,063, which is 52% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $58,746 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,139, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,796 business establishments, including 131 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bellefonte vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $114,063 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $58,746 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,139 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,553 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.2% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,796 |
| County GDP | $3,758M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 131 |
| Healthcare | 156 |
| Retail | 223 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,902 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Bellefonte is $278,800, 1% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,335, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,750 (50% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 431 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,902. 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $278,800 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,335 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,750 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.2% |
| Housing Units | 431 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,902 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.40% |
In Bellefonte, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:998. The dentist ratio is 1:1,375. 64.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bellefonte vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:998 |
| Dentists | 1:1,375 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 13,628/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 156 |
Bellefonte has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Bellefonte vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Bellefonte experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 648 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 648 ft (198 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,422/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4987°N, 82.6903°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Boyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0465 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.60 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
97 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
56 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
100 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
32 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
118 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
88 km |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
13 km NNE of Sissonville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
97 km |
| Mar 16, 2012 |
7 km SE of Alum Creek, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
87 km |
| Oct 2, 1998 |
10 km NE of Sylvester, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
117 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
50 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
73 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
162 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 170 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
24 km |
7 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2022 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
80 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1981 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
10,183 |
72 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
10,148 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
CANE ROCK |
9,017 |
86 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
8,287 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
7,281 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
MILL CREEK ROAD |
7,029 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,337 |
78 km |
| 1987 |
PLUM BRANCH |
6,223 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Bellefonte has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 31°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Bellefonte. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $359 |
| Toddler | $359 |
| Preschool | $359 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bellefonte
What is the population of Bellefonte?
Bellefonte has a population of 1,251 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,422 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Bellefonte expensive to live in?
Bellefonte is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $114,063, 52% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $278,800 (1% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,750 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bellefonte safe?
Bellefonte is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Bellefonte?
Bellefonte has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bellefonte?
The job market in Bellefonte is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,139. There are 1,796 business establishments in the area, including 131 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bellefonte?
The median home value in Bellefonte is $278,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,335. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,750. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,902.
How are the schools in Bellefonte?
Schools in Bellefonte score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.9% of adults in Bellefonte hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 19.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bellefonte?
The obesity rate in Bellefonte is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 64.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:998.
What is transportation like in Bellefonte?
The average commute in Bellefonte is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bellefonte?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bellefonte is 89.3% White, 2.2% Black or African American. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
