The United States has the most McDonald's restaurants of any country, with roughly 13,500 locations — more than any other nation. China ranks second and is expanding fastest, followed by Japan, Germany, and Canada. In total, McDonald's operates in more than 100 countries.
Introduction
McDonald's is the world's largest restaurant chain by revenue, operating over 40,000 locations globally. Founded in 1940 and franchised nationwide by Ray Kroc from 1955, the Golden Arches have become one of the most recognisable brands on Earth. Yet the restaurants are far from evenly distributed.
The United States, the company's home market, still hosts roughly a third of all locations. This guide ranks the countries with the most McDonald's restaurants and looks at where the chain is growing most quickly.
Countries With the Most McDonald's
1. United States
- United States: Around 13,500 restaurants, roughly one-third of the global total. This is the chain's founding market, and no other country comes close. There is a McDonald's within a few miles of most Americans.
2. China
- China: More than 5,000 restaurants and growing faster than anywhere else. McDonald's has announced ambitious expansion plans, aiming to make China its second-largest market after the United States, with thousands more openings planned.
3. Japan
- Japan: Around 3,000 restaurants, making it one of the largest markets in Asia. McDonald's Japan is famous for limited-time regional items such as the Teriyaki Burger and seasonal shrimp offerings.
4. Germany
- Germany: Roughly 1,400 restaurants, the most of any European country. McDonald's is deeply established in German cities and along the country's extensive Autobahn network.
5. Canada
- Canada: Around 1,400 restaurants serving a population far smaller than the leading markets, giving Canada one of the highest per-capita counts among large nations.
6. France
- France: More than 1,500 restaurants. Despite France's celebrated culinary tradition, it is one of McDonald's most profitable markets, with locations often adapted to local tastes, including the McBaguette.
7. United Kingdom
- United Kingdom: Around 1,450 restaurants across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the chain a fixture of high streets and motorway service stations.
8. Australia
- Australia: Roughly 1,000 restaurants, affectionately nicknamed "Macca's" by locals — a term the company has officially embraced in its Australian branding.
9. Brazil
- Brazil: More than 1,000 restaurants, the largest McDonald's presence in Latin America and a major growth market for the brand in the region.
A Truly Global Brand
While the United States dominates by sheer number, the story of McDonald's is one of global reach. The chain operates in more than 100 countries, adapting its menu to local cultures — offering the McSpicy Paneer in India, where no beef is served, teriyaki burgers in Japan, and the McBaguette in France.
The company's international footprint is often used as an informal economic indicator. The Economist's "Big Mac Index" compares the price of a Big Mac across countries to gauge whether currencies are over- or under-valued, a testament to how universal the product has become.
Questions and Answers
Which country has the most McDonald's?
The United States has the most, with roughly 13,500 restaurants — about a third of all McDonald's locations worldwide.
How many countries have McDonald's?
McDonald's operates in more than 100 countries and territories, serving tens of millions of customers every day across over 40,000 restaurants.
Which country is McDonald's growing fastest in?
China is McDonald's fastest-growing major market, with the company planning to open thousands of additional restaurants to make it the second-largest market after the United States.