The ranking in the country-wise winners tables for the Olympics is based on which team has won the maximum number of gold medals. Though the International Olympic Committee or IOC does not officially publish the combined tally of medals, the charts are tabulated by combining the individual game lists.
The Modern Summer Games started in 1896 at the birthplace of the Ancient Olympics, Athens. Since then, this sporting extravaganza is held once every four years. The Games did not take place on three occasions (1916, 1940 and 1944) due to the First World War and Second World War. Rio de Janeiro will be hosting the 31st edition of the Olympics in 2016.
The United States of America has won the maximum number of medals at the Summer Games in all the categories. Its tally of 976 gold medals, 757 silver medals, and 666 bronze medals is a long way ahead than any other country in the world. The erstwhile USSR still ranks second in the overall medals list of the Summer Games, with a kitty of 395 gold medals, 319 silver medals, and 296 bronze medals. Great Britain, France, and Italy make up the list of the top five Olympic Medal winning countries.
It is interesting to note that Germany participated in only 16 editions of the Summer Games. Due to the Second World War, the country was divided into Democratic Republic of Germany and Federal Republic of Germany. These two separate countries took part in the Summer Games seven times and five times respectively.
Following is a list of the countries which have won Olympic medals till the 2012 London Olympics.