The Nobel Prize is one measure of a country’s intellectual prowess. Whether it is in the sciences, literature or economics, to win one is always a point of pride, not only for the winners but also for their country of citizenship. Since the first Nobel Prize was awarded in 1901, 860 individuals from 76 countries have won it. Of these, 363 have been from the United States. More Nobel Prize winners have been American than any other nationality.
And of the 363 American awardees, 98 were born in other countries. Of the six Americans awarded Nobel Prizes last year in chemistry, physics and economics, all are immigrants. They are Americans by choice, but not by birth. Other past notable winners – including Albert Einstein – became American citizens after winning their awards.