Each year, young students from more than 60 countries meet at the International Chemistry Olympiad to challenge their chemistry skills.
As like other Olympiads the competition takes place in changing host countries (e.g. 2004 in Germany) but on a yearly period. Every country may send a team of up to 4 students which will compete individually against their international competitors in a theoretical and a practical exam of 5 hours each. The remaining time is used to foster an international understanding. An interesting social programme, often featuring culture and tradition of the host country, encompasses the competition.

The International Chemistry Olympiad is an individual competition and each student may win a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal for his own (and his country). However, an unofficial list of the countries placement may be found each year.