Olympic medal tally count and ranking?

The International Olympic Committee's web site olympic.org display a table in which countries with more gold medals are ranked first. However, there's a statement under the table: "The International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not recognise global ranking per country; the medal tables are displayed for information only."

So it is very much depends on how you perceive it. Some say Gold takes priority, others say the total does. You are the judge by yourself.

I have seen it being referred to as a medal tally more than a ranking system. I don't think there is an official ranking system that ranks one country higher than the other based on some calculation of gold, silver or bronze medals.

I have not come across any point system either that assigns points for specfic medals or events. Hence, a gold in basketbal is equivalent to a gold in archery.

No its not based on the total numbr of medals.
Dont listen to the yahoo reports, its not official.
right now, US is in third with 2 gold 3 silver and 4 bronze.
South Korea is second with 3 golds and 2 silvers.
China is in first with 6 golds and 2 silvers.

It's based on the total number of medals. Right now, the USA and China are tied, each with 8 medals each, despite the fact that China has more golds that the US.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2008/