Guinness World Records, originally known as The Guinness Book of Records until 1999, is a British reference book published annually that catalogs world records of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. The concept was created by Sir Hugh Beaver to settle arguments in pubs. Twin brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter co-founded the book, with the first edition published in London in August 1955. By Christmas of the same year, it topped the bestseller list in the United Kingdom. The following year, the book was launched internationally.
As of the 2026 edition, Guinness World Records is in its 71st year of publication, is published in 100 countries and 40 languages, and maintains over 53,000 records in its database. The franchise has expanded to include television series and museums. Guinness World Records has offices in London, New York, Beijing, Tokyo, and Dubai, with adjudicators present around the world. Since 2008, the organization has shifted its business model from selling books to creating new world records for publicity purposes. Guinness World Records also maintains a list of activities it does not endorse, including those that could cause harm, endanger animals, involve excessive eating or food wastage, or involve alcohol consumption or illegal activities. Recently, Guinness World Records lifted its ban on submissions from Israel and the Palestinian territories.
