There's no denying it: COVID-19 has flipped the world's economies and stock markets on their heads.

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, countries have entered recession, companies have seen their profits nosedive, and some of the world's super-rich have seen their net worths tumble. On the flip-side, businesses such as Zoom have experienced incredible gains, while sectors like green energy are also enjoying a boom.

With that in mind, click or scroll through our gallery to discover some of the most surprising financial facts that you'd never have believed in the pre-pandemic world. All dollar values in US dollars.