@ Commander Peace; yes, I remember a time when CEO's were breaking down the doors to get into countries. It isn't like that anymore as you noted.
I will be glad to invest in your country if you can get the WI up; the WI affects CEO's much more now it seems than it did in the past.
Online players is the total for the game. If you are talking about the number of CEO's and presidents that scrolls at the top of the home page, it is for the whole game. Rankings however, are done by each world. I hope that makes sense....if not, tell me, and I'll attempt a better answer.