Apple is now worth more than Poland!

Apple is now worth more than Poland, with a population of 38 million people, as its stock market value hit over $500 billion for the first time today. The company, co-founded by Steve Jobs, is also worth more than Belgium, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.

Apple is now worth more than Poland as its stock market value hit over $500 billion for the first time on Thursday, the Daily Mail reported.

Apple is now worth $506 billion - in contrast Poland, with a population of 38 million people, has a GDP figure of just $497 billion.

The company, co-founded by Steve Jobs, is also worth more than Belgium, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.

Apple's value only overtook Microsoft in May 2010 - but since then, their ascent has been rapid, the newspaper said.

However, despite five other companies being valued at half a trillion dollars, none hasse maintained its dominance for long.

Exxon hit the magical $500 billion valuation in 2007 for two short periods but has since seen its value fall to $411 billion.

Microsoft saw their value hit $600 billion in 2000 - but after losing their dominance, they are now worth just $267 billion.

Cisco Systems, Intel and General Electric also peaked just above $500 billion in early 2000.

Cisco and Intel are now worth a bit over $100 billion each, while GE is worth $200 billion.

Steve Jobs, Apple's late celebrated CEO, apparently haunted by the company's lean years in the 1990s, had a policy of accumulating cash and the company now sits on a war chest worth $97.6 billion.

Apple's iPhone business is now bigger than the whole of Microsoft, according to recent revenue figures.