First, allow me to explain how a kingdom is ranked 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.
When you start FFXI, you choose between 3 Kingdoms. Sandoria, Bastok, and Windurst. Once you begin, you will be able to have signet cast on you. While signet is active, there are 3 effects:
1. Crystals can be obtained from Monsters. (Kill them to obtain the crystals)
2. As you kill, you gain Conquest Points. (Conquest Points are used to buy Items from special types of Gaurds.)
3. As you kill Monsters that give you EXP, you gain points for your kingdom.
The kingdom with the most points saved up goes in first. When your kingdom has alot of points, they have control over more areas. When they have control over areas, you can go to these places to have signet cast on you. Also you can set up a Home Point in that area for free. (If there is a special gaurd there.)
So, on your server, which kingdom is usually in first?
On my server, Fairy, it is almost always Sandoria. But Windurst is on the rise. Windurst has control over Sarutabaruta (duh), Qufim, Derfland, and Zulkheim.
Note: Keep in mind that I quit FFXI for a long while, and my explanation of Signet is what I remember from a year ago.