PHP: Get specific elements from MySQL database to show on top of select options list -

i have select menu on website displays available countries. countries come mysql table contains 10 countries, in random order. know how retrieve countries table , output them in html select menu php.

however, wondering code-wise the efficient way when want pick two specific countries appear on top of options list, other 8 countries listed underneath? use little sql , php possible achieving goal.

let's have following table "countries":

   id   name    1    united states    2    france    3    brazil    4    puerto rico    5    india    6    australia    7    italy    8    denmark    9    south africa    10   oman 

i output countries in select menu , want list start denmark , india (with ids option values).

my goal:

<select>    <option value="8">denmark</option>    <option value="5">india</option>    // ... other 8 countries underneath, in no specific order </select> 

the basic sql query retrieving countries be:

select id, name countries 

how need proceed achieving goal best?

if want alphabetical order followers, can use statement

   select id, name       countries      order id=8 desc, id=5 desc, name asc