How can we leave widespread poverty behind?

Jan 17, 2022

a homeless man sitting in a subway with his dog

62% of the world live on less than $10 per day, even after centuries of the fight against poverty, we are still in the early stages. Image: UNSPLASH/Nick Fewings

Max Roser

Programme Director, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford

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Economic Progress

A chart showing income distribution in Sweden in 1820.

In 1820, the majority of people in Sweden were entrenched in poverty. Image: Gapminder

In the 19th century, the majority of people in Sweden had risen out of extreme poverty. Image: Gapminder

A chart showing where the poverty line is set at in Sweden in 2020.

Strong economic growth has meant that the majority of people in Sweden live above the poverty line. Image: Gapminder

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What is the World Economic Forum doing to promote sustainable urban development?

This chart shows the share of people living on less than $30 a day, by country.

Not even the most developed country has eliminated poverty. Image: Max Roser/CC-BY

A chart showing the share of the world population living in poverty

85% of the world's population live on less than $30 a day. Image: Max Roser/CC-BY

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