UNDERSTANDING POVERTY

We face big challenges to help the world’s poorest people and ensure that everyone sees benefits from economic growth. Data and research help us understand these challenges and set priorities, share knowledge of what works, and measure progress.

Open Data

Free and open access to global development data

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Fewer people live in extreme poverty than ever before. Even as the world's population has grown, the number of poor has gradually fallen. In 1990, almost 4 in 10 people were living under the international extreme poverty line of $1.90 a day. In 2013, that figure had fallen to just over 1 in 10. But that still represents more than 767 million people. Poverty remains unacceptably high

Research and Publications

Analysis and advice for developing countries.

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Access more than 200,000 publicly available documents and reports.

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Essential Reading

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Global Economic Prospects
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Doing Business 2017: Equal Opportunity for All
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World Development Report 2017: Governance and the Law
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Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2016: Taking on Inequality

Key Topics

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Climate Change

Without urgent action, climate change impacts could push an additional 100 million people into poverty by 2030.

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Energy

Access to energy is essential to reduce poverty. Globally, 1.1 billion people still do not have access to electricity.

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Fragility, Conflict and Violence

The challenge of fragility, conflict, and violence is widespread, and not confined to low-income countries.

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Financial Inclusion

Around 2 billion people don’t use formal financial services, including more than 50% of adults in the poorest households. Financial inclusion is a key to reducing poverty and boosting prosperity.