More than 700 million people live in extreme poverty

Despite the progress made in reducing poverty, 767 million people still live on less than $1.90 a day. But it’s not only about not having enough money to live on. Poverty affects many aspects of life, including not being able to afford access to education, food, health care and job security. On a deeper level, poverty is not having access to opportunities to improve your livelihood and take control of your future. Social safety nets, such as social pensions and school feeding programs, are making an impact in the fight against poverty. In fact, they have helped an estimated 36% of the very poor escape extreme poverty.

Fast Facts

  • Gender inequality in the economy costs women in developing countries $9 trillion a year.

  • Extreme poverty rates have been cut in half since 1990, but 1 in 5 people in developing regions still live on less than $1.90 a day.

  • It would cost $175 billion per year to end extreme poverty worldwide in 20 years.

  • Globally, women earn 23% less than men.

Communities can lift themselves out of poverty

Ending poverty once and for all means equipping families with the resources they need to send their children to school, plan for emergencies and maintain development projects without ongoing aid.

When families have access to the resources to meet their basic needs, they no longer have to choose between water or food; school or medicine. They gain the power to take control of their future.

Learn more

Explore more global issues