Summary
The World Inequality Report 2026 highlights how a small group of the richest people control a large portion of global wealth and income. The richest 10 percent of people own three-quarters of the world’s wealth, while the poorest half receive only a tiny fraction of global income. Inequality varies greatly around the world, with some regions like North America and Oceania being far wealthier than others.
Key Facts
- The richest 10 percent globally own 75 percent of personal wealth.
- The poorest half of the world’s population controls less than 10 percent of total income.
- Global income is also unevenly distributed, with the top 10 percent receiving 53 percent of global income.
- Wealth includes assets such as savings, investments, and property after debts.
- North America and Oceania are the wealthiest regions, with the average wealth far above the global average.
- South Africa has the highest income inequality, where the top 10 percent earn 66 percent of total income.
- Wealth inequality has grown significantly since the 1990s, with top earners increasing their share faster than the bottom half.
- Europe shows more balanced income distribution compared to regions like Latin America and parts of Africa.
