Global Relative Poverty

Author/Editor:

Lynge Nielsen

Publication Date:

April 1, 2009

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

The paper provides estimates of global relative poverty trends from 1970 onwards. Relative poverty is shown to have decreased significantly, but at the same time there has been a worsening poverty outcome among up to one billion of the world's poorest citizens. The paper also proposes a straightforward method for dividing an income distribution into classes of poor, rich, and middle-class.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2009/093

Subject:

Income distribution Income inequality National accounts Personal income Population and demographics Poverty

Frequency:

Biannually

English

Publication Date:

April 1, 2009

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451872408/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2009093

Pages:

16

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org