The World Bank has adjusted its definition of extreme poverty, moving the international poverty line from $1.90 to $3 per day, marking a significant shift in global poverty assessment. This change aims to better reflect the current economic realities faced by the world’s poorest populations, taking into account inflation and cost-of-living increases since the previous benchmark was set. Such an update is crucial, as it offers a more accurate representation of poverty and the challenges faced by people living in dire conditions worldwide. With this adjustment, there has been a notable rise in the number of individuals categorized as living in extreme poverty, highlighting the need for renewed efforts in global poverty alleviation. The recalibration underscores the World Bank’s commitment to tracking poverty progress with precision, ensuring that data-driven strategies can be effectively used to target aid and development efforts. By understanding these shifts, policymakers and organizations can prioritize resources more effectively, ultimately striving for substantial poverty reduction.
Our World in DataNew data shows US-Mexico border crossings drop to historic low
May 6, 2026
In an unprecedented development, new data reveal that illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have plummeted to a 55-year low. This dramatic decrease marks a