Extreme poverty plummets globally—China's role and the road ahead
The world has seen a dramatic drop in extreme poverty over the last 30 years. This progress has been driven by changes both inside and outside China. While the exact number of countries achieving major reductions remains unclear, the overall decline is undeniable.
In 1990, extreme poverty affected 33% of people living outside China. By 2025, that figure had fallen to just 12%. China itself played a huge role, lifting 940 million people out of extreme poverty since 1990.
The rest of the world also saw significant improvements. Though specific countries and causes are not listed, the global trend shows a steady decline. However, experts warn that without economic growth in the poorest nations, this progress could stall.
The past three decades have brought the fastest reduction in extreme poverty ever recorded. China's success contributed heavily, but other regions also made major gains. Future progress now depends on whether the poorest economies can sustain growth.
