Data Explainers

Straight answers to the questions behind the numbers.

Each explainer answers one question people actually ask — using World Data Lab's own forecasts, with the sources and methodology linked so you can check the figure yourself.

Youth employment

How many young Africans are working — and why is poverty still high?

About 304 million young Africans — 57% — were working in 2025, yet 104 million young workers live in extreme poverty. The data behind Africa's jobs paradox.

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Inequality

Is the world becoming more unequal?

Spending by the richest 10% was about 40 times that of the poorest 50% in 2000. Today it is closer to 18 times. What World Data Lab's consumption data shows.

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Poverty

How many people live in extreme poverty?

World Data Lab's World Poverty Clock tracks extreme poverty in real time — currently around 611 million people. How the figure is measured and where it is falling.