Income inequality in 2023
The article provides a comprehensive overview of income inequality trends across six major regions of the world in 2023, based on data from the World Inequality Database. Here’s a summary of the main findings:
Europe
Europe remains the least unequal region globally, with the top 10% earners receiving 36% of national income. However, inequality has been increasing in Western Europe over the past two decades, albeit at a slower pace than in the United States. Romania and Bulgaria are the most unequal countries in Eastern Europe, while Iceland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia are the most equal.
North America and Oceania
The United States stands out as an outlier, with significantly higher pre-tax inequality compared to other advanced economies. In 2023, the richest 10% of the U.S. population earned 47% of national income, up from 34% in 1980. Canada and Australia show moderate levels of inequality, with the top 10% earning 36% and 33% of national income, respectively.
Asia
Asia displays diverse inequality regimes. India has seen a dramatic increase in inequality since the early 2000s, with the top 10% holding 58% of income in 2023, up from 40% in 2000. A comparison between India and China’s educational systems reveals how they have shaped their economies and inequality patterns since 1910.
Middle East
The Middle East remains highly unequal, with the top 1% earning 23.7% of total income in 2023. New data on Iran and Iraq suggest interesting trends related to sanctions, with financial sanctions primarily affecting top earners, while broader economic sanctions impact lower-income groups more significantly.
Latin America
Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico exhibit some of the highest levels of inequality in Latin America and globally, with the richest 10% capturing 60% of national income. The article highlights the importance of in-kind transfers, particularly in health and education, in reducing post-tax inequality in countries with more advanced tax systems.
Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa ranks among the most unequal regions globally, with the top 10% capturing 55% of national income. South Africa stands out as extremely unequal, with 10% of the population holding around 65% of total national income. In contrast, some West African countries have inequality levels closer to those of the most unequal European countries.
Inequality in 2024: a closer look at six regions
By: World Inequality Database
Inequality and the overhaul of the current economic system
The Pew Research Center’s recent global survey reveals that there is widespread support for significant economic changes across 36 countries as economic inequality is considered a significant problem. Here are the key findings:
Overall support for economic reform
A majority of adults in most surveyed countries believe their economic systems need major changes or complete reform. Across all countries, a median of 20% advocate for complete reform, while 52% call for major changes.
Country-specific trends
- Middle-Income Countries: Significant support for complete economic reform is observed in Nigeria, Tunisia, Ghana, India, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey.
- High-Income Countries: The Netherlands, Singapore, and Sweden are the only surveyed countries where less than half of adults desire significant economic changes.
- North America and Europe: Majorities in most countries in these regions support at least major changes, with France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Spain showing 75% or more in favor.
Other factors influencing support for change
- Age: In 10 countries, younger adults show stronger support for significant economic changes. For instance, in the U.S., 77% of adults under 35 want major changes or complete reform, compared to 58% of those 50 and older.
- Gender: In seven countries, a larger proportion of women than men believe their economic system needs at least major changes. In France, 81% of women support major economic changes or complete reform, compared to 72% of men.
Changes in support over time
- Support for major economic change or complete reform has increased significantly in 10 countries since the last survey.
- Australia has seen a dramatic increase, doubling from 32% in 2021 to 64% in 2025.
- Several European countries also show increased support compared to three years ago.
- Conversely, Argentina, South Korea, Spain, and Singapore show decreased support for major changes or complete reform.
Support for changing the current economic system
By: Richard Wike, Moira Fagan, Christine Huang, Laura Clancy, Jordan Lippert – Pew Research Center
