Global extreme poverty has declined dramatically over the past 200 years. In 1820, around 90% of the world population lived in extreme poverty but this declined to around 10% by 2015. This decline has accelerated since the late 20th century due to economic growth and targeted poverty reduction programs in developing countries.

1. Declining Global Poverty:
% of world population living in extreme poverty, 1820–2015
Source: Bourguignon and Morrisson 2002
and World Bank (PovcalNet)
OurWorldInData.org/world-poverty • CC BY-SA