Poverty Facts and Stats

Colonialism – A condition or policy whereby a country is held subject to a stronger “mother country,” in which primarily the latter benefits from the subjugation, e.g., is able to exploit the (natural) resources of the (weaker) colony.

Dependence – A condition in which power (political, economic, etc.) is determined by reliance upon another, or is maintained, controlled by another, e.g., Fidel Castro’s Cuba, as a client state, became very dependent upon the support of the USSR.

Imperialism – A condition or policy whereby a country extends its (political/economic) power by acquiring control of other countries (colonies) whose wealth (natural and human resources, money, manufactured good, etc.) is used to maintain, build, and protect imperial power.

Independence – A condition in which power (political, economic, etc.) is not determined or controlled by others, or by the authority of others.

Development – A process whereby a state strives to improve economic and social conditions. In the context of this unit it generally refers to the process of poorer countries trying to improve economic and social conditions.

Distribution of Wealth – On a local and global scale the extent to which citizens, nations, or blocs of nations share in the wealth generated by industry (primary, secondary, etc.) land ownership, inheritance, etc. In the context of this unit a bloc of nations variously labeled The Third World, the Developing World, Underdeveloped countries share a relatively small portion of the world’s wealth. Similarly, in some countries, a relatively small portion of a nation’s wealth.

Industrialization – A process whereby a state’s economy becomes more dependent upon production generated by “sophisticated” mechanized industry.

Almost half the world – over 3 billion people – live on less than $2.50 a day.

At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.

More than 80% of the world’s population lives in countries where income differentials are widening.

The poorest 40% of the world’s population accounts for 5% of global income.

The richest 20% accounts for three-quarters of world income.

According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty.

Around 27-28% of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted.

Based on enrollment data, about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing were were not in school in 2005; 57% were girls – these are regarded as optimistic numbers.

Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.

Affects half of humanity 1.1 billion people in developing countries

have inadequate access to water 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation 1.8 billion people who have access to a

water source within 1 km , but not in their house or yard, consume around 20 litres of water a day. In the UK the average person uses more than

50 litres a day flushing toilets Highest average water use in the world is in the

US, 600 litres a day

1.8 million child deaths each year as a result of diarrhoea

The loss of 443 million school days each year from water-related illness

Close to half of all people in developing countries suffering at any given time from a health problem caused by water and sanitation deficits.

Millions of women spending several hours a day collecting water.

Global Priority $U.S. Billions

Cosmetics in the US 8

Ice cream in Europe 11

Perfumes in Europe and the US

12

Pet foods in Europe and the US

17

Business entertainment in Japan

35

Cigarettes in Europe 50

Alcoholic drinks in Europe 105

Narcotics drugs in the world 400

Military spending in the world 780

Global Priority $U.S. Billions

Basic education for all 6

Water and sanitation for all

9

Reproductive health for all women

12

Basic health and nutrition 13