Key Takeaways

• The Gini Coefficient measures income inequality within a country.
• This map provides an overview of Gini Coefficient values from 1990 to 2020.
• Understanding income inequality is essential for policymakers and researchers.

History

The Gini Coefficient, also known as the Gini index or Gini ratio, is a statistical measure of income inequality within a country. It was developed by Italian statistician Corrado Gini in 1912. The coefficient ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents extreme inequality.

Since the 1990s, there has been an increasing interest in measuring and analyzing income inequality around the world. The Gini Coefficient has become a widely used tool to study the distribution of income within and between countries. By comparing Gini Coefficients over time, researchers can identify trends and changes in income inequality.

Map Of Countries By Gini Coefficient 1990 To 2020 provides a visual representation of Gini Coefficient values for countries worldwide. It allows us to observe how income inequality has evolved over the past three decades.

Unique Insights

1. Income inequality has generally increased globally since 1990. While some countries have experienced a decrease in Gini Coefficient values, the overall trend is upward.

2. South American countries, such as Brazil and Colombia, have consistently shown high levels of income inequality throughout the analyzed period.

3. Nordic countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway consistently exhibit relatively low levels of income inequality.

4. Eastern European countries, particularly those that transitioned from socialism to market economies, have experienced significant fluctuations in income inequality over the years.

5. African countries display a wide range of income inequality, with some countries having relatively low Gini Coefficients while others struggle with high inequality.

Table of Facts: Gini Coefficient Values

FAQ

1. What does the Gini Coefficient measure?

The Gini Coefficient measures income inequality within a country. It provides an indication of how wealth and income are distributed among the population.

2. How is the Gini Coefficient interpreted?

A Gini Coefficient of 0 represents perfect equality, where everyone has an equal share of income. A coefficient of 1 represents extreme inequality, where a single person or group holds all the income.

3. Is income inequality increasing globally?

Yes, income inequality has generally been increasing globally since 1990. However, the degree of inequality varies between countries and regions.

4. Which countries have the highest Gini Coefficients?

Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and South Africa consistently rank among the countries with the highest Gini Coefficient values, indicating higher income inequality.

5. Which countries have the lowest Gini Coefficients?

Nordic countries such as Denmark, Sweden, and Norway consistently have some of the lowest Gini Coefficient values, indicating lower levels of income inequality.

6. Are there any countries that have experienced a decrease in income inequality since 1990?

While overall the trend has been towards increasing income inequality, some countries have managed to decrease their Gini Coefficient values. One example is Lithuania, which experienced a decrease in income inequality between 1990 and 2000.

7. Why is understanding income inequality important?

Understanding income inequality is crucial for policymakers and researchers as it helps identify disparities and potential social or economic issues within a country. It allows for targeted interventions and policies to address inequality and promote social welfare.

External Links

• World Bank
• CIA World Factbook
• ResearchGate

LSI Keywords

• Income inequality
• Corrado Gini
• Gini Coefficient
• Gini index
• Gini ratio
• Statistics
• Income distribution
• Worldwide
• Policymakers