Inequality today is not only persistent; it is structurally embedded and self-reinforcing. Drawing on the work of more than 200 scholars, the World Inequality Report 2026 examines the scale, drivers and consequences of global inequality. It demonstrates how inequality is not simply the outcome of market forces but is shaped by the institutions, policies and power structures that determine how resources and opportunities are distributed.

These findings reveal a striking concentration of income and wealth. An average person in North America and countries such as Australia earns roughly thirteen times more than someone in Sub Saharan Africa and about three times more than the global average. Yet, inequality is not only a divide between countries; it is also deeply embedded within them.

Inequality is also shown to extend far beyond income. Gender remains a major divide, with women earning significantly less than men, particularly when unpaid care work is considered as well. These disparities reflect........

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