The 2026 global Multidimensional Poverty Index counts 1.2 billion people living in poverty, an increase of 51.5 million compared with the 2025 update. Published by the United Nations Development Programme and Oxford University, it examines health, education and living conditions rather than income alone. Among those counted, 617 million are children, and 83 per cent live in rural areas.
The index covers 108 countries and measures problems that people can experience together, such as poor nutrition, missed schooling and a lack of clean water or electricity. Population growth partly explains the increase: in some countries, the population has grown faster than living conditions have improved. Angola and Zambia reduced the proportion of people living in poverty, but their total numbers still rose. In Nigeria, both the proportion and the number increased after earlier progress.
UN development chief Alexander De Croo called for action while stressing that progress is possible. Countries have promised to reduce the proportion living in poverty by at least half before the decade ends. The report’s authors believe this goal is achievable. UNDP says 33 countries have halved their index value in fewer than 15 years.
