What is the Gini coefficient?

The Gini coefficient measures income inequality on a scale of 0 (perfect equality) to 100 (one person has everything). Most countries fall between 25-60.

Which country has the highest inequality?

South Africa has the highest Gini coefficient at approximately 63, reflecting extreme income inequality.

Which countries are the most equal?

Nordic countries like Norway and Slovakia have the lowest Gini coefficients, around 23-25.

Global Average Gini Coefficient

Last updated: January 26, 2026

index (0-100)

The global average Gini coefficient is approximately 38 on a scale of 0-100. However, the global Gini (measuring inequality among all individuals worldwide) is about 65-70. The most equal countries (Nordic nations) score around 25, while the most unequal (South Africa) exceed 60.

Historical Trend

Source: World Bank

Global Average Gini Coefficient by Country

Country	Value (index (0-100)) ↓	Source
South Africa	63	World Bank
Brazil	53	World Bank
United States	41	World Bank
China	38	World Bank
United Kingdom	35	World Bank
Germany	31	World Bank
Norway	25	World Bank
Slovakia	23	World Bank

Why This Average Exists

The Gini coefficient is the most widely used single measure of income inequality. It helps policymakers understand wealth distribution and design more equitable economic policies.

Factors That Affect Global Average Gini Coefficient

Tax policy and redistribution
Education access
Labor market structure
Social safety nets
Historical inequality
Economic development stage

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology & Data Sources

The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.