The proportion of people in developing countries living in extreme economic poverty i.e. on less than $ 1 per day as defined by World Bank has fallen from 28% in 1990 to 21% in 2001. There has been a substantial reduction in global poverty, but it is marked with great regional differences
(a) Poverty declined substantially in China and South Asian countries as a result of rapid economic growth and massive development.   
(b) The number of poor in China has come down from 606 million 1981 to 212 million in 2001.   
(c) In the countries of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan) the decline has not been so rapid, it has declined marginally from 475 million in 1981 to 428 million in 2001.   
(d) In the Sub Saharan Africa, poverty rose from 41% in 1981 to 46% in 2001.   
(e) In Latin America the ratio of poverty has remained the same.   
(f) Poverty has resurfaced in some of the former socialist countries like Russia, where it was non-existent earlier.  

Global Poverty Trends

Introduction:
Global poverty refers to the condition in which individuals or communities lack access to basic resources and services needed to meet their basic needs, such as food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education. Understanding global poverty trends is crucial for policymakers, organizations, and individuals working towards poverty eradication. Here, we will discuss the current trends in global poverty.

1. Decline in Global Poverty:
- Over the past few decades, there has been significant progress in reducing global poverty rates.
- According to the World Bank, extreme poverty (living on less than $1.90 per day) declined from 36% in 1990 to about 9.2% in 2019.
- This decline is mainly attributed to economic growth, investments in social development, poverty reduction programs, and improved access to basic services.

2. Regional Disparities:
- Despite the overall decline in global poverty, regional disparities persist.
- Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest poverty rates, with about 40% of the population living in extreme poverty.
- South Asia also has a significant poverty rate, with around 15% of the population living in extreme poverty.
- Latin America, East Asia, and the Pacific have experienced substantial poverty reduction, but challenges remain in reaching the most vulnerable groups.

3. Urbanization and Poverty:
- Urbanization has been a double-edged sword for poverty reduction.
- On one hand, urban areas offer better access to opportunities, services, and infrastructure.
- On the other hand, rapid urbanization has led to the growth of slums and informal settlements, where poverty is concentrated.
- About 55% of the global population now lives in urban areas, and addressing urban poverty is crucial for sustainable development.

4. Vulnerable Groups:
- Certain groups are disproportionately affected by poverty, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and indigenous communities.
- Gender inequality is a significant factor, as women often face limited access to resources, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
- Children living in poverty suffer from malnutrition, limited access to education, and increased vulnerability to exploitation.
- Persons with disabilities face additional barriers in accessing education, employment, and healthcare, further exacerbating their poverty.

Conclusion:
While global poverty rates have declined over the years, challenges remain in achieving the goal of eradicating poverty entirely. Addressing regional disparities, urban poverty, and the specific needs of vulnerable groups are essential steps towards sustainable poverty reduction. Efforts should focus on promoting inclusive economic growth, investing in human capital, strengthening social safety nets, and empowering marginalized communities to break the cycle of poverty.

Poverty is much more than just statistics about economies, hunger, and homelessness. Poverty is a state of life, affecting all of humanity.