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World Bank Sets $3 Poverty Line Amid Global Disparities

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The World Bank's International Poverty Line is set at $3 per day to provide a consistent global measure.
The $3-per-day threshold reflects standards of the world's poorest countries and is lower than the cost of a healthy diet.
World Bank bases the line on median national poverty lines from low-income countries.
The World Bank sets higher poverty lines for lower-middle-income countries at $4.20 and upper-middle-income countries at $8 per day.

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Story summary

The World Bank's International Poverty Line is set at $3 per day to provide a consistent global measure.
The $3-per-day threshold reflects standards of the world's poorest countries and is lower than the cost of a healthy diet.
World Bank bases the line on median national poverty lines from low-income countries.
The World Bank sets higher poverty lines for lower-middle-income countries at $4.20 and upper-middle-income countries at $8 per day.