Gini Coefficient By Country

Income and wealth inequality remains a global concern with varying levels of disparity seen across countries. The Gini coefficient, a measure used by economists, offers a numerical representation of this distribution. Ranging from 0 to 1, or 0% to 100%, a Gini coefficient of 0 signals perfect equality (everyone has the same income), while 1 or 100% signals perfect inequality (one person has all the income). The Gini coefficient, thus, forms a comprehensive tool to understand, compare and consequently challenge economic disparities globally.

As per the latest data, the United States had a Gini coefficient of 41.4%, indicating a substantial level of income inequality in the country. However, this level is not the highest globally and the country's ranking provides intriguing context on the income distribution balance around the world.

Key findings from the data include:

• South Africa had the highest Gini coefficient at 63.0%, suggesting extreme income and wealth disparity within the nation. Namibia, Suriname, Zambia, and Sao Tome and Principe followed closely with percentages over 56%.
• Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America, such as Brazil and Botswana, feature prominently among the nations with the highest wealth and income inequality. 
• Conversely, several European nations, like Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Belarus, exemplified lower Gini coefficients, implying a more equitable distribution of wealth and income. 
• Iceland had a Gini coefficient as low as 26.1%, amplifying its reputation as one of the world's most equitable nations. 
• Among the world's biggest economies, the United States featured a higher Gini coefficient (41.4%) compared to countries like the United Kingdom (35.1%), Germany (31.9%) and France (32.4%).

These insights equip us with a clearer understanding of financial inequality on a global scale, drawing attention to areas where action is needed to reduce economic disparities and foster more equitable growth.

The Gini Coefficient, or Gini Index, is a measure of income inequality within a country. With lower values indicating equal wealth distribution and higher values suggesting greater wealth disparities. Based on the most recent data, the countries with the highest Gini Coefficients are South Africa, Namibia, Suriname, Zambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Central African Republic, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique, Brazil, and Botswana. 

Top of the list is South Africa, which has the highest Gini Coefficient at 63.0. Namibia closely follows in second place with a Gini Coefficient of 59.1. The third highest Gini Coefficient is Suriname with a score of 57.9. Zambia comes in fourth with a Gini Coefficient of 57.1, while Sao Tome and Principe rounds out the top five with a score of 56.3. The Central African Republic also presents a significant income disparity, with a Gini Coefficient of 56.2. Eswatini (Swaziland) and Mozambique report similar Gini Coefficients at 54.6 and 54.0 respectively. Brazil and Botswana rank ninth and tenth, both having Gini Coefficients over 53. 

10 Countries with the Highest Gini Coefficients:

1. South Africa - 63.0
2. Namibia - 59.1
3. Suriname - 57.9
4. Zambia - 57.1
5. Sao Tome and Principe - 56.3
6. Central African Republic - 56.2
7. Eswatini (Swaziland) - 54.6
8. Mozambique - 54.0
9. Brazil - 53.4
10. Botswana - 53.3

The ten countries with the lowest Gini coefficients are Slovenia, Czech Republic, Belarus, Moldova, United Arab Emirates, Iceland, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Belgium, and Finland.

Slovenia leads with the lowest Gini coefficient of 24.6, followed closely by the Czech Republic with a Gini coefficient of 25.0. Belarus has a Gini coefficient of 25.3, while Moldova reports a Gini coefficient of 25.7.

Middle Eastern nation, United Arab Emirates is next on the list with a Gini coefficient of 26.0. This is closely followed by Iceland with a Gini Coefficient of 26.1. Azerbaijan and Ukraine both display a Gini coefficient of 26.6. Belgium has a Gini Index of 27.2, and Finland wraps up the top ten list with a Gini coefficient of 27.3. 

10 Countries With Lowest Gini Coefficients

1. Slovenia - 24.6
2. Czech Republic - 25.0
3. Belarus - 25.3
4. Moldova - 25.7
5. United Arab Emirates - 26.0
6. Iceland - 26.1
7. Azerbaijan - 26.6
8. Ukraine - 26.6
9. Belgium - 27.2
10. Finland - 27.3

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.

Gini Index Coefficient - The World Factbook (CIA)