Equal Wealth Distribution Globally and Locally Mapped

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We inhabit a world where wealth is divided, anything but equally .For many of us, this is widely accepted without much consideration. But when you stumble upon maps like those created by The Decolonial Atlas, you start to wonder: Is our world organized sensibly? Are we really developing in the right direction? The maps created by the Decolonial atlas team, using the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Databook (2019), not only show imbalances—they make you question whether what is, is even remotely normal.

The first map illustrates how much wealthier the average person in each country would be if their nation’s wealth were distributed equally among its citizens. The second world map expands this concept globally, showing the wealth each person would possess if the world’s wealth were evenly divided among all people.

Wealth Distribution Across Countries

Some countries are better at keeping wealth more evenly distributed than others. Slovakia was fairly evenly distributed in 2021, with a Gini coefficient of 50.3%. The Netherlands is not perfect, but in 2025, the richest 10% owned almost half of the nation’s wealth, much lower than in most rich countries.

By contrast, the countries of Brazil and South Africa are vastly unequal. South Africa’s Gini in 2023 was only one point below that of 74, and that of Colombia was at 72, and Mexico’s was 71. They show gigantic differentials between the rich and the poor versus the median. One needn’t be an economist to recognize the repercussions that play themselves out in day-to-day life.

The United States remains one of the most unequal developed countries. In 2023, America’s wealthiest 1% owned more than 30% of the nation’s wealth. That’s a mind-boggling surge from a few decades ago.

Conversely, in Scandinavia, countries like Norway and Sweden systematically enjoy some of the lowest levels of wealth inequality among developed countries, thanks to strong social protection systems and high taxation rates.

Who’s Getting Ahead—and Who’s Lagging Behind?

Some countries are acting to reduce inequality. Uruguay stands out for investing in social policies—boosting healthcare, education, and public infrastructure. South Korea’s inclusive growth model has also strengthened its middle class.

Others are moving in the other direction. The United States has seen a precipitous rise in wealth inequality since the 1980s, while middle-class wages have stagnated. India, for all its surging tech industry, still struggles with deep-seated wealth disparity, especially in rural areas.

Another vivid example is Russia. Although it has, in theory, a huge middle class, much of the national wealth is in the hands of a small elite group of oligarchs.

The Ripple Effects of Wealth Disparity

When wealth is concentrated too much at the top, society suffers. Economic growth is slowing – not because there is a lack of money, but because ordinary people don’t have enough to spend or save. Meanwhile, the very rich are gaining disproportionate influence in politics and policy. The result? A democracy that doesn’t feel so democratic.

Social cohesion is also being eroded. When millions are excluded as a privileged minority gains, tensions rise. History is filled with the record, from the French Revolution to Chilean and American riots more recently, of occasions when disparity has been an easily available tinderbox of revolution.

Economic sustainability is eroded, too. The ultra-rich disproportionately affect emissions, the use of resources, and environmental impact.

What Can Be Done?

Reducing inequality isn’t magic tricks—it’s political will and a desire to be equitable. Here are some evidence-based tools:

• Progressive taxation: Making those who benefit most from the economy contribute their fair share.
• Investment in public services, especially in education, healthcare, and housing – the building blocks of opportunity.
• Strengthening labor rights: From living wages to secure contracts, protections for workers are essential.
• Closing tax loopholes so money doesn’t vanish into shell corporations and offshore bank accounts.
• Raising access to capital: Giving more individuals the opportunity to build businesses, build assets, and invest in their future.
• Promoting inclusive education: From early childhood to adult education, education can level the playing field.

None of these are new ideas. But together, they are the building blocks for a more stable, equitable society.