The Gini index measures income inequality on a scale of 0 (perfect equality) to 100 (perfect inequality). Conventional wisdom suggests richer countries are more equal, but the data tells a nuanced story. Latin American and African nations tend toward high inequality regardless of GDP, while European countries cluster toward greater equality.
GDP Per Capita (USD) vs Gini Index (0=equal, 100=unequal)
171 countries with available data
Correlation (r)
-0.296
Weak negative
Countries
171
with both indicators
Avg GDP Per Capita
$16k
global average
Avg Gini Index
36
global average
Key Insight
There is no strong linear relationship between wealth and equality. The US ($65k GDP/capita, Gini ~40) is far more unequal than much poorer European nations. Regional patterns dominate over income effects.
Regional Averages
| Region | Countries | Avg GDP Per Capita | Avg Gini Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | 51 | $3k | 40 |
| Europe | 41 | $40k | 31 |
| Asia | 38 | $11k | 33 |
| Americas | 29 | $15k | 43 |
| Oceania | 12 | $10k | 35 |