The following map measures Gini Coefficients, differences in national income equality, around the world as of 2009. The coefficient is a number, between 0 and 1, where 0 implies perfect equality and 1 corresponds with perfect inequality. As this map shows, parts of Europe, Australia, and Canada have low levels of inequality, for Gini indices of these countries range between 0.24 and 0.36. Mexico and the United States have greater inequality, and register Gini indices above 0.40. Critics of the Gini coefficient feel it does not address causes of income inequality, such as differences in capability. Furthermore, because Gini Coefficients addresses inequalities of wealth as opposed to absolute national and personal incomes, it may rate a poor and rich country as having the same coefficient, even though the services provided in each country vary substantially. Proponents still argue that the index remains a valuable tool for interpreting and comparing inequalities of wealth globally.
To see the map, click here.
