The Global Wealth Pyramid 2016

According to the recent Credit Suisse Research Institute's Global Wealth Report, three quarters of global adult population fit into the bottom echelon of the wealth pyramid. The 3.5 billion adults with wealth below 10,000 dollars account for 2.4 percent of global wealth. In contrast, the 33 million millionaires comprise less than 1 percent of the adult population, but own 46 percent of household wealth.

Wealth differences between individuals occur for many reasons. Variation in average wealth across countries accounts for much of the observed inequality in global wealth, but there is also considerable disparity within countries. Those with low wealth are disproportionately found among the younger age groups, who have had little chance to accumulate assets. Others may have suffered business losses or personal misfortune, or live in regions where prospects for wealth creation are more limited. Opportunities are also sometimes constrained for women or minorities. In contrast, many individuals can be found at the other end of the spectrum who have acquired large fortunes through a combination of talent, hard work and good luck.

The wealth pyramid captures these differences. The layers of the wealth pyramid are quite distinctive. The base tier has the most even distribution across regions and countries, but also the most uneven range of personal circumstances. In developed countries,