This metric represents the share of a nation's population subsisting on less than $2.15 daily, adjusted for purchasing power parity as of 2017. It serves as a critical barometer for understanding economic hardship and measuring progress towards poverty alleviation goals. The revision of purchasing power exchange rates over time complicates direct comparisons of poverty levels across different periods or nations. Importantly, this indicator not only reflects immediate financial distress but also signals broader socio-economic trends, influencing policy decisions and international aid strategies. As such, it plays a vital role in assessing the effectiveness of poverty reduction initiatives on a global scale, prompting deeper inquiries into the underlying factors that contribute to persistent poverty.
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