Skip to content
World Bank Group logo

Why raise the poverty line to $2.15 a day? What was wrong with the $1.90 a day line that we are used to?

← Poverty Data
The international poverty line is periodically updated to reflect changes in prices across the world. The rise in the international poverty line reflects an increase in the costs of basic food, clothing, and shelter needs in low-income countries between 2011 and 2017, relative to the rest of the world. In other words, the real value of $2.15 in 2017 prices is the same as $1.90 was in 2011 prices.

Thank you for visiting the World Bank's Data Help Desk. Please review the terms of use for this website. Your continued use of this website constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Developer Info

Feedback and Knowledge Base

(thinking…)