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10 Sobering Poverty Statistics That May Shock You

Revolutionary South African leader Nelson Mandela understood the collective implications of poverty and the solution to eliminate it. He once said, “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”

Here are 10 global poverty statistics that need our attention.

 

Photo: matterfreeman

Photo: matterfreeman

Almost half the world – over 3 billion people – live on less than $2.50 a day.

Some people live for an entire day on the same amount of money an American pays for a loaf of bread.  Not because they choose to, but because they have to. Their meager means has to cover the cost of food, shelter, water, medical needs and other necessities. When you add it up, there are 3 billion people who  survive on about US$900 a year.

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