Half the world is now middle class or wealthier

For the first time since agriculture-based civilization began 10,000 years ago, the majority of humankind is no longer poor or vulnerable to falling into poverty. By our calculations, as of this month, just over 50 percent of the world’s population, or some 3.8 billion people, live in households with enough discretionary expenditure to be considered “middle class” or “rich.”

Population without access to electricity falls below 1 billion

In a sign of great progress, over 120 million people worldwide gained access to electricity in 2017. This means that for the first time ever, the total number of people without access fell below 1 billion according tonew datafromWorld Energy Outlook 2018.

Black men are succeeding in America

First, the share of black men in poverty has fallen from 41% in 1960 to 18% today. Second, and more importantly, the share of black men in the middle or upper class — as measured by their family e — has risen from 38% in 1960 to 57% today. In other words, about one-in-two black men in America have reached the middle class or higher.

Nearly six-in-ten countries are now democratic

In spite of widespread concerns across the globe about thefuture of democracy, public support for it remains strong, according to aPew Research Center surveyconducted earlier this year in 38 countries. And by one measure, the number of democratic nations around the world is at a postwar high.

World youth poll reveals unexpected optimism

Survey across 15 countries finds 90 percent of teenagers in Kenya, Mexico, China and Nigeria hopeful for the future – in stark contrast with those in developed nations.