Progress and setbacks

Poverty has degraded human lives for centuries. But one of the great achievements of the 20th century is its dramatic reduction. Income poverty has fallen faster in the past 50 years than in the previous 50 decades. And by the end of the 20th century the number of people deprived in other aspects of life will be reduced to some 1-2 billion, from 2-3 billion three decades ago.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development