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2025 Global Wealth Concentration: Top 1% Holdings by Country
1. South Africa Leads Surprisingly in Wealth Inequality with Over Half of the Population’s Wealth in the Hands of the Top 1%, at 54.7%
South Africa remains at the top of the list where a staggering 54.7% of national wealth is owned by the wealthiest 1%. This highlights ongoing economic disparities and unequal wealth distribution within the country’s borders, despite concerted efforts for economic reform.
2. Russia Holds Nearly Half of Its Wealth in Hands of Elite at 47%
Russia continues to showcase profound economic stratification, with nearly half of its wealth concentrated among the top 1%. This pattern persists despite broad economic reforms and shifting global dynamics.
3. Scandinavia Exhibits Significant Wealth Disparity, Sweden at 40.5%
Sweden, often recognized for its social welfare systems, surprisingly ranks high in wealth inequality, with 40.5% of its wealth held by the wealthiest. This raises questions about the growing disparity within traditionally egalitarian societies.
4. India’s Wealth Concentration Reaches 40.1% Among the Top 1%
India’s astonishing economic growth is shadowed by staggering wealth gaps, with 40.1% of overall wealth controlled by the top 1%, reflective of persistent income disparities and urban-rural divides.
5. Mexico and Colombia, Leading Latin American Nations in Wealth Concentration
Mexico (38%) and Colombia (37.9%) demonstrate the stark wealth divides endemic to Latin America, illustrating a continued challenge for equitable growth and social mobility.
6. Brazil and Chile Reflect Widening Wealth Gaps in South America
Brazil (37%) and Chile (36.6%) showcase the increasingly unequal wealth distribution in South America, emphasizing the need for comprehensive economic reforms.
7. Turkey’s Wealth Inequality at 35.1%, Signaling Growing Economic Disparities
Turkey continues to experience rising inequality levels, with over a third of wealth in the hands of the top 1%, amid recent economic adjustments and political shifts.
8. The United States Slightly Below Global Leaders at 34.8%
While often characterized as a land of opportunity, the U.S. still exhibits notable wealth concentration, with nearly 35% owned by the top 1%, underscoring ongoing debates about economic inequality.
9. Eastern Europe and Asia Mark Middle Grounds in Wealth Dispersion
Hungary (33.3%) and Thailand (32.3%) reveal notable disparities, reflecting differing economic policies and development trajectories across regions.
10. Africa and Asia Show Diverse Wealth Disparity Levels
Ivory Coast (30.8%), China (30.2%), and Poland (30.2%) indicate varying degrees of wealth inequality, with African and Asian nations balancing rapid economic growth against persistent social disparities.
11. Canada and Iran’s Wealth Concentration Highlights North American and Middle Eastern Dynamics
Canada (29.3%) and Iran (29%) further demonstrate contrasting patterns of economic inequality within their respective regions.
12. Middle Eastern, North African, and Asian Countries Maintain Similar Disparity Levels
Egypt (27.8%), Germany (27.7%), and France (27.4%) illustrate the complexity of wealth distribution across developed and developing economies alike.
13. Several Nations Cross the 25% Threshold, Indicating Significant Inequality
Nigeria (24.6%), Argentina (24.2%), Japan (24.2%), and Pakistan (24%) occupy the lower tiers but still reflect substantial wealth concentration in the hands of a tiny elite.
14. The Global Context of Wealth Inequality as per the 2026 World Inequality Report
This comprehensive data underscores the persistent and emerging trends in wealth concentration worldwide. Despite global efforts at redistribution, inequality remains a pressing issue requiring innovative policy responses to foster more inclusive economic growth.
Note: The data reflects the latest findings from the 2026 World Inequality Report, emphasizing the ongoing global challenge of economic disparity.
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