Inequality remains deeply entrenched across South Asia and China, according to the recently published World Inequality Report 2026, with vast gaps in income and wealth and persistent gender disparities. In India, inequality is among the highest globally, with the top 10% of earners capturing 58% of national income while the bottom 50% receive just 15%. Wealth concentration is even more extreme: the richest 10% hold roughly 65% of total wealth, and the top 1% controls about 40%. Average annual income per capita stands at 6,200 euros (PPP), while average wealth is 28,000 euros (PPP). Female labor participation remains extremely low at 15.7%, showing no improvement over the past decade.
In Pakistan, inequality is also high, with the top 10% capturing 42% of income and the bottom 50% only 19%. Wealth is highly concentrated, with the richest 10% holding 59% of total wealth and the top 1% controlling 24%. Average income per capita is approximately 4,200 euros (PPP), and average wealth is 15,700 euros (PPP). Female labor participation has declined from 9.8% to 8.5% over the past decade, indicating worsening gender inclusion. The income gap between the top and bottom halves of the population narrowed slightly from 22.0 to 21.4 between 2014 and 2024, signaling only marginal changes in inequality.
Bangladesh presents a slightly more moderate picture, though disparities remain. The top 10% receive 41% of national income, while the bottom 50% capture 19%. Wealth is more unevenly distributed, with the richest 10% holding 58% of total wealth and the top 1% about 25%. The income gap between the top and bottom halves decreased slightly from 22 to 21 between 2014 and 2024. Average income per capita is roughly 6,100 euros (PPP) and average wealth 30,000 euros (PPP). Female labor participation remains low at 22.3%, underscoring persistent gender disparities.
China’s inequality, while high, has stabilized after decades of rapid growth. The top 10% earners capture about 43% of national income, compared with 14% for the bottom 50%. Wealth concentration is extreme, with the richest 10% holding nearly 68% of total wealth and the top 1% about 30%. The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% widened slightly from 29 to 31 between 2014 and 2024. Average income per capita is approximately 14,500 euros (PPP), and average wealth exceeds 86,000 euros (PPP). Female labor participation remains steady at 34.6%, showing little progress.
The report underscores that despite differences in levels of development, all four countries face entrenched economic and social divides. High income and wealth concentration, combined with persistently low female labor participation, suggest that policies addressing inequality, gender inclusion, and wealth redistribution remain critical challenges for the region and for China alike.
