The consultancy’s report examines GDP, population and life expectancy globally, using data from global micro regions aggregated to make them suitable for comparability.

Where statistical data is not available, or not available at the desired level of granularity, night-time satellite imagery along with the WorldPop database is used to estimate GDP.

The research covers 178 countries and points to widespread progress in both GDP per capita as well as life expectancy globally. In this context it is useful to note that the report does not include countries experiencing conflict at the time of the study. The years 2020 and 2021 are not included because of lack of data as well as distortions to available data stemming from the impact of Covid globally.

Although the data is historical in nature, the report will be very helpful to anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of the trends currently shaping the globe as well as the underlying granular complexity driving those.

According to Chris Bradley, one of the authors of the study, the data points to a “great convergence of the world toward higher levels of development”, which should “help put a little glint of optimism in your eye”.