The World as 100 People | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The World as 100 People

These stats might make you rethink a few things about your own standard of living.

438
The World as 100 People
fixitwithscience.co.uk

What would happen if there were only 100 people in the world? How many would have cell phones? A college degree? Live in poverty?

The idea of the world as 100 people has been around since 1990, but with our world population reaching seven billion – yes, I said seven billion – it’s hard to visualize what that number looks like when it comes to statistics. How about visualizing the statistics for just 100 people? A little easier? I thought so.

Jack Hagley, a London based graphic designer, made that visualization come to life with the infographic titled “The world as 100 people.”

The infographic takes us through various topics including religion, language, age, internet access and many more. Out of 100 people in world, 50 female and 50 male, there are some more obvious statistics, but there a ton of statistics that will really make you rethink your “first world problems.”

Some of the not so surprising statistics include:

  • 66 people would be between the ages of 15 and 64 (hello baby boom)
  • 87 people have safe water
  • 77 have a place of shelter
  • 83 people are able to read and write

Okay now to the most interesting part, the “know your socks off” statistics.

  • 70 people cannot access the Internet

Just think of all the time you spend on the Internet. From catching up on social media, to skyping Mom and Dad at home, to even being able to read this article right now. You’re probably thinking that it would be pretty cool to not be able to submit that essay you procrastinated on, but the Internet is part of our daily lives and 70 percent of the world wouldn’t have access to it.

How do you think that would affect our technology advancement or agriculture system? A college education is such a vital aspect of our world’s ability to continuously improve in the world of medicine and science. Imagine if only seven percent of the population would have the education to make developments in the world in those fields.

Side note: in 2006, the statistics for this infographic revealed that only one person out of the 100 people would have a college education.

  • 48 people live on less than two US dollars per day

What did you buy today? I’m going to take a wild guess and say that most people reading this article will spend more than two dollars today, and that doesn’t include rent or electricity. What if you had to live off of two dollars every day? No more Chipotle or data plan or beer.


While the population of the world will probably never consist of just 100 people, I hope these statistics make you rethink a few things about your own standard of living. Most or all of us have the opportunity to receive college educations and even afford our daily Chipotle because, let’s be honest, we all know we order that burrito way too often.

Disclaimer: the statistics were originally provided by Donella Meadows in 1990 and have since been updated.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191413
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15541
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458342
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26868
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments