Although poverty is one of the most serious issues facing the world's population, finding statistical information on this subject has, in the past, required a significant amount of time and effort. Now, this volume provides researchers with a single, comprehensive resource that includes detailed information regarding the worldwide and regional impact of poverty in the developing world and on individual countries from authoritative sources including the World Bank and the UN Human Development Report. The Handbook includes statistics on economic indicators, demographic patterns, income distribution, and other factors that impact poverty in the world today. Two special sections focus on women and children and on poverty in selected cities worldwide.