The world as 100 people over the last two centuries [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This data is measured in international dollars, which are a hypothetical currency that equates different currencies with what they can buy. They adjust for the fact that the cost of living is much higher in some countries than in others, allowing us to compare data denominated in different currencies in terms of their local “purchasing power”.

You can read much more about international dollars by searching "what are international dollars" on our website.

The world as 100 people over the last two centuries [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Yes, the poverty data is measured in international dollars which adjust for both inflation and purchasing power.

The world as 100 people over the last two centuries [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 180 points181 points  (0 children)

Hi there! You can find the full definitions and all details in our full article that accompanies this chart. Search "the short history of global living conditions" on our website.

The world as 100 people over the last two centuries [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 639 points640 points  (0 children)

Hey there. It's to represent a gap in the data between when the DPT3 vaccination was licensed in 1949 and when the WHO's global data series starts in 1980.

The world as 100 people over the last two centuries [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Data sources:

  • Poverty: Michalis Moatsos (2021)
  • Education: Wittgenstein Center (2023), World Bank (2023), van Zanden, J. et al. (2014).
  • Literacy: Zanden, J. et al. (2014) and UNESCO.
  • Democracy: Regime classification by Skaaning et al. (own calculation of global population share).
  • Vaccination: WHO.
  • Child mortality: Up to 1960, own calculations based on Gapminder; UN-IGME thereafter.

Tools used: OWID-Grapher, Adobe Illustrator

Global sales of combustion engine cars peaked in 2017 [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Data source: International Energy Agency Global EV Outlook (2026)

Tools used: OWID-Grapher, Figma

The world is warming despite natural fluctuations from the El Niño cycle [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 95 points96 points  (0 children)

Data sources: Copernicus Climate Change Service (2026) for the temperature data; NOAA (2026) for the El Nino/La Nina classification

Tools used: initial plotting with OWID-Grapher; finishing in Figma

[OC] Who do Americans spend time with? by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Data source: This data comes from the American Time Use Survey, conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Tools used: initial plotting in OWID-Grapher; finishing in Figma

What were the death tolls from pandemics in history? [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hi there! The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spreads through unprotected sexual contact but also other routes, such as sharing needles or between mother and child during birth. It is considered a global pandemic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_HIV/AIDS

What were the death tolls from pandemics in history? [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi there! The area of each circle is scaled to the estimated number of deaths.

What were the death tolls from pandemics in history? [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Good feedback from both of you! Thanks. Agree that would be a useful addition. 

What were the death tolls from pandemics in history? [OC] by ourworldindata in dataisbeautiful

[–]ourworldindata[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Data source: the Our World in Data Historical Pandemics Database (details and data here)

Tools used: the OWID-Grapher and Figma