Publication: ID4D Global Dataset 2021, Volume 1: Global ID Coverage Estimates
Date
2022
ISSN
Published
2022
Author(s)
Clark, Julia
Metz, Anna
Casher, Claire
Abstract
This paper aims to estimate the
number of people globally who do—and do not—have
government-recognized proof of identity (“ID”). This work is
an update to the most recent estimate produced in 2018,
which found that just under 1 billion people did not have an
ID. The World Bank’s Identification for Development (ID4D)
Initiative collected new data for this analysis: two rounds
of survey-based data on ID ownership for adults (in
partnership with the Global Findex Survey), as well as new
administrative data acquired through outreach to ID
authorities. By incorporating this data with the data
sources used in 2018 and updating the methodology
accordingly, we find that as of 2021 there are just under
850 million people globally without official proof of their
identity. Around half are children, and the vast majority
live in lower-income countries in Africa and South Asia.
Analysis using individual-level survey data demonstrates
that these 850 million are at a high risk of exclusion from
basic services and economic opportunities and are among the
most marginalized in their communities. Bridging this ID
ownership gap is thus critical for ending extreme poverty,
promoting shared prosperity, and realizing the global
commitment to “Leave No One Behind.”
Citation
“Clark, Julia; Metz, Anna; Casher, Claire. 2022. ID4D Global Dataset 2021, Volume 1: Global ID Coverage Estimates. © Washington, DC: World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/38440 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”