Summary
- • In 2021, global trade in goods and services reached $28.5 trillion, a record high
- • Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows rebounded strongly in 2021, growing by 77% to an estimated $1.65 trillion
- • The number of international migrants globally reached 281 million in 2020
- • In 2021, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached $589 billion
- • As of 2021, there were approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide
- • The global e-commerce market size was valued at $13 trillion in 2021
- • In 2020, 39% of the world's workers were employed in global value chains
- • The stock of inward FDI worldwide reached $41.8 trillion in 2021
- • International tourist arrivals reached 415 million in 2022, 47% below 2019 levels
- • Global remittance costs averaged 6.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021
- • In 2021, 63% of the world's population had access to the internet
- • Cross-border data flows grew by 112 times between 2008 and 2020
- • The value of global merchandise trade reached $19.5 trillion in 2020
- • In 2020, the top 100 multinational enterprises accounted for more than $8 trillion in foreign assets
- • The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide reached 89.3 million by the end of 2021
Diving into the intricate web of numbers and trends that shape our world, its clear that the global stage is not just where economies meet, but where connections are forged and futures are intertwined. From the staggering $28.5 trillion in global trade to the 281 million international migrants making the world their home, the statistics paint a vivid picture of a planet where borders blur and possibilities expand. Join us as we unravel the captivating tapestry of globalization statistics, from the rebounding foreign direct investment flows to the exponential growth of cross-border data flows – because in this interconnected world, the numbers truly speak volumes.
Digital Connectivity
- As of 2021, there were approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide
- In 2021, 63% of the world's population had access to the internet
- In 2021, 95% of the world's population lived within range of a mobile cellular network
- As of 2021, there were over 4.48 billion active social media users worldwide
- In 2021, 62% of the global population had access to broadband internet
- As of 2021, there were over 1.2 billion 5G connections worldwide
- In 2021, 97% of the world's population lived within reach of a mobile cellular signal
- As of 2021, there were over 1.2 billion fixed-broadband subscriptions worldwide
- In 2021, 66% of individuals in developing countries used the Internet
- As of 2021, there were over 15 billion IoT-connected devices worldwide
- In 2021, 95% of the global population lived within reach of a 4G mobile network
Interpretation
In an age where the world is more connected virtually than ever before, the statistics speak volumes about the pervasive reach of globalization. With billions online, social media users aplenty, and mobile networks blanketing the globe, it seems that the digital realm is expanding faster than our ability to keep up. From 5G connections to IoT devices, the wave of technological interconnectedness sweeps across borders and boundaries, bridging divides but also raising questions about privacy, security, and the true extent of our digital footprint. As we navigate this brave new world of hyper-connectivity, one thing is clear: the global village is no longer a quaint idea but a tangible reality that demands our attention and critical engagement.
Digital Economy
- The global e-commerce market size was valued at $13 trillion in 2021
- Cross-border data flows grew by 112 times between 2008 and 2020
- The global digital economy was worth $11.5 trillion in 2016, equivalent to 15.5% of global GDP
- The global market for digital payments was valued at $58.3 billion in 2020
- The global market for artificial intelligence was valued at $39.9 billion in 2019
- The global blockchain market size was valued at $3.67 billion in 2020
- The global cloud computing market size was valued at $371.4 billion in 2020
- The global Internet of Things (IoT) market size was valued at $761.4 billion in 2020
- The global big data market size was valued at $196.6 billion in 2020
- The global cryptocurrency market cap reached $3 trillion in November 2021
- The global digital advertising market was valued at $378.16 billion in 2020
Interpretation
In a whirlwind dance of digits and dollar signs, the statistics of globalization paint a portrait of a world intricately interwoven by technology and innovation. From the explosive growth of cross-border data flows to the mind-boggling valuations of digital economies and markets, it's clear that the global stage has become a high-stakes arena for e-commerce titans, AI wizards, blockchain trailblazers, and IoT pioneers. With the cryptocurrency market cap soaring to new heights and the digital advertising realm ablaze with possibilities, one thing is certain – in this digital age, the currency of innovation is king, and those who dare to navigate its churning waters must be prepared for a wild ride of risks and rewards.
Foreign Direct Investment
- Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows rebounded strongly in 2021, growing by 77% to an estimated $1.65 trillion
- The stock of inward FDI worldwide reached $41.8 trillion in 2021
- In 2020, the top 100 multinational enterprises accounted for more than $8 trillion in foreign assets
- The value of announced greenfield FDI projects reached $659 billion in 2021
- The number of multinational enterprises worldwide reached 82,000 in 2020
- In 2020, the top 100 digital multinational enterprises had over 70% of their sales abroad
- The value of cross-border mergers and acquisitions reached $777 billion in 2021
- In 2021, developing economies attracted 53% of global FDI inflows
- The stock of outward FDI worldwide reached $45.4 trillion in 2021
- In 2021, the United States was the largest recipient of FDI inflows, attracting $367 billion
- The number of special economic zones worldwide exceeded 5,400 in 2019
Interpretation
Globalization in 2021 can be summed up in numbers: $1.65 trillion in FDI, $41.8 trillion in inward FDI stock, and over 82,000 multinational enterprises making their mark across borders. It's a world where dollars flow freely, mergers and acquisitions are the name of the game, and special economic zones are sprouting up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. Developing economies are asserting their presence, with a whopping 53% share of global FDI inflows. As the saying goes, money makes the world go 'round, and in the global market, it's spinning faster than ever.
Global Finance
- In 2021, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached $589 billion
- Global remittance costs averaged 6.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021
- Global foreign exchange market turnover averaged $6.6 trillion per day in April 2019
- Global GDP reached $84.71 trillion in 2020
- Remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa grew by 14.1% to $49 billion in 2021
- Global debt reached $226 trillion in 2020, the highest level in peacetime
- Global foreign exchange reserves reached $12.7 trillion in 2020
- Global market capitalization of listed domestic companies reached $93.7 trillion in 2020
- Global cross-border portfolio investment assets reached $54.2 trillion in 2020
- Global foreign currency reserves reached $12.8 trillion in 2021
- Global venture capital investment reached $643 billion in 2021
Interpretation
In the ultimate show of financial acrobatics, global remittance flows pirouetted to an astounding $589 billion in 2021, while sporting an average cost of 6.3%; a feat that would make even the most seasoned tightrope walker dizzy. With a Foreign Exchange market turnover of $6.6 trillion per day, it's clear that currencies are performing a high-flying circus act of their own. Meanwhile, amidst the balancing act of a $84.71 trillion global GDP, Sub-Saharan Africa managed to swoop in with a 14.1% increase in remittances, proving that even in the midst of the grand spectacle, there are unexpected plot twists. All the while, global debt soared to unprecedented heights, creating a financial tightrope that the world walks on with bated breath, supported by reserves and investments that seem to defy gravity. In this high-wire act of globalization, one thing is clear – the show must go on, no matter how dizzying the numbers may seem.
Global Migration
- The number of international migrants globally reached 281 million in 2020
- The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide reached 89.3 million by the end of 2021
- In 2020, 3.6% of the world's population lived outside their country of origin
- The number of international students globally reached 5.6 million in 2018
- In 2020, 48% of all international migrants were women
- The number of refugees worldwide reached 26.4 million by the end of 2020
- In 2020, 61% of all international migrants lived in developed regions
- The number of internally displaced people worldwide reached 55 million by the end of 2020
- In 2020, Asia hosted the largest number of international migrants (86 million)
Interpretation
In a world where borders are both physical and metaphorical, the statistics on globalization present a complex kaleidoscope of movement and displacement. With 281 million international migrants embarking on journeys in 2020, it seems like the whole world just can't sit still. From the 89.3 million forcibly displaced individuals seeking refuge and the 5.6 million globe-trotting students expanding their horizons, to the 48% of female migrants breaking free from traditional roles, it's clear that wanderlust knows no bounds. As 26.4 million refugees dream of a place to call home and 55 million internally displaced individuals struggle to find stability within their own borders, one thing remains certain - in this global game of musical chairs, there are winners and losers, with developed regions often reaping the rewards. So, buckle up and grab your passport, because the world is spinning faster than ever, and everyone's invited to join the dance.
Global Tourism
- International tourist arrivals reached 415 million in 2022, 47% below 2019 levels
Interpretation
The global tourism industry may have hit a speed bump in 2022, with international tourist arrivals taking a detour to 47% below pre-pandemic levels. This unexpected pit stop serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable twists and turns on the road to recovery in the era of globalization, proving that even the most well-traveled paths can encounter unexpected obstacles. As the tourism sector navigates through these challenging times, it's clear that adaptability and resilience will remain essential attributes for any globetrotter looking to stay ahead of the curve.
International Trade
- In 2021, global trade in goods and services reached $28.5 trillion, a record high
- In 2020, 39% of the world's workers were employed in global value chains
- The value of global merchandise trade reached $19.5 trillion in 2020
- World merchandise trade volume grew by 9.8% in 2021
- In 2020, global trade in services amounted to $5 trillion
- The share of developing economies in world merchandise trade reached 44% in 2020
- In 2020, 80% of world merchandise trade was carried by sea
- The value of global merchandise exports reached $17.5 trillion in 2021
- In 2020, China was the world's largest exporter of goods, with a 14.7% share of global exports
- The share of intermediate goods in world merchandise trade was 50% in 2020
- In 2020, 59% of global merchandise trade was conducted under preferential trade agreements
Interpretation
As we sift through these mind-boggling numbers of the globalized world, it's clear that money makes the world go 'round, and apparently, it travels at breakneck speed along the way. With trade reaching trillions, workers hopping around global value chains like it's a game of musical chairs, and developing economies staking their claim in the market share, one thing is certain: if the world was a Monopoly board, we'd all be rolling the dice to see who lands on Park Place next. So, as 80% of merchandise trade sails the high seas, let's raise a toast to globalization, where countries juggle their exports like hot potatoes, and every nation is just a pawn in this vast interconnected chessboard of commerce.
