Born into inequality: Your birthplace should not shape your future Maria Eugenia DavalosJuan Manuel Monroy July 10, 2025 This page in: English Español

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/born-into-inequality--your-birthplace-should-not-shape-your-futu Colombia is among the most unequal countries in Latin America and the world, with disparities not only in income but also in opportunity. The paper "Where You Are Born Matters: Inequality of Opportunities and Intergenerational Mobility across Colombia’s Territory” uses machine learning and national survey data to show that nearly half of income inequality in Colombia is due to circumstances beyond one's control, with birthplace, playing a significant role. Where you are born should not outweigh your talent, effort, or ambition.