Facts and figures

There are approximately 3 million cooperatives around the world, and at least 12 percent of the global population is a member. Cooperatives employ 10% of the working population and provide $2,146 billion in sales revenue from the 300 largest cooperatives and mutuals. These businesses also build and maintain the essential infrastructure and services that every community requires (World Cooperative Monitor).

Cooperatives are businesses that operate according to a set of shared beliefs and ideals. Cooperatives foster long-term visions for economic growth, social development, and environmental responsibility through self-help and empowerment, reinvesting in their communities, and caring about the well-being of people and the world in which we live.

A cooperative is not a rare occurrence.

• Twelve percent or more of the world's population is involved in one of the three million cooperatives.
• The World Cooperative Monitor estimates a total revenue of $2,146 billion USD from the top 300 cooperatives and mutuals (2020)
• 280 million people around the world, or 10% of the world's employed population, are employed or have access to employment opportunities thanks to cooperatives

Cooperatives, which are businesses owned, managed, and served by their members, help individuals and communities grow economically by pooling their resources and talents.