What About Co-ops Around the Globe?

One billion voices – some things you might not know about co-ops

• There are more than 1 billion members of co-operatives worldwide

• Co-ops employ over 100 million people – that 20% more than all multinational enterprises.

• The UN estimates that the livelihoods of more than 3 billion people, or half the world’s population, depend on co-operative enterprise.

• The Top 300 co-operatives have a turnover of $1.1 trillion dollars equivalent to the 9th largest economy in the world.

• The strength and reach of co-operatives is immense – in India small and large-scale farms help 11 million families earn part of their income.

• In Africa, cocoa and coffee growing co-operatives have a large export market and reinvest profits in their communities to obtain portable water, sanitation and resources for local villages.

• Co-operatives are also multi-billion dollar businesses and global brands such as Rabobank, Fonterra, Sunkist, Ocean Spray and The Associated Press.

• Co-operatives account for all Fairtrade goods produced. - 887,000 small holders in developing countries receive a fair wage through Fairtrade co-operatives.

• Co-ops and mutuals cover 69 million persons in Asia; 13 million in Latin America; 25 million in Africa and 5 million in the Middle East.

• In Japan, agricultural co-operatives cover 90% of all farmers.

• 49,000 credit unions serve 177 million members in 96 countries, under the umbrella of the World Council of Credit Unions.

• With a membership of over 140 million, India can claim in this respect to be the largest co-operative sector on earth.

• In many countries co-operatives are large employers; Swiss co-ops are the largest private employer; in Columbia they are the second largest employer.

• In Norway co-operatives produce 76 percent of forestry products.

• In New Zealand co-operatives have an output of $7 billion per annum and generate 70% of agricultural exports.

• It is estimated that financial co-operatives reach 78 million people living below the poverty line of $2 per day.

• 45% of Kenya’s GDP is derived from co-operatives.

• The US has more than 900 rural electric co-operatives that deliver electricity to more than 42 million people in 47 States.

• In France co-operatives handle 60% of retail banking, 40% of food and agricultural production, and 25% of retail sales

• More amazing facts on Twitter: @CoopsYear