Chile: Often heralded as a glowing example of free-market capitalism, 21 percent of this nation's 15 million live below the poverty line; per capita purchasing power is $12,500. In a recent World Bank study, Chile tied with Kenya and Zimbabwe for seventh worst in its list of income distribution: 40 percent of national income goes to workers and 60 percent to capital. According to the CIA World Fact Book, that disparity breaks down to the lowest 10 percent of income earners controlling 1.4 percent of the wealth while the highest 10 percent control 46.1 percent.

United States: The most powerful nation on the planet is no paragon of wealth distribution. Per capita purchasing power for this nation of nearly 273 million (13 percent of whom live below the poverty line) is $31,500. According to the CIA World Fact Book, nearly all gains in household income have accrued to the top 20 percent of the income bracket. In...