Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a concept where a government provides regular, unconditional payments to all its citizens. The goal is to reduce poverty, support economic stability, and adapt to technological changes in the job market.
Here’s an exhaustive list of countries and regions where UBI has been tested:
Finland
Finland conducted a UBI experiment from 2017 to 2018, providing 2,000 unemployed citizens with a monthly payment of 560 euros. The results showed improved mental health and well-being among recipients, who also worked slightly more than those on traditional unemployment benefits.
Canada
Canada has conducted several UBI trials:
– Manitoba (1974-1979): The Mincome experiment in Dauphin provided a guaranteed annual income to residents, leading to improved health and educational outcomes.
– Ontario (2017-2018): Participants received up to 16,989 CAD annually for single individuals and 24,027 CAD for couples. The trial was cut short but showed promising preliminary results such as reduced alcohol and tobacco consumption.
United Kingdom
– England: A trial by the think tank Autonomy began in 2023, giving 30 participants about $2,046 monthly for two years.
– Wales: A scheme launched in 2022 for young people leaving care provided £1,600 per month for two years, aimed at easing their transition to independent living.
Brazil
Brazil has implemented several UBI-like programs:
– Bolsa Família (2004): A conditional cash transfer program.
– Maricá (2020): The Renda Básica de Cidadania provides monthly payments to residents funded by oil royalties.
United States
The U.S. has numerous UBI experiments, primarily at the state and city levels:
– Alaska: Since 1982, the Alaska Permanent Fund has distributed annual dividends from oil revenues to residents, usually between $1,000 and $2,000.
– California: Multiple cities have experimented with UBI:
– Stockton’s SEED program provided $500 monthly to 125 residents for two years, resulting in increased full-time employment and improved mental health.
– Oakland, San Francisco, and other cities have ongoing or concluded trials targeting specific demographics like low-income families and expecting mothers.
Namibia
A pilot program in Otjivero-Omitara from 2008 to 2009 provided 100 Namibian dollars monthly to residents. The program significantly reduced child malnutrition and increased school enrollment.
India
Between 2011 and 2012, two phases of a UBI pilot in Madhya Pradesh funded by UNICEF saw improved nutrition, sanitation, and school attendance among participants.
Iran
Iran’s nationwide cash transfer program since 2011 compensates for subsidy cuts on essentials, significantly contributing to household incomes.
Kenya
Kenya is home to the longest-running UBI experiment, with the charity GiveDirectly providing monthly payments to over 20,000 people in rural areas since 2017. This program will continue until 2029, focusing on poverty alleviation and economic stability.
Other Notable Mentions
– Germany: Various private initiatives provide UBI through lotteries and crowdfunding.
– Spain: The city of Barcelona ran a pilot targeting low-income individuals.
– Italy: The city of Livorno conducted a small-scale UBI experiment.
These trials and programs illustrate a growing interest in UBI worldwide as a potential solution to economic and social challenges.
While full-scale national implementations are still rare, these experiments provide valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of UBI.
