The global co-operative sector

There are more than 1 billion members of co-operatives worldwide, which between them employ over 100 million people – that 20% more than multinational enterprises.

Co-operative businesses across the world represent over 1 billion people and have a turnover of $1.1 trillion dollars; securing the livelihood of three billion people - that’s half the world’s population.

Co-operatives account for all of Fairtrade good produced. All in all, 887,000 small holders in developing countries are able to get a fair wage through Fairtrade co-operatives.

The United Nations has designated 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives. With a theme of 'co-operative enterprises build a better world' it will bring co-operatives across the globe together to campaign for co-operation.

As the birthplace of a global co-operative movement, co-operatives in the UK, through Co-operatives UK, are active members of the global sector.

You can read some surprising facts about co-operatives here.