The chapter discusses the global burden of stroke, focusing on mortality, disability, and costs. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015, stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with ischemic heart disease and stroke accounting for 15.2 million deaths in 2015. While ischemic strokes are more common, hemorrhagic strokes contribute significantly to the global burden in low- and middle-income countries, where they have an 80% mortality rate. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, particularly in the elderly. In the United States, 26% of new stroke survivors remain disabled in basic activities, and 50% have reduced mobility due to hemiparesis. Stroke is also a significant contributor to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) globally, with regional variations in disease burden across developed and developing countries. Economically, stroke accounts for 3 to 4% of total healthcare expenditures in Western countries. The lifetime cost of ischemic stroke in the United States is estimated at $140,048 per person, and the total annual direct costs for the European Union plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland were €26.6 billion in 2010. Stroke costs are particularly high in developing countries, with India losing $8.7 billion in 2005 due to stroke-related diseases. Disparities in stroke incidence and outcomes are widespread, influenced by factors such as geography, age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). Younger age groups, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are experiencing an increasing burden of stroke. Ethnic disparities are evident, with higher mortality rates among black populations compared to Caucasians. SES also plays a crucial role, with lower education and income associated with greater odds of disability. In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in reducing stroke incidence, mortality, and DALYs in high-income countries, stroke remains a critical global health issue. The increasing prevalence of modifiable risk factors and the aging population in low- and middle-income countries further exacerbate the burden of stroke.The chapter discusses the global burden of stroke, focusing on mortality, disability, and costs. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015, stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with ischemic heart disease and stroke accounting for 15.2 million deaths in 2015. While ischemic strokes are more common, hemorrhagic strokes contribute significantly to the global burden in low- and middle-income countries, where they have an 80% mortality rate. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, particularly in the elderly. In the United States, 26% of new stroke survivors remain disabled in basic activities, and 50% have reduced mobility due to hemiparesis. Stroke is also a significant contributor to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) globally, with regional variations in disease burden across developed and developing countries. Economically, stroke accounts for 3 to 4% of total healthcare expenditures in Western countries. The lifetime cost of ischemic stroke in the United States is estimated at $140,048 per person, and the total annual direct costs for the European Union plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland were €26.6 billion in 2010. Stroke costs are particularly high in developing countries, with India losing $8.7 billion in 2005 due to stroke-related diseases. Disparities in stroke incidence and outcomes are widespread, influenced by factors such as geography, age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). Younger age groups, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are experiencing an increasing burden of stroke. Ethnic disparities are evident, with higher mortality rates among black populations compared to Caucasians. SES also plays a crucial role, with lower education and income associated with greater odds of disability. In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in reducing stroke incidence, mortality, and DALYs in high-income countries, stroke remains a critical global health issue. The increasing prevalence of modifiable risk factors and the aging population in low- and middle-income countries further exacerbate the burden of stroke.