Studies suggest that approximately 40% of the world population is left-handed.

The story behind the answer

False. Only about 10% of the world is left‑handed (estimates typically range 8–15%), not 40%. Rates vary by country and era because left-handedness was often discouraged in schools, leading some people to switch or hide their preference.

Handedness relates to brain lateralization—most people, including many left-handers, still have language centered in the left hemisphere. Left-handedness is slightly more common in males and may confer advantages in interactive sports (fencing, tennis, baseball) because opponents face lefties less often. Remember: “One in ten is a lefty”—a handy way to recall that left-handers are a notable minority, not nearly half the population.