Chronic pancreatitis is usually manifested as partial or diffuse progressive inflammation of the pancreas, frequently causing symptoms like persistent abdominal pain and secondary exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. It has become a vital public health problem in most countries around the world. From the 1940 s to the end of the 20^th century, the incidence and prevalence of chronic pancreatitis showed an overall upward trend in the world. After 2000, the incidence and prevalence of chronic pancreatitis tended to be stable or showed a downward trend in a few developed countries. This article reviews the global status of epidemiological research on chronic pancreatitis and the causes for its differentiation.