<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000835620
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH WORLD INCOME FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 002
   <NAME> CLASS B
       
<S>                             <C>
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<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
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<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                   (49068797)
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</TABLE>