The country poverty index remains at 21 percent, says survey

This 21 percent equals 336,000 families in poverty in the country.
/ A.M. Costa Rica wire services photo.

-Published: Friday, October 18, 2019-

The country's poverty index remains at 21 percent, says survey

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The 2019 National Household Survey, developed by the National Statistics Institute, said that the percentage of households in poverty is 21 percent, a figure that shows no changes compared to 2018.

"This 21 percent equals 336,000 families in poverty in the country," said the institute in its report.

According to the institute, the families that are in poverty are those with incomes below the poverty line index, which is established in ¢112,317 colones per month, about $193 for families living in the urban area.

In the case of families living in a rural area, the poverty line is income less than ¢86,353 per month, about $148.86.

In addition, the extreme poverty line is also established when the family's income is below ¢50,618 per month, it is about $87.26 for the urban area.

In the case of families living in rural areas, the poverty line is monthly income less than ¢42,117 per month, about $72.6.

According to the study by geographical area, urban poverty reaches 19.8 percent, while poverty in rural areas is 24.2 percent. Both data do not show significant changes compared to 2018.

In addition, extreme poverty, which are those households whose per capita income is not enough to at least meet basic food needs, was recorded 5.8 percent of families. This is equivalent to 93,542 families in situations of extreme poverty.

A part of the study is the Multidimensional Poverty Index, which consists of deprivations of basic needs such as health, education, housing, among others.

For example, among the shortcomings in poor households, the lack of medical services is the highest percentage. This means that 62.8 percent of poor households do not have access to medical services. This equals 187,000 families.

The complete data of the study can be reached in Spanish at the National Institute of Statistics site.

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Should the Government allocate more capital in the fight against extreme poverty? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com

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